Heritage Day has grown to embrace diverse concepts for various people, but these notions share a few similarities. As such, the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS) celebrated the day by “showcasing Indigenous Knowledge and its integration to Academic Pursuits of the FAS” at Bellville Campus.

Numerous presentations on different topics from different fields were provided, Prof Jessy Van Wyk and Melissa Rossouw made a presentation on the Indigenous Knowledge Documentation Centre. Dr Vusi Mshayisa and Tina Bebe from the Food Science and Technology Department talked about how edible insects, such as Mopani worms, madzhulu, and thongolifa, are not only a traditional delicacy in parts of South Africa but also a powerhouse of nutrition.

Rich in protein, essential minerals, and amino acids, they stated that these insects offer a sustainable alternative to conventional protein sources. In addition to new novel insects such as mealworms, crickets, and black soldier fly, they said the Department of Food Science and Technology focuses on exploring the nutritional, structural, sensorial, and techno-functional properties of these insects, highlighting their potential to contribute significantly to food security.

Dr Kanyisa Maqashu from the Chemistry Department made her presentation on the extinction of plant species, including fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, which endangers global health and sustainability. “Human activities have reduced seed diversity, increasing reliance on hybrid crops and limiting access to natural remedies and nutritious food. To combat this, we must blend indigenous knowledge with modern science through collaborative efforts to preserve indigenous plant species, integrate traditional ecological wisdom with sustainability practices, and develop holistic healthcare approaches,” Maqashu stated in her presentation.

Sibusiso Xego from the Horticultural Sciences Department talked about enhancing sustainable cultivation and use of medicinal plants through collaborative partnerships with Western Cape traditional healers and small-scale farmers. Athembile Centane and Nkcubeko Masents from Biotechnology and Consumer Sciences provided information on the scientific validation of anecdotal claims in Indigenous health remedies.

William Manamela from the Mathematics and Physics Department made a presentation on Indigenous knowledge in Mathematics. The Conservation and Marine Science Department also made a presentation on Guardians of the Ocean: A Tale of Tradition and Science.

Language Coordinator: Faculty of Applied Science, Dr Ignatius Khan Ticha, facilitated a panel discussion on Perspectives on the integration of Indigenous knowledge in the curriculum and language practices at CPUT.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Institutional Language Unit at Fundani CHED recently celebrated International Translation Day to reinforce and recognise the imperative effort made by language experts of different languages in different organisations, private as well as government.

The event's purpose was to highlight the universities' ongoing work in promoting indigenous African languages through translation and interpretation services. It was also an opportunity to share insights and collaborate on how universities can further enhance these efforts to foster multilingualism in the Western Cape and beyond.

Various speakers on the platform elaborated on the importance of translations and their challenges. In his opening address, Dr Ignatius Ticha, Faculty of Applied Sciences Language Coordinator said: “Today, we celebrate not only the invaluable work of translators and interpreters worldwide but also the critical role that translation plays in promoting multilingualism and preserving the diverse linguistic heritage of our institutions.”

Ticha, a CPUT Language Group member, welcomed guests from the University of Cape Town (UCT), Stellenbosch University (SU), the University of the Western Cape (UWC), and the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB)).

“Your presence here signals our shared commitment to advancing the use of indigenous African languages in higher education and society at large.

He commended PanSALB for always being at the forefront of the movement to promote and “preserve the richness of South Africa’s languages, particularly Indigenous African languages”.

Delegates from each institution present were given an opportunity to present the work done by their respective institutions to promote African languages through translation services, interpreting, and terminology development in fostering multilingualism.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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From green spinach to vine-ripe beetroot, the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) in partnership with the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Nautical Company and Convocation are celebrating the success of their joint Green Campus Initiative (GCI) initiative called One Residence, One Garden at the Catsville Residence.

Earlier this year, the Student Services Council Committee (SSCC) led by its Chairperson, Dr William Mapena, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Operations, Prof Gilingwe Mayende and Dean of Student Affairs, Nonkosi Tyolwana planted the first seedlings at Catsville to mark’ the 2024 Mandela Day and his passion for ending hunger.

Tyolwana says the Catsville Residence was identified as the first case study for this project. “Staff and students worked tirelessly to make this project a resounding success,” Tyolwana enthuses.

Nikhanye Sitoza, a Marine Engineering student residing at Catsville feels “incredibly proud and happy” about the success of the GCI project. “As a member of the team, I've seen firsthand the impact that this project has had on our community. From providing fresh produce to students in need to promote sustainability and community development, this project has exceeded our expectations,” she boasts.

