The Centre for Community Engagement and Work-Integrated Learning’s Co-operative Education Unit recently collaborated with ORT SA and The Astron Energy Development Fund (AEDF) in hosting the Youth Venture Creation Programme with students across the university community.

The training programme is aimed at equipping young people with the necessary business skills required to start or to grow their businesses. The vigorous training programme commenced on 15 May 2025 and ended on 31 July 2025. During this period, students were exposed to “practical training” by Christopher Dickie from ORT SA, an experienced facilitator and mentor.

The programme included various aspects such as community needs analysis, designing a business model, sales, marketing, financial management and designing a business plan. Students were required to be actively involved by attending sessions and submitting various assignments aligned to the course offering.

“Collaborating with external partners for the benefit of students has become more prevalent in society today as there is a required need to do so to impact our socio-economic circumstances. Programmes of this nature also serve as an alternative to the normal work readiness initiatives offered.” says David Haarhoff, Project Lead from the Co-operative Education Unit.

The programme, which was made possible through the funder, The Astron Energy Development Fund, sought to impact small businesses across the South African landscape with meaningful change in mind, with particular focus on disadvantaged groups and enhancing business skills.

Haarhoff says “Both ORT SA and Astron Energy Development Fund have shown keen interest in the development of our students and enhancing their business skills during the course. The level of professionalism by both ORT SA and Astron Energy Development Fund is worth noting”

At the end of the programme, students were afforded an opportunity to take part in a business ideation pitch competition, which took place on 1 August 2025.

The winners were:

1. Mpho Magadla, 3^rd year Entrepreneurship and Business Management (R10 000)
2. Itumeleng Maganedisa, 3^rd year Medical Laboratory Science (R7000)
3. Nathan Gertse, 3^rd year Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Business Management (R3000)
4. Reitumetse Moholo, 3^rd year Diploma in Entrepreneurship and business Management (R3000)

“History has been made in that this was the biggest cohort two group who completed the programme, and we are immensely grateful for all the effort by ORT SA and The Astron Energy Fund Development Fund,” said Haarhoff.

“Seeing students not being afraid to take on more than just the daily challenges of completing their studies but being inspired to start businesses that can change not only their own lives and those of their families, but also positively impact the communities they wish to serve, was truly remarkable. It is encouraging to witness this kind of vision and courage at such an early stage in their journeys. My thanks goes to ORT SA and Astron for the meaningful work they are doing to create these opportunities for our students” says Rumarcques Olyn, Co-operative Education team member.

Luvuyo Kakaza, Manager: Co-operative Education says “The current economy in South Africa requires universities to reassess the purpose of education. Universities have, for many years, focused on training employees who are responsive to the needs of society. Entrepreneurship has been viewed as a less rewarding occupation, riddled with risk and uncertainty. Universities now need to recognise and emphasise that new jobs in the market will come from a thriving and vibrant entrepreneurship landscape, where universities are graduating job creators rather than job seekers”

The winner of the competition Mpho Magadla says “attending this highly insightful programme and competition left me with practical tools. The programme emphasised the importance of innovation, strategic planning and adapting to the current market changes. I learned valuable lessons about identifying customer needs, building strong networks and using digital platforms effectively to grow a business. One key takeaway was that success is not just about having a great idea, but about execution, consistency and resilience. Overall, the programme and competition provided clarity, new perspective and actionable steps I can apply to my own business journey”

Itumeleng Maganedisa, the runner-up of the competition says “Taking part in the competition has been such a humbling and empowering experience. Being able to stand alongside other incredible innovators reminded me why I started Eleanora and why I believe in my ideas so deeply. The process challenged me to think bigger, sharpen my vision, and step out of my comfort zone. This is the beginning where medical precision meets everyday self-care and confirmation that the pain I go through cannot be compared to the glory I’ll receive”

Written by CPUT News
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Recently, the STEM Club welcomed students from three neighbouring schools and the College of Cape Town for the inspiring 3rd annual CPUT STEM Expo Competition, celebrating the extraordinary National Science Week (NSW) at the Bellville Campus.

The Bellville Campus was lively with the attendance of learners from Delft High School, Langa High School and Symphony High. Jacqueline Scheepers, Manager: Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Unit, highlighted that the annual CPUT NSW, which honours the importance and impact of science and technology in everyday life, is part of one of Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo’s distinguished STEM school initiatives. 

