The past year has proved to be an exciting year for CPUT researchers. From publishing research papers to registering patents and even launching companies, CPUT researchers were doing it all in 2011.

And their efforts have not gone unnoticed by the university, who recently acknowledged and celebrated their activities at Research Day 2011.

Held at the Cape Town campus, this annual event is one of the highlights of the CPUT calendar.

CELEBRATE: The Research Day attracted a large number of CPUT staff members.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo said this year CPUT has much to celebrate as researchers have had an exceptionally productive year.

“Research is growing in leaps and bounds at this institution,” he said.

Earlier this year CPUT was rated the top university of technology in terms of research.

In addition, the work of the university’s researchers was recognised by the National Research Foundation, who during the past few months awarded new ratings to a number of researchers.

“Three years ago we started off with just a few rated researchers. Now we have close to 30 rated researchers,” said Dr Nhlapo.

CREATIVE RESEARCH: Prof Brenda Schmahmann, from Rhodes University delivered an address on the processes to be employed to accredit creative and non-conventional research. Dr Chris Nhalpo watches on.

CPUT’s newly rated researchers took the stage at Research Day, with each being awarded a large sum to further their research activities.

However, the highlight of the day was the coveted research awards.

A platinum award was given to Prof Daniel Makinde for research publication, and Prof Raynitchka Tzoneva for postgraduate supervision.

ACHIEVEMENT: Dr Espe Makinde (right) received two awards on behalf of her spouse, Dr Daniel Makinde. He clinched awards for research supervision and publication.

Prof Alvin Lagardien from the Water Research Unit scooped a platinum award for generating external research funding in excess of R1 million. Close on his heels was Prof Kamilla Swart from the Faculty of Business, who clinched a gold award in this category.

TOP AWARDS: Director of Research Dr Tembeka Mpako-Ntusi (left) hands over an award to Prof Kamilla Swart (right). She scooped awards for research funding, supervision, publication and posters.

Researchers in various other categories were presented with gold, silver and bronze awards. A number of researchers and postgraduate students also received awards for the best research posters.

POSTER: Prof Christa van der Walt judges one of the research posters. This year 89 posters were entered.

JOURNAL ARTICLES: Dr Ken Barris (left) from the Engineering Faculty received a silver award for research publication.

SUPERVISION: Prof Rajendra Chetty from the Education Faculty scooped a silver award for research supervision.

Director of Research Dr Tembeka Mpako-Ntusi applauded CPUT researchers for their commitment.

“I am very proud of the research being done at CPUT. If it was not for the hard work of the researchers, we would not have anything to celebrate,” she said.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT researchers based in the Adaptronic Advanced Manufacturing Technology Laboratory (AMTL) have taken aeronautics research to a new level with the development of intelligent Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

On 7 April 2009 the Guardian (PCM-AM/02A model) and the Guardian (PCM-AM/01A model), which were developed by CPUT researchers, took to the skies during a flight demonstration at the Helderberg Radio Flyer’s Club, near Macasser.

The UAVs demonstrated their various flight abilities, which include surveillance and reconnaissance activities and the use of ground control software to fly waypoints via GPS coordinates.

The flight demonstration, which was requested by the South African Department of Science and Technology, comes two years after CPUT researcher Prof Oscar Philander, established the Adaptronics AMTL UAV Research Group.

Prof Philander, who is also the head of the Centre for Research in Applied Technology (CERATech), said researchers decided to develop a prototype UAV in order to test their Adaptronic Technology.

This technology integrates sensor and actuator functions into materials and components so that they may react to environmental stimuli, thus rendering them intelligent.

In 2007, the researchers based in the Adaptronic AMTL started work on a prototype UAV.

“We came up with five conceptual designs. We chose one and completed a preliminary design followed by a detailed design,” he said. On 18 November 2007 they conducted the first test flight.

Prof Oscar Philander said the entire process, from conceptualisation to the first flight, took eight months.

“This in itself is a major achievement since the norm in South Africa is considerably longer,” he said.

Locally and internationally there are huge applications for UAVs. These include surveillance, marine mammal monitoring, forest fire surveillance, search and rescue, measurement of air quality and agriculture mapping.

The development of the UAV has had a number of positive spin-offs for research and innovation at CPUT.

It has created an aeronautics knowledge base at CPUT and has taken research and innovation at the institution a step further.

