The Design, Development and Research Conference is back for the second time.

The hugely popular conference drew academics and industry leaders from a spectrum of design niches in its inauguration last year and promises to be a stimulating collective once again.

While the conference only takes place in September, a call has been made for interested parties to submit research papers and posters for the following tracks viz; Design, Development, ICT for Development (ICT4D), Dilemmas, Instructional Design and Research.

Last year’s speakers included architect Mokena Makeka and world-renowned designer Prof Jackie Guille and this year’s lineup promises to be as stimulating.

 The exciting announcement that Cape Town is the World Design Capital for 2014 makes an event like DDR even more significant.

FID Dean Johannes Cronje urged anyone with a passion for design to submit an abstract and get involved.

“We have a chance here to develop something really special and become internationally known,” he says.

To be part of this exciting design event then submit your abstract submission by May 8. Visit http://www.design-development-research.co.za for more information.

By LAUREN KANSLEY

Written by CPUT News
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Sipokazi Mabuwa, graduating today with a Doctor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, has pushed herself. She has managed to finish her studies in two years, and this is a historical record after overcoming several obstacles on her way to graduation.

Mabuwa started her Doctoral study in 2020 and finished her work in 2021. Moreover, she has produced 17 journal articles within these two years. Mabuwa has also managed to create her first MEng graduate in 2021. “She is the first female to obtain this qualification in the history of the Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering Department,” the principal supervisor, Dr Velaphi Msomi, remarked.

Her research title is: Development of new FSP method for enhancing the mechanical properties of FSW and TIG welded dissimilar aerospace aluminium alloy joints. Mabuwa’s research focuses on friction stir welding and friction stir processing.

Reflecting on her journey, Mabuwa said she wanted to register in 2019 but learned it was not possible due to her Master’s submission being late for consideration for the April 2019 graduation.

“Some might have been discouraged, but not me. Instead, I used the same stumbling block as my stepping stone. I started idealising my PhD topic with my supervisor, Dr Msomi, and what was expected of me as a PhD student (planning and deliverables),” she explained.

From the topic she was going to pursue, it became pretty clear that some of the materials she would use were only available internationally. After learning this, Mabuwa started buying through the CPUT requisition system using her supervisor’s research account. That process took about seven months. The material was purchased from China, and certain functions were to be followed, like clearing it before it was delivered to the institution. However, during that waiting period, Mabuwa started working on her proposal until her supervisor was convinced it was of a “PhD student quality”; then, she saved it for the following year.  Next on her list was writing a review paper based on the study she would be doing the following year. The paper was submitted to one of the approved journals of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) by December.  “After submitting my review paper while waiting for it to undergo all the processes I wasn’t waiting for, I used that time to write chapters 1 and 2 of the thesis in 2019,” Mabuwa continued.

When she registered in January 2020, Mabuwa had all the necessary materials, consumables, and supervisor-student planning. “All I did was to execute so that I meet all the expectations set out, including publications of about 35 articles published in approved journals, out of which 17 articles were directly from my stud,y and five were international collaborations with well-known researchers in my field, while the rest was based on utilising other available materials from the FSW group storage stores.”

Mabuwa said this was done for practising purposes to learn more about the technique she was to use. During this time on the side, she was writing chapter 3.  “One of my biggest traits was that I love learning, and I always strived to make my work more competent in the eyes of the international researchers, that alone pushed me so hard to prove that I was one of them. One of the things that stuck in my mind was and is that at PhD level, you are like a brand ambassador of two entities - that is, yourself and your institution. So, whenever I was writing a paper myself, it was like sending a message that this is who Sipokazi Mabuwa is, and this is what CPUT is. I love myself very much to brand myself as a researcher of poor quality. Hence, on each paper, I gave it my all, thoroughly researched whatever angle of approach I was to use, and consulted those who published in my areas of interest.”

Msomi described Mabuwa as a timid individual “but also a very dedicated, hard-working student”. “She is also a fast learner, and this is judged by different research techniques that she learned in a year or less. She was not the type of student who would want to be monitored. I am very proud of what she has achieved in the past two years, and I can confidently say she has impacted the field. This is judged because she has been a reviewer for many international journals. I see her growing to higher heights in the next few years.”

