Former Springbok captain Corné Krige encouraged first-year Sport & Leisure Management students to exercise self-discipline as they enter an exciting new chapter in their lives.

During a motivational talk at the Mowbray campus, the rugby legend who is now a successful businessman, encouraged the group to “work hard and play hard”.

“Personal discipline is something you must never let go of. It is when you do the right thing, even if nobody is watching. Be responsible but remember to enjoy yourself.”

Krige said South Africa needs amazing administrators in sport.

“You are the future of sport in South Africa and good luck with that responsibility. You are the future CEOs of Cricket South Africa, in soccer and in rugby, so don’t take it lightly”.

Prof Simeon Davies, Head of the Sport Management Department, said the Department was privileged to have Krige, a former CPUT student, addressing the first-years.

“It demonstrates that an ex-student of CPUT can achieve Springbok status and build the foundation for the team that won the World Cup in Japan under captain Siya Kolisi.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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In a seal of approval for the quality of training and education at CPUT, an international professional body has bestowed a global credential on a student.

Third-year Project Management student, Abubakr Hattas, has recently been awarded the Certified Associate in Project Management by the Project Management Institute.

Abubakr, the first CPUT student to write the global exam, was recognised for demonstrating knowledge, skill and the understanding of the process and terminology that are needed for effective project management.

The institute is the world's leading professional membership association for the project, program and portfolio management profession.

Founded in 1969, it delivers value for almost three million professionals around the world through advocacy, collaboration, education and research.

Abubakr registered for the exam after a recommendation from his former lecturer.

“I submitted an application online and was then subjected to a formal process of checking my Project Management experience and education,” says Abubakr.

He subsequently sat for a three-and-a-half hours’ online exam alongside industry professionals.

“I feel proud and humble at the same time. I am grateful for the words of encouragement from my lecturers and their help in preparing for the exam,” he says.

He adds that the staff members, ideology and environment at CPUT inspire students to want to achieve more in their studies.

“This is part of alignment, we want our students to be accredited when they complete the BTech: Project Management,” says lecturer Nobuhle Luphondo.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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Today a promise that SA business tycoon Dr Christo Wiese made to CPUT came to fruition and forever changed the life of one special graduate.

Wiese attended the Informatics and Design graduation personally this morning to congratulate the inaugural recipient of the Caro Wiese award. Named after his wife, the award is offered annually to a CPUT student who has succeeded in overcoming extremely difficult circumstances and achieved full academic potential.

The recipient Matthew Benjamin is originally from Sudan and arrived in Cape Town in 2011, speaking very little English and with only R200. Determined to study he taught himself English using YouTube videos and eventually enrolled for a Masters course in IT. Using the amenities on offer to CPUT students like the IT labs and E-Learning Centre Matthew successfully graduated last year and has plans to continue his studies thanks to the Wiese family’s generosity.

“Thank you to everyone who helped me along the way including my CPUT lecturers and Dr Christo Wiese,” he says.

“When you have nothing you feel like a second class citizen but I told myself I will be able to be someone through education.”

Dr Wiese congratulated Matthew and pledged a second award to CPUT in future, one for a male and a second for a female student. The awards will be granted annually.

News of CPUT’s extraordinary alumni can be found in our Grad Mag 2016.

Written by Lauren Kansley
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Liaises with the media and writes press releases about interesting developments at CPUT.

Thousands of first-year CPUT students and their parents were given a personal welcome to the institution this week.

Competition for a space was tough and the university received more than 30 000 applications for only 8 000 available places. 

Vice-Chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu, presided over proceedings in Cape Town and Wellington, while Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof Anthony Staak, took the reins in Bellville.

Both men congratulated the students for working hard to clinch a place at CPUT and encouraged them to continue the academic excellence right though to graduation. 

EXCITED: Students from the Wellington Campus are ready to start their classes

At the Wellington Campus, Nevhutalu reminded first-year students of the wonderful opportunity they have to pursue their academic careers at CPUT.

“Remember that you are part of a privileged few - millions of other young people who passed matric do not have the opportunity to study full time and to be part of a university community. So, make use of this opportunity and do not become a statistic of South Africa’s higher education system,” he says.

Staak reflected on some of the recent successes of the institution which included launching a satellite into space, pushing the boundaries of research and design innovations and boasting an international community of students and staff from over 70 countries.

The first years were also introduced to the Student Representative Council at all campuses and were promised their full support in all matters and encouraged to embrace a full student experience filled with sports, culture as well as academics.

Written by CPUT News
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