Through the development of the UAV, researchers at the institution are now focusing on several areas in Adaptronic Technology.

“The Adaptronic AMTL UAV Research Group is currently involved in a variety of research projects related to the manufacturing of Prototype UAVs, the development of Aero-morphing Wings and the development of intelligent skins,” said Prof Philander.

He said their activities could also lead to a production model that could be commercialised.

DVC for Research, Technology Innovation and Partnership, Dr Chris Nhlapo said the institution is supporting researchers who are involved in research that can be commercialised.

He said by focusing on innovation, the institution is setting itself apart from all other Universities of Technology.

DVC Academic, Prof Anthony Staak said researchers at the Adaptronic AMTL are at the “forefront of innovation at CPUT.”

By Candes Keating

Photo: Prof Oscar Philander of the Adaptronics AMTL UAV Research Group proudly presents the Guardian (PCM-AM/01A) model and the Guardian (PCM-AM/02A model).

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT researchers have had an excellent year - from clinching top research grants to inventing new products, our researchers have established themselves as leaders in their respective fields.

Their sterling work was recognised and celebrated at the institution’s annual Research Day, which took place at the Cape Town Campus.

CPUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga commended the researchers for their contribution to growing research at the university.

Several years ago, the institution had fewer than 10 National Research Foundation-rated researchers and today boasts more than 30 rated researchers and a thriving research environment.

The university has also established a large number of specialised research centres and boasts three Research Chairs. A large number of researchers have also invented new products.

Mazwi-Tanga says CPUT researchers can be assured of continued support from the university.

An annual event, Research Day allowed researchers to network and also to listen to various presentations on research being carried out by their colleagues. However, the highlight of the day was the coveted research awards.

Awards were given in the following areas – Research Publication, Postgraduate Supervision and Industry Funding.

Research publication

Postgraduate supervision

Industry funding

By Candes Keating

Photograph by Clive Galant

Written by CPUT News
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Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation & Partnerships, Dr David Phaho, has endorsed a partnership with the South-African-Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) to ensure that our(SA) heritage infrastructure and artefacts are properly maintained and restored for the benefit of all of South Africans.

The two parties recently held a joint webinar where Phaho and SAHRA Chief Executive Officer, Advocate Lungisa Malgas, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise the collaboration. 

The delighted Phaho said the objective of the partnership was to work with SAHRA to leverage CPUT expertise in preserving the integrity of the national heritage for posterity. “Historic buildings, monuments and other structures are not just important for tourism but serves as a window to our past and must be preserved for generations of South Africans who will come after us,” he remarks.

Malgas also expressed that SAHRA was extremely excited and optimistic about their collaborative efforts with CPUT.  She said the purpose of this partnership was to formalise the relationship between CPUT and SAHRA as “our two entities have been collaborating in areas of research and consulting over the last few years”.

“We plan to continue to support CPUT and their students pursuing their studies in heritage conservation. But most importantly we are exploring the feasibility of establishing a Centre for Sustainable Heritage Research and Management with CPUT.”

Meanwhile, Phaho added that SAHRA was the nation’s pre-eminent agency in the management and maintenance of the national estate on behalf of the people of South Africa. “Our partnership with SAHRA hence will ensure that CPUT has a dedicated partner in ensuring that this initiative makes the desired impact in heritage preservation and hopefully serve as a catalyst for other universities and science councils in South Africa to also contribute to the preservation of our heritage resources.”

He concurred with Malgas that the end goal was to establish a world-class Centre of Excellence in Heritage Resources Management in the Western Cape where academics, scholars, historians and other stakeholders can work and collaborate on initiatives to “ensure that our heritage infrastructure and artefacts are well maintained and/or restored for years to come”.

The optimistic Malgas added: “The two key outcomes we wish to see with this partnership are: continued applied and theoretical research in conservation management by CPUT postgraduate students…”

Through this partnership, CPUT researchers and affiliated scholars at other institutions will have an avenue through which to pursue cutting edge research in the heritage space. It is envisaged that the centre will provide ample training ground for Master’s and Doctoral students in this important field of study. The collaboration started about two years ago with the work of a CPUT Master’s student, Maphole Loke, who also made her presentation at the webinar.

“There is a growing need for worldwide heritage preservation and this engagement is a step in the right direction to contribute to this endeavour,” Phaho remarked.