Reflecting on her success, Mabuwa, born in the rural Mnandi location In Willowvale, Eastern Cape, said: “I feel very overwhelmed and excited. I have made my mark, and I am very pleased with myself. All glory goes to God.”

“The support I have received from CPUT has been wonderful; they have never closed doors on my requests…They were very supportive in every part of this journey, and I also thank Dr Msomi; he was the one who showed me all the doors when we ran out of funds.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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The Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA) Chief Executive Officer, Eubert Mashabane, has announced that it will invest R10.3 million towards the Work Integrated learning programme in IT-related qualifications for 2022/3.

Speaking virtually at the CERPIA SAP Skills Development Programme graduation ceremony held at the Auditorium at Bellville campus, Mashabane said: “This investment is to fund about 140 students from this particular institution. The Banking sector remains a pillar of our economic growth, but we are convinced that we could achieve additional growth if we produce more graduates such as the ones who [are] graduating today. We remain committed to producing a pipeline of young people contributing to our economic sector.”

He said that when BANKSETA partnered with CPUT, one of the long-term objectives was to address the country's high unemployment rate challenge. The second objective was to create an environment where learning and education is a partnership of mutual commitment “where we both pursue wisdom, we pursue knowledge, we pursue understanding that the development of expertise and skills are  of paramount importance as well as to embrace appropriate values and values among our youth.”

Addressing the guests, Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo said: “Today, we celebrate your achievements, marking the successful completion of your SAP course. At this graduation, we celebrate the 70 students who have completed the SAP course.   The SAP Course is one of the world's leading software developers for business process management (automation – audit findings). SAP offers a comprehensive portfolio of leading cloud-based ERP [Enterprise resource planning] solutions and tools to meet the needs of businesses…”

Nhlapo said SAP skills are in demand in South Africa and globally – “Glocalised vs Globalised”. “It has been proven that adding SAP courses enhances your competitive advantage and enables you to stand out in a crowd,” he continued.

“Thank you to BANKSETA, and long live our relationship, which started in CPUT in 2013, funding work integrated learning. Indeed, without BANKSETA’s millions of Rands, we wouldn’t be here today celebrating your accomplishments.

“Thank you to BANKSETA, and long live our collaboration and community engagement, which is alive and well (third mission of any university - Strengthening the social ownership of university -social contract/compact).”

Mashabane said: “Congratulations to the  BANKSETA graduates who have made this day a very memorable one for all of us and through whose commitment the BANKSETA and the CPUT partnership has resulted in such an achievement bearing such impressionable results. It’s a great pleasure to join you in this graduation ceremony, at which we acknowledge and celebrate you as our VIPs today. Apart from the joy emanating from this graduation ceremony, we indeed have to emphasise that you are acknowledged as the future drivers of the SA economy, and we recognise you as the leaders of the future.”

Dr Diane Bell from the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences said: “I would like to thank Eubert Mashabane and the BANKSETA for the sponsorship of the CERPIA SAP Skills Development Programme, without whom none of this would have been possible. We appreciate your support and partnering with us to develop the skill sets of our students, which the Fourth Industrial Revolution and future knowledge revolutions demand.”
Student Dewrin Cookson said: “On behalf of the students, I would like to take this moment to thank CPUT, BANKSETA and last but not least, the Advancement Department for providing us with such an amazing opportunity. Not only the funding but also the skills development programmes to help us advance our career aspirations.”  

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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The Faculty of Business and Management Sciences partnered with PAWA Africa, resulting in the Shaping Futures Career Virtual Fair, part of the Faculty's Transformation Conversations. The platform was shared with industry leaders from All4Youth, Nestlé, NielsenIQ South Africa, and ABB South Africa, who shared information on bursaries, internships, differently abled internships, apprenticeships, and graduate programmes.

Mandie Richards, a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty and the programme facilitator, indicated that as many students are often unaware of the direction of their careers, the Faculty then assists in shaping futures by partnering with organisations that can guide students through available possibilities and opportunities. Richards further stated that many positions do not even exist as yet, and as the future is being driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), 5IR and the evolving 6IR students must explore opportunities, adapt to change and remain relevant as this is key to their future success.

The virtual fair was attended by over 200 students and staff members, who engaged in an interactive session with industry leaders who shared their insights and guided students on what awaits them in the world of work. The partners shared information that included enhancing students’ skills and talent, building their career portfolios, and emphasising the necessity of integrating 4IR and 5IR skills.

