CPUT students are able to extend themselves beyond their own self-interest, with the most recent evidence of this being a R10 000 cheque handed over to a deserving, indebted foreign student by the Wellington Local Student Representative Council (LSRC).

Christian Songwa, a second-year Agriculture student from the Democratic Republic of Congo, experienced financial relief as a result of the fundraising efforts of his fellow students on the Wellington Campus.

“The main criteria for the successful applicant was academic achievement and financial need,” says Jason Rousseau, acting LSRC Chairperson, adding, “Christian’s sterling academic records as well as the fact that he has established a student society put him head and shoulders above all the other applicants.”

Applications were open to students from the Applied Science and Business Faculties. Only foreign students could apply with a motivation letter, international identification, student fee account, housing account and their academic record. The money was raised through, amongst others, an inter-hostel singing as well as theatre competition.

The acknowledgement from his peers energised and motivated Christian as he was preparing for exams. “It couldn’t have come at a better time. This is the last year [of study] before my internship next year. I found my motivation levels lagging, but winning really woke me up to work harder,” he explains.

Christian is the president and founder of the Agriculture Students’ Society, which aims to “bring together all students interested in Agriculture to promote the exchange of knowledge, experience and mutual understanding”.

Written by Abigail Calata

In between her studies, brushing up on English and getting to grips with life in a foreign country, Biomedical Sciences student Nicole Mampuya has also been writing a book.

For two years Nicole has been capturing the stories of refugees from across the African continent and recently published her work in the form of an E-book on Amazon.

The 23-year-old says a desire to help alleviate the plight of refugees is what motivated her to embark on the book entitled ‘Black Shades of Tears and Hope’.

Tapping into her own network of friends from across the continent she spent every spare moment collating the stories of refugees who travelled to South Africa in search of a better life.

“It was really challenging getting people to trust me. They would allow me to interview them then a few hours later tell me to delete their stories,” says Nicole.

Using pseudonyms and working for months to gain her subject's trust Nicole eventually managed to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the terror of war crimes, rape and the hope for a better life that drive thousands to South Africa.

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and a native French speaker, Nicole had the challenge of writing the book in her third language- English but says her pastor’s motivation kept her going.

“He was the one who mentored and encouraged me. I am going to translate it into French soon so that my family can read it too,” she says.

Black Shades of Tears and Hope is available for purchase for less than R100 on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=node%3D154606011&field-keywords=Black+Shades+of+Tears+and+Hope&rh=n%3A154606011%2Ck%3ABlack+Shades+of+Tears+and+Hope

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

The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) wrapped up Africa month with a celebration at the Granger Bay Campus, including an exhibition of African artifacts.

Guests proudly donned their diverse tradition attires while information sharing about the importance of the Africa Day was also on the agenda.

The DSA’s intention with hosting Africa Day was to commemorate and affirm the Division’s commitment to the CPUT vision 2030, in promoting the ‘oneness and smartness’. Commemorating Africa Day was crucial given that it allowed a platform for conversations. “In our quest to partner with relevant stakeholders to build relationships and enhance strong relationships between local and international students, Africa Day provided a platform to engage on common continental issues, this was done through conversations, exhibitions, learning from each country and providing opportunities that can benefit students and staff,” said Njabulo Maphumulo, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs.

The outdoor festivities included performance by a marimba band, African traditional dance groups and African countries craft stalls and exhibition. There was a screening of the “Preserving Khwe/Xam Heritage, a creative expression.

In his opening address, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, said Africa Day was an exciting annual event where the institution joins other Africans in celebrating the mother continent, its rich resources, its astonishing beauty, and its profound cultural diversity. “This is an important day to us as it gives us a very rare opportunity to reflect and to talk about issues affecting us as Africans. It’s an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to work collectively with other institutions on the continent and promote responsible internationalisation.”

Prof Simphiwe Sesanti from the Faculty of Education, University of the Western Cape, also took to the stage and shared his views on: Contextualising Africa Day and its meaning in the Higher Education Context. There were also messages of support from the diplomatic community, which included Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Angola.

The keynote speaker, Honourable Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister, International Relations and Cooperation, delivered his presentation on celebrating Africa Day through education, innovation and culture”. Alfonce Ngasirmoi from Kenya and Milka Bazeka, a Democratic Republic of Congo native, both shared their experiences of students and staff in a higher education context.

Reflecting on the event, Maphumulo said it was a major success, given that it was a unique project that combined the academic project by the Cape Town Hotel School Hospitality students who showcased their culinary skills as they prepared African cuisine during the day. “The event was further a success as it showcased the rich culture and diversity of our students who displayed their talents through music, traditional dance and cuisine.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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