The Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS) recently held its annual Emerging Researcher Conference (ERC) at the Cape Town Hotel School, creating a dynamic platform for students and staff to engage with industry partners and adjudicators.
This inspiring event served to elevate the FBMS’s academic, developmental, and strategic goals. The ERC is a collaboration between FBMS and the Cape Town Hotel School, along with various external sponsors, and it has been a flagship academic event for over 10 years.
The ERC provides Advanced Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s, and Doctoral students with an opportunity to present their research, engage in scholarly discourse, and receive constructive feedback from faculty and external adjudicators. This platform enhances the quality of research, promotes critical thinking, and upholds academic rigour across FBMS.
The event, themed: Nurturing emerging voices in business and management sciences research, united participants from various departments, fostering interdisciplinary exchange and innovation. It also cultivated networks that often lead to collaborative research efforts across different disciplines. Additionally, the conference helped develop essential academic and professional skills, such as public speaking, academic writing, and networking.
By hosting a high-impact academic event like the ERC, FBMS enhances its visibility and reputation. This demonstrates our commitment to student development and research excellence, making us more attractive to prospective students, collaborators, and industry partners. Furthermore, the ERC fosters a sense of belonging and motivation among students and staff, contributing to the development of a supportive and vibrant academic community.
Sinethemba Dangazele, the founder of Promotions & Events with Sinethemba, delivered a heartfelt keynote address at the conference. His words resonated deeply with the audience, leaving a lasting impact as he shared his journey and insights.
In her welcome address, Prof Renitha Rampersad, Assistant Dean Research and Innovation: FBMS, said the theme of the conference appropriately covered the strategic intent of the FBMS, and they had gathered not only to share research and insights, but to celebrate the dynamism, creativity, and intellectual curiosity that drive the next generation of thinkers and leaders in their field. “The faculty is proud and excited to offer these state-of-the-art programmes that are designed to address the demands of a rapidly changing world of work.
“Today marks not only an academic gathering, but a celebration of curiosity, innovation, and the bright emerging minds of our undergraduate and postgraduate students who will shape the future of business and management in our country and beyond.”
She mentioned that they have come together under the banner of knowledge and collaboration. She acknowledged that the world is changing rapidly — markets are evolving, technology is redefining industries, and leadership is being redefined. In this dynamic environment, she emphasised that their ability to think critically, act ethically, and lead with purpose has never been more important.
“In a global environment marked by rapid technological innovation, shifting markets, and complex social challenges, it is essential that we create platforms where fresh perspectives can thrive and influence the direction of our disciplines. And this conference provides a platform for you, our students, to present your research, exchange ideas, and engage in meaningful dialogue with peers, academics, and industry professionals. It is a space where theory meets practice, and where innovation meets opportunity.”
Chris Hattingh-Niekerk, Assoc Prof in the Department of Tourism and Events Management, said he was extremely pleased with the organisation and outcomes of this year’s ERC. “The event ran smoothly, thanks to the excellent collaboration between the organising committee, academic departments, and the Cape Town Hotel School team. The level of engagement from both presenters and attendees was exceptional. Students demonstrated strong preparation, confidence, and enthusiasm in sharing their research, while the audience actively participated through thoughtful questions and discussions.”
Hattingh-Niekerk was also impressed by the maturity and originality of many of the presentations, “particularly from our postgraduate students, which reflected the growing research culture within the faculty”. “The presence of external adjudicators and industry guests added significant value by providing students with constructive, real-world perspectives on their work. The atmosphere throughout the day was one of intellectual curiosity and collegiality, which truly embodied the spirit of the ERC.”
Hattingh-Niekerk was impressed by CPUT alumnus Dangazele, who captivated the audience with his inspiring journey from ECP student to successful entrepreneur running an event management business in Cape Town. He is also a lecturer in Entrepreneurship and was recently accepted to pursue a Master of Philosophy in Inclusive Innovation.
“There is no greater reward than witnessing the success of our students and seeing their journeys come full circle. Sinethemba is a true testament to the transformative power of education and an outstanding CPUT product.” The awards ceremony at the end of the day was another significant moment. It celebrated academic excellence while recognising the hard work and perseverance of our students. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors whose vital support made the ERC a reality.
Hattingh-Niekerk said the Cape Town Hotel School, Europcar, Cape Town Tourism, Southern Sun, XL Events, Emerald Publishing, and The Diamond Works Institute exemplified a commitment to advancing research and fostering student development at CPUT through their unwavering partnership.
Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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