Alesimo Mwanga, executive director at PAWA Africa, asked students, “Have you started working on your career plan?” and elaborated on the need for students to engage in career mapping and networking to work towards achieving their career goals and objectives. Mwanga added that problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, innovation, and technology skills are required to add value to organisations.

Noxolo Mnisi, the Youth Initiative Lead at Nestlé, raised concerns about the “Triple Gap”, namely Poverty, the Skill Gap and Unemployment, and said the All4Youth movement is a business-driven programme meant to assist youth transition from education and training to employment and was created to address youth unemployment and employability.

Oluwadamilola Adeyinkat, the Human Resources Leader at NielsenIQ, South Africa, shared information as to the role of big data and its relevance to the industry. She further informed us that their organisation was attracted to graduates who were self-starters, team players, and emotionally intelligent, and the Talent Programme afforded opportunities for development via the training curriculum.

Refilwe Mocumi, the Human Resources Services Specialist: Learning & Development at ABB South Africa, engaged students in breaking down gender stereotypes and equal opportunities being afforded via the Young Talent Programmes.

Ortem Callaghan, a Business Information and Administrator Advanced Diploma student, shared her insights on the importance of having a passion for what you do and continuing to develop skills whilst volunteering at organisations.

All partners also advised that recruitment for positions in the industry has changed and that interviews have taken the format of gamification and case studies, as it allows organisations to identify potential employees' problem-solving and analytical abilities.

Richards added that people’s skills are key to ensuring organisational success. Should opportunities not arise, students’ tenacity and innovation will require that they be creators of employment and afford opportunities to youth.

Written by Kwanele Butana

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Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo recently opened the new Navarre Residence at Wellington Campus, which is a 212-bed extension to the original residence, “with careful attention to the needs of the modern student crafted into the design”

In his opening speech, Nhlapo said: “It is then with a real sense of accomplishment that I stand here today to see the fruits of that hard labour completed. As the course offerings at the Wellington campus became more popular, the university quickly outgrew the traditional residences which had adequately serviced our student community for decades.”

Navarre Residence was built in 1927 and, much like now, “was constructed to provide additional student accommodation”. “Decades later, we still face a critical student housing crisis. But in Wellington, it was not as easy as simply building something bigger… We were restricted with the options available, and the heritage value of many buildings meant wholesale building works were not always possible,” remarked Nhlapho.

He added that, however, after years of due diligence, the funding and approval for the reconstruction of Navarre was finally approved and “14 months ago, we broke ground”.

In the rooms, the University has accommodation for single and double sleeper options, with the ablution and kitchen areas giving “a familial sense which elevates the living experience from simple dormitory life to one where you feel at home in your space”.

“We have also been mindful of using environmentally friendly building techniques like a cutting-edge roofing system, natural ventilation, and sun-screening options, all very useful if we consider the temperatures here in Wellington,” Nhlapo continued.

“I think you will agree that the result is a well-considered building which is sensitive to its environment and the needs of the students who will pass through these corridors for years to come. I am very proud of what we have created, and I hope the students who will be lucky enough to be placed here will appreciate and enjoy it.”

The Vice-Chancellor thanked his Infrastructure Development and Facilities Management colleagues for managing the project from start to finish. “Thank you also to our stellar consultant teams from Colab Concepts, Talani Quantity Surveying, JG Afrika Civil Engineering and PMC Consulting.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

An Architectural Technology alumna is shining bright in Belgium where she has received a prize for her Master’s thesis.

Chioma Obasi was recently announced as the winner in the international student category of the Thesis Award 2021 from Hasselt University (UHasselt).

She said the prize is awarded to the best development-relevant Master’s thesis.

Her thesis is titled: Activating Landscapes Through Memory: A Journey Through Fragments of Cape Town’s Strand Street Quarries. Obasi said she had not expected to win the prize.

“But afterwards, I felt very happy and honoured because receiving recognition for all the hard work put into my research was humbling. My thesis touches on a sensitive area in South African history, so I was happy to share the topic internationally and for it to be recognised and appreciated.”

Obasi first went to UHasselt as a CPUT exchange student and, in 2020, was awarded a Master Mind scholarship to study towards a one-year International Master in Interior Architecture (Adaptive Re-use) at UHasselt.