With this engagement, CPUT is fulfilling its third mandate as an institution of higher learning in addition to teaching and research. Phaho said: “It’s community engagement for the benefit of the broader society where our know-how is exploited to enrich the lives of communities beyond our fence-line.”

Malgas also revealed that SAHRA is a custodian and heritage authority of a number of heritage sites and properties. In order for these structures to remain sustainable, SAHRA will require a tremendous amount of research and consulting capacity which CPUT can provide. “Furthermore the envisaged institute could become an internationally recognised centre for heritage innovation. However, the main incentive for both our entities is advancing heritage management in South Africa,” she said.

Phaho added that CPUT management fully supports this initiative and look forward to the academic outputs and tangible impact of this collaboration on the broader society.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Two leading CPUT researchers will deliver their inaugural professorial addresses this week.

Professor Tandi Matsha of the Health and Wellness Faculty and Professor Rajendra Chetty from the Education and Social Sciences Faculty will deliver their inaugural professorial addresses this week at the Bellville Campus.

Prof Matsha’s address is titled, ‘The Increasing Waistline: A Global Emerging Phenomenon’, while Prof Chetty will explore the ‘Theoretical reflections on critical literacy: an engagement with power and marginalisation’.

Both academics are leaders in their respective fields and have made a huge contribution to education and research at CPUT.

Prof Matsha heads up the Obesity and Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle Research Unit that is located at the Bellville Campus. A C-rated researcher, her work focuses on the genetic and environmental risk factors in obesity-related diseases. 

Prof Chetty, who heads up the Research Department in the Education and Social Sciences Faculty, is also a C-rated researcher.

His areas of research include postcolonial writings, literacy and language, and social issues in education. He has also published two seminal works on South African Indian writings.

Prof Chetty is also the leader of a national collaborative Teacher Education research project funded by the NRF. The project explores various problems in the public schooling system.

By Thando Moiloa

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Prof Oluwafemi Oguntibeju’s research on medicinal plants and chronic diseases is not going unnoticed and has earned him a nomination in the Data for Research Award category of the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) -South32 Awards.

The category deals with the availability of a person’s research data (publications) and usage by other researchers and scientists on different platforms such as Google Scholar, Figshare, LiveDNA, Pubmed, and university repository. It also relates to the citation and impact of such publications.

The Phytomedicine and Photochemistry Research Group Leader has been nominated for the first time and his research focus has been on medicinal plants and chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and HIV/AIDS. “It shows that other researchers are reading and making use of my scientific publications.

“It provides some kind of motivation to contribute more to the scientific community in terms of scientific publications,” he divulges.  

“[It’s] recognition of my research publications and it indicates that CPUT researchers are actively involved in significant research activities that are of relevance nationally and internationally… It takes hard work, focus, and perseverance…I am not sure about the number of [my] competitors, [I am] not worried by the number at all... I see my work as a service rather than a competition.”

He attributes his academic achievements to, ‘focus’ coupled with support from his colleagues and management. “I cannot attribute my success to a single person or factor. [It] is a combination of factors and other contributions from others including my family, colleagues, and CPUT management.”

Oguntibeju aspires to “continual contribution to the knowledge economy and postgraduate training”. Asked about his feelings about his academic achievements and impact of his research in the community, the researcher who likes reading Christian books and listening to music says, “[I am] happy but could still do more; my aim is to do more”.

He always tries not to take academic work home except if it’s extremely necessary. “Of course, with the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I have to work from home. It’s a bit challenging.

“My children think that the only thing I do is writing papers… However, they also know that I do have time for them. They like teasing me. We laugh a lot.”

Oguntibeju was recently admitted as Fellow of the American College of Nutrition, a recognition that was based on his scientific publications. In his busy schedule, he also collaborates with colleagues on specific projects at the University of the Western Cape, University of Ibadan, and other universities in South Africa and other countries.

“I would like to say thank you to CPUT for the opportunity to contribute to the scientific community and train postgraduate students. To my colleagues/collaborators, I also want to say thank you, you mean so much to me.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Omega Caro-E supplement is going global.

Developed by Prof Spinney Benade and Dr Maretha Opperman, the Omega Caro-E supplement, which is one of the first products to be invented by CPUT researchers, will now be sold in Canada.

Available in capsules, the supplement contains omega-3 fatty acids, a range of carotenes and natural forms of vitamin E.   The innovative formula of the supplement supports the maintenance of good health, such as brain and immune functions.

