It’s just a matter of days before alumni from across the country descend on the Bellville campus for the inauguration ceremony of the first-ever Alumni Association of the CPUT.

One of South Africa’s most highly-regarded business leaders and a CPUT alum himself, Edward Kieswetter, will be the keynote speaker at the glittering event. The Group CEO of financial services giant, Alexander Forbes, is expected to urge his fellow alumni to engage with and support their alma mater and enjoy the opportunity for old friends to reconnect, network and build community.

Alumni officers Valerie Deelman, Nandipha Madadasana and Francois Jooste have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the launch is a glittering and fun-filled celebration.

Say the three, “We’re extremely proud of the accomplishments of our graduates and the contribution our alumni make to their chosen professions, communities, and beyond. As we approach the milestone of celebrating ‘The 1^st Decade of Prominence and Prosperity’ as a merged institution, there’s never been a better time for our alumni, old and new, near or far, to help us position the CPUT as a world-class, socially-responsive university that embraces the cutting-edge of technology. “

The auspicious occasion, kicks off at 09h30 for 10am at the Bellville Auditorium this coming Saturday 16^th March and will be followed by lunch. The event will also be streamed on the Internet for those unable to physically attend – log onto www.cput.ac.za/live to follow this groundbreaking event live.

All CPUT alumni, particularly staff of the CPUT who haven’t RSVP’ed to the invite as yet, are urged to please respond to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible.

By Jan Weintrob

Written by CPUT News

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The class of 2012 can expect to get some insight into the realities of the world of work from one of South Africa’s top businessmen.

Group Chief Executive of Alexander Forbes Equity Holding, Edward Kieswetter, will deliver the keynote address at the annual Spring Graduation ceremony today.

And who better to inspire South Africa’s future workforce than Kieswetter, who was voted South Africa’s top boss, twice during the past decade.

Kieswetter has held key positions in the South African energy and financial sectors. He is also well aware of student life, having also spent several years working as an academic.

He boasts three masters’ degrees from local and international universities and is the current Vice-Chair of the University of the Free State.

Other guest at this year’s ceremony will include graduates’ family members, friends and partners, who will watch on as close to 700 students take to the stage to receive their qualifications.

The qualifications that will be awarded include Diplomas, Bachelor and Master of Technology Degrees as well as Doctoral of Technology Degrees.

Qualifications will be awarded in the faculties of Business, Engineering, Health and Wellness, Applied Science, Education and Social Sciences and Informatics and Design.

By Candes Keating
Written by CPUT News
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The class of 2012 were given insight into the realities of the world of work from one of South Africa’s top businessmen.

Group Chief Executive of Alexander Forbes Equity Holding, Edward Kieswetter, who delivered the keynote address at the annual Spring Graduation, says South Africa needs people who can work.

ACHIEVEMENT: CPUT awarded 9 Doctoral graduates at the Spring Graduation and 55 Master of Technology degrees

Kieswetter, who was voted South Africa’s top boss, twice during the past decade, says many graduates enter the workplace and do not have a notion of how to work.

“Our main challenge is not unemployment but one of employability,” he says.

He says the country needs individuals who are well-balanced and who have intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual capabilities.

Kieswetter says those going into the world of work must also be able to think critically and ethically and be innovative.

He urged the CPUT graduates to become key role players in the economy and to also plough back into their communities.

Kieswetter, who is involved in a number of community projects, says graduates must not only satisfy their economical needs but see what role they can play in building a better society.

“We need professionals who will find it in their heart and soul to make a difference in society,” he says.

By Candes Keating

Photographs by Clive Galant

Written by CPUT News
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