She said her time at CPUT laid a firm foundation for her postgraduate studies.

“When I first started studying architecture, I don’t think I fully understood what it meant or entailed. However, the lecturers at CPUT were amazing and quite patient with the students, taking their time and explaining theories and concepts to us. And I believe that this laid an excellent foundation for me. Unlike most traditional universities, CPUT focuses on both design and technology (with more emphasis on technology), which creates a good balance when designing architecture,” she said.

“Though my Master’s was mostly design-based, I could make calculated and informed decisions with my background in technology. Also, the teaching method of working in groups and asking my fellow students for advice on my work created an atmosphere that prepared me to work cohesively with the people I met while abroad.”

She has now set her sights on enhancing her skills and preparing for a professional career.

“I might be looking into a doctorate to do some research that contributes to developmental and social architecture issues. However, I would also like to find a firm where I will learn and contribute, especially towards developmental projects. Many students come up with or have many ideas to give, yet they only stay on paper, and we don’t always get the opportunity to execute them. But I would like to bring my ideas to reality.”

Obasi, born in Nigeria and moved to South Africa at age five, said life in Belgium over the past few years has been bitter-sweet.

“With the pandemic on the one hand and missing home on the other, it hasn’t been easy. I’ve had to learn to adjust to a new way of life, studying, living, etc. However, I have learned so much and grown a lot as a person, both personally and professionally. I have had the opportunity to experience new cultures and meet diverse groups of people, so the journey has been quite interesting.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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On Thursday 13 January the Cape Peninsula University of Technology is set to launch its third satellite mission into space from the Cape Canaveral launch site in the USA.

The MDASat (Marine Domain Awareness) constellation has two main priorities namely ocean economy and healthcare and has been mandated by the Department of Science and Innovation to enhance South Africa’s ocean’s sovereignty. Operation Phakisa, a fast-track implementation of the National Development Plan, focuses on effective marine domain awareness. The Software Defined Radio payload being used in the mission aims to enhance the security and protection of South African marine resources.

MDASat is CPUT’s third satellite mission and follows on from ZACUBE-1 (TshepisoSat) and ZACUBE-2’s successful development, launch and operation. In the interim, a suite of commercial CubeSat parts have also been developed by CPUT engineers and these will also be in use on the satellites.  

CPUT’s Acting Chief Engineer on the project Nyameko Royi says increased visibility in space by more nations bodes well for all.

“This mission would mark the first constellation of satellites developed and designed in Africa. The more we get people involved in space the better, the more data we extract from space- the better for the world. This is a significant milestone for CPUT and South Africa,” he says.

Dean of the Engineering and Built Environment Faculty at CPUT Prof Marshall Sheldon says the MDASat launch is the latest development in a long timeline of space engineering events at the university, which first began in 2008.

“Each successful development and launch is a paradigm shift away from the traditional space industry norms and we are proud to be at the centre of that. Attracting more undergraduate and postgraduate learners to careers in space science will ensure we can continue celebrating future successes,” she says.   

MDASat Specs

The first three satellites of the MDA constellation will carry an upgraded AIS receiver payload from ZACube-2 and will be capable of the following;

•        Over-the-air upgrades which mean software can be developed and uploaded to the orbiting satellite when ready.
•        Raw data: The payload captures raw data and enhances the opportunity for diagnostic testing on signal interference and decoding messages.
•        Long-Range AIS: These are two specific channels to be used as uplinks for receiving AIS messages by satellite.
•        More effective messaging scheme: The first-generation payload was limited in how it could save data and have it extracted by the ground station. The enhanced data interface will optimize the use of the data transmitter’s bandwidth.

These enhancements pave the way for the future MDASat-2’s development and launch and minimize the risk of damage to the current payload.  

SpaceX, the company founded by SA-born entrepreneur Elon Musk, will be launching the constellation on 13 January 2022 at 17:25 pm (Florida time 10:25 am).

Members of the media and public can watch the launch live using this link www.spacex.com/launches the webcast starts about 10 to 15 minutes before lift-off and ends shortly after payload deployment.

Written by Lauren Kansley

Tel: +27 21 953 8646
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Liaises with the media and writes press releases about interesting developments at CPUT.