Canadians will now have the opportunity to purchase the product, which has been available in South African since 2013, thanks to Health Canada, who gave the supplement a stamp of approval.

Benade says it was a rigorous approval process, which took nine months.

The process involved various tests, which included having the product extensively analysed in Canada. The researchers also had to secure various licenses, which ranged from import to manufacturing licenses.

“They are one of the strictest bodies to get approval from. However, we got through with flying colours,” says Benade.

“They accepted the product as is because it was backed up with good research conducted over many years.”

The approval from Health Canada has far reaching benefits for the supplement, as this approval will allow the researchers to distribute Omega Caro E to a number of other countries.

Benade says they have formed a partnership with the Canadian organisation Lifespan Ventures Inc who is marketing the product in a very competitive field.

* A further four Omega Caro-E products have since been approved for manufacturing and sale in Canada. These products are Omega Caro-E Xtra, Omega Caro-E Vision , Omega Caro-E Cardio and Omega Caro-E Canine, each having its own specific formulation for a specific purpose.

For more information see www.omegacaroe.com

For more information on the Functional Foods Unit see: www.cput.ac.za/academic/faculties/appliedsciences/research/ffru

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

CPUT researchers and the Directorate Research Development are reaping the rewards of their hard work with ten researchers recently obtaining a National Research Foundation (NRF) rating for the first time.

The researchers are:

• Dr Enas Ismail - Faculty of Applied Sciences - Y2 rating
• Prof Mangaka Matoetoe Applied Sciences - C2 rating
• Prof Felix Nchu - Faculty of Applied Sciences - C2 rating
• Dr Jonas Sagbo - Faculty of Applied Sciences - Y2 rating
• Prof Candice Livingston - Faculty of Education - C3 rating
• Dr Sweta Patnaik - Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment - Y2 rating
• Dr Ayodele Periola- Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment - Y2 rating
• Dr Shanel Raghubeer - Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences - Y2 rating
• Prof LJ (Nic) Theo - Faculty of Informatics and Design - C3 rating
• Dr Joseph Adebayo - Faculty of Informatics and Design - C2 rating

In addition, four researchers improved their ratings.

They are:

• Prof Ayesha Jacobs - Faculty of Applied Sciences - C3 to C2
• Prof Victoria Jideani - Faculty of Applied Sciences - C3 to C2
• Prof Agnes Chigona - Faculty of Education - C2 to C1
• Prof Tunde Ojumu - Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment - C3 to C2

According to the NRF, the ratings are allocated based on a researcher’s recent research outputs and impact as perceived by international peer reviewers. The rating of individuals is based primarily on the quality and impact of their research outputs over the past eight years, taking into consideration the evaluation made by local and international peers. It identifies researchers who count among the leaders in their fields of expertise and gives recognition to those who constantly produce high quality research outputs. Ratings that are awarded in the following categories:

• A – Leading international researchers.
• B – Internationally acclaimed researchers.
• C – Established researchers.
• P – Prestigious Awards.
• Y – Promising young researchers.

Prof Dina Burger, Director of the Directorate Research Development, said the Directorate was very proud of the NRF rated researchers and especially the number of NRF rated researchers as this reflects the contribution that CPUT continues to make in growing the next generation of research and industry leaders.

“CPUT, under my leadership since the end of 2016 as Director: Research Development, has grown its NRF rated researchers to where it stands today. Today, CPUT has the highest number of NRF rated researchers amongst universities of technology in South Africa. The growth in our NRF rated researcher cohort did not occur in the absence of a carefully considered strategy on the part of the Directorate Research Development,” she said.

“Our strategy is to grow the next generation of research and industry leaders through a career-focused approach with a specific focus on each researcher’s individual research career planning. This is accomplished through tailor-designed training courses, individual mentoring interventions and external specialist advice.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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It is abundantly clear that the CPUT executive and management’s hearts are geared towards the development of the marginalised persons to reach their full potential.

These are the words of the Managing Director: Fisheries Economic Development Research Advisory and Training Institute (FEDRATI), Dr Mark Botha. Speaking at the formal launch of the FEDRATI and CPUT strategic partnership at Granger Bay Campus, Botha said: “Today, my dream is being realised thanks to industry as represented by Brimstone and Sea Harvest; and academia, as represented by Cape Peninsula University of Technology. That is, the advancement of the fisheries sector through a strategic collaboration between academia and industry.”