Dr Frikkie George, the CPUT STEM Support Lead, said the aim was to celebrate and increase the awareness of STEM at CPUT and neighbouring schools. In a message of support delivered by Jacqueline Scheepers: Manager of the Service-Learning and Civic Engagement units, Prof Rishidaw Balkaran, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching, stated that this initiative embodies the university’s strategic dedication to excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. CPUT’s vision to influence futures through innovation is vividly demonstrated in this dynamic and motivational event.

“Through the combined efforts of students, educators, researchers, and strategic partners, we are building a vibrant STEM ecosystem,” Balkaran enthused.

He noted: “This Expo is not only a showcase of brilliance but also a bridge for learners to imagine bold futures in STEM fields. We applaud the dedication of Visionary Minds, the Student STEM Club, and the Fundani Centre for Higher Education Development for driving this important work. Your efforts in civic engagement and service-learning bring real value to our communities and the next generation of scholars.”

Dr Faiq Waghid, Head of Department: Academic Staff Development, together with Scheepers, developed and delivered an exciting and interactive STEM quiz where learners could win a variety of prizes. Abdullah Harris from the Sakhikamva Foundation, a partner of the Western Cape Education Department, delivered an informative and insightful presentation, followed by a drone presentation. Harris invited learners from the audience to fly the drone, which showed learners STEM in action. An informative keynote address was delivered by Abongile Mlanjeni, Analyst Programmer, AR/VR Content Creation – Sales and Marketing, University of the Western Cape, Innovation Hub, Immersive Zone and Development Studio.

Scheepers highlighted that the partnership among the CPUT units allowed for a varied group of attendees and participants, including university students, TVET students, school learners, researchers, educators, administrative staff, university leaders, and others. The speakers worked to present STEM concepts to learners in an enjoyable and engaging manner, illustrating the connection between STEM and everyday life. George mentioned that they successfully reached a larger number of school learners and CPUT students compared to the previous year, particularly through the event's livestreaming. The event also showcased a greater number of research project exhibits, and the feedback from learners was positive; George noted that the STEM team plans to expand NSW to involve more schools in the future.

Balkaran noted: “Your presence here today signals the importance of early engagement in STEM pathways and the potential to shape a better future. To our CPUT students, your innovation, creativity, and passion inspire hope and drive transformation. To our valued external partners – including CHEC universities, WCED, the CT Science Centre, and the TVET sector – thank you for your continued collaboration."

Throughout the years, CPUT has organised events in collaboration with different faculties, including a Hackathon, Youth conference, STEM initiatives at rural schools in Central Karoo, Garden Route, Saldanha Bay Municipalities, STEM demonstrations, workshops for students, Quizzes, STEM Career Education, and much more.

The winners of the Student STEM Expo are as follows:

In the Biology and Chemistry category:

• First place went to Amohelang Melato for EcoMycelia.
• The second spot was secured by Prince Shongwe and Mandlenkosi Sindane for their project on the human Capacitor.
• Third place was awarded to Morell Ndhlovu for recycling cigarette butts.

In the Engineering category:

• The winner was Kasongo Muntambwe and Obinna Amadi for their Smart Drain project.
• In second place, we have Simamkele Rala, Onelisa Goya, Siphesihle Koli, and Luyanda Duma for their Pressurised purification system.
• Third place went to Faiyaz Sallie for the Solar engine.

In the Computer and Mathematics category:

• First place was awarded to Dean Khuselo Silaule for a Security system.
• Second place was claimed by Kwanele Shezi and Gundo Tshamano with their Mathematics Learner Management Systems.
• Millicent Sibanda and Zest Luvha took third for their Food Preservation App.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Centre for Community Engagement and Work Integrated Learning invites organisations to participate in the CPUT Annual Graduate Recruitment Program.

The Graduate Recruitment Program allows you to:

• Do presentations to specific groups of students
• Advertise Graduate Development , Internship and Experiential Learning opportunities to CPUT students
• Increase company visibility and profile amongst students Interact with CPUT students in a relaxed environment during the Graduate Fair

The program kicks off on 2 May 2010 and runs until September 2010 and has the following phases:

• Lunchtime presentation slots for organisations needing to address groups of students – Book any day between May and September 2010
• Graduate Fair Exhibition taking place on 28 and 29 July

For more details, please contact:

Bronwyn Abrahams
+27 21 9596499
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Written by CPUT News
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