The new strategic partnership agreement concluded between FEDRATI and CPUT is expected to boost the South African Oceans Economy and, in particular, the Small-Scale Fisheries Economy. This partnership is supported by South African Fisheries Development Fund. FEDRATI initiated the partnership and provides a vehicle for industry (currently Brimstone Investment Corporation and Sea Harvest Corporation) to interact with academia, in this case CPUT, to foster synergistic institutional relations. “In doing so, the fisheries economy is being advanced, and academia are able to provide industry responsible and learning programmes,” he said.

To date FEDRATI has awarded bursaries to postgraduate students in excess of R2 million for fisheries and allied sectors research. Botha, who has been actively involved in the fisheries sector, particularly the small-scale fisheries sector) for 22 years, said over the years several challenges facing the sector have been identified. These include the lack of resources, training, and research to meet the sector’s economic developmental needs.

Through his PhD research, he conceptualised the need for a single delivery institute for the fisheries sector to address and consolidate all developmental challenges in a holistic manner. “Such an institute ought to focus on: research (Commercial and Academic), education and training, and business advisory services (coaching and mentoring).”

Botha had presented the collaboration concept to CPUT with backing from industry who instantly bought into the concept. With the assistance of the former and current Research Chairs of CPUT’s Oceans Economy – Centre for Sustainable Oceans, Prof Ken Findlay and Dr Conrad Sparks and the executive management at CPUT, the concept morphed into an institutional strategic partnership between CPUT and FEDRATI. “Furthermore, what makes this partnership unique is that it falls directly under the office of the deputy vice-chancellor. The FEDRATI-CPUT partnership fosters both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research, training and advisory services.

“Our primary aim is to stimulate fisheries economic development through an institutional partnership between [the] industry and higher education – a first for South Africa.”

In his opening remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation, and Partnerships, Dr David Phaho, recognised the presence and contributions of executives from Sea Harvest, Mary-Lou Harry, the COO, Konrad Geldenhuys, Botha as well as executives from Brimstone Investment Corporation under the leadership of Dr Fred Robertson. Phaho said: “Our relationship with the private sector will become even more important. In line with our strategic Vision, V2030, we have identified our relationship with Quintuple Helix partners, government, industry, society, and the environment as key to our long-term sustainability as an institution of higher learning.”

He continued: “Central to that is our commitment to focus on research activities which have a tangible impact on society as well as focusing on skills development which are aligned to the needs of the industry. CPUT is deeply appreciative of the overwhelming support of FEDRATI) through its funders for our postgraduate bursary programme and its mutually beneficial partnership with our Centre for Sustainable Oceans.”

Phaho also said the executive management would extend an invitation to the partners in FEDRATI to outline their plans to collaborate with companies in the fisheries and related sectors to ensure that “the broader society benefits sustainably from the bounty provided by our oceans”. Reflecting on the event, Botha said: “I was deeply moved by the support from both industry (Brimstone and Sea Harvest) and CPUT.

Acting Chair: Centre for Sustainable Oceans, Dr Conrad Sparks said the CPUT's role is to conduct research and projects that link fishing industries with societal needs and that the launch event was a “huge success and the start of a very fruitful engagement between CPUT and FEDRATI. “The partnership will strengthen opportunities for CPUT (via the centre for Sustainable Oceans) to build on its strategic plan V2030, in particular Focus Areas 2, 6 and 7 within the fisheries (and related) sectors.”

Director of the Research Development Directorate, Prof Dina Burger said they have a pride to be part of the launch as it was a testimony of a dream that so many role-players have had. Burger thanked all the dignitaries representing the respective stakeholders for the opportunity to co-partner and journey with them and for the collective efforts to support CPUT research as well as the students.

She said at the event, FEDRATI and CPUT solidified their partnership for many years to come. In Burger emphasised the importance of a compact between CPUT and communities and explained that the research and projects that they would ideally prefer to be involved with should originate from the community and should be carefully co-planned and created between the community and CPUT researchers and should ultimately find its way back to the community where it originated from.

“At CPUT we are committed to undertake relevant research for the benefit of society and to be taken up by society. I encourage the Interim Chair, Dr Sparks, to engage with the communities present from the West Coast to jointly decide on the most pressing issues of concern that they believe we should research.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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