Nikhanye is also grateful that the Catsville residence was chosen as the first case study in District 6 for this project. “It's shown that even in a residence with reputation issues, we can make a positive impact and create change.”

It took a lot of hard work, dedication, and teamwork to get the project to where it is now. The team faced several challenges along the way, including logistical issues, funding constraints, and initial scepticism from some stakeholders. However, they persevered and worked together to overcome those obstacles.

“Our team has been amazing, and everyone has brought their unique skills and perspectives to the table. We've also had incredible support from our dean and Deputy Dean of Student Affairs [Njabulo Maphumulo], residence coordinators, Convex, and [Faculty of] Applied Science, who have provided guidance and resources whenever we needed them,” Nikhanye remarks.

The project has been a game-changer for this community as it has not only provided a sustainable source of fresh produce but also created “a sense of community and cooperation among those who reside in Catsville”.

“One of the biggest challenges we faced was the initial scepticism from some stakeholders. Some people didn't think that the project would work or that we would be able to sustain it. However, we proved them wrong, and the project has been a huge success.

“Another challenge we faced was the reputation of Catsville Residence. Some people had preconceived notions about our residence and its residents, but we've shown that we're capable of great things,” Nikhanye says.

Residence Coordinator Xolani Jafta adds that the success of the GCI project means a lot to the residence and CPUT at large. “It shows that we're committed to innovation, sustainability, and community development. It also provides a model for other residences and institutions to follow,” Jafta continues.

“For our residence, it's a chance to change the narrative and show that we're more than just a residence with a reputation for behavioural issues. We're a community that's committed to making a positive impact.”

Jafta who is the advocate and great champion of One Res, One Garden across residences also urges the CPUT community to strive to make a positive impact on the environment. He says the GCI project shows that even small actions can add up to make a big difference. “I encourage everyone to get involved, think creatively, and work together to create a more sustainable, innovative, and compassionate community.

“As members of the GCI project, I've seen firsthand the impact that we can have when we work together towards a common goal. Let's continue to strive for greatness and make CPUT a better place for everyone.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Faculty of Applied Sciences students who are participating in a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programme were urged to be hands-on during their industry training.

The faculty hosted an industry breakfast for second-year students and industry partners. Among the attendees were former WIL students who were top achievers in their respective programmes during the 2018 academic year. WIL coordinators awarded top achievers with certificates and a plaque. Faculty of Applied Sciences lecturer and WIL coordinator, Prof Lalini Reddy, highlighted the importance of working closely with the industry to prepare the students for work.

“Industry is invited to continue to engage with the institution to ensure students are provided with adequate learning in the workplace,” she added.  Guest speaker, Lorna Odendaal from Kutsha Agriculture, said internships benefit industry as well as students, but that expectations can be different from both parties.

She said students need to adopt a pro-active attitude.

“Be hands-on, do whatever needs to be done, learn as much as you can from everybody, taking part, experiencing as much as you can, ask lots of questions,” she said.

She then urged industry partners to make the internship placements meaningful.

In concluding her address, Odendaal told students to remain humble and in the service of others.

“To have a diploma or any tertiary qualification is a noble thing, but wear your nobility in your heart rather than your head,” she said.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town campus recently hosted the Learner-Meet Scientist @Work Programme. The programme provides role models for prospective CPUT students. Learners get the experience of visiting science laboratories and an opportunity to talk to postgraduate ‘scientists’ personally.

The programme started two years ago and is facilitated by Dr Shaheed Hartley, acting Dean of Contract Research in the Faculty of Applied Sciences. The programme aims to provide prospective students with insight in the science field at large.

“It’s important for our learners to get exposure to venues of study and career possibilities,” said Dr Hartley. He said the programme helps learners to make informed decisions about their future. The programme benefits learners, especially those in grade twelve. It also helps in marketing the courses the CPUT has on offer.

The Learner-Meet Scientist@Work Project began after an awareness campaign was held to promote Science and Technology in 1996. This was in response to a call to build a human resource for science and technology base of South Africa.

“CPUT thus embarked on this project to expose learners to some of the areas of study and research in science and technology. The project aims to promote Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) as a study field to meet the demand for scientific human capital in the country,” reports Dr Hartley.

The programme aims to inform learners from previously disadvantaged schools that Science, Engineering and Technology careers are achievable, socially relevant, rewarding and fun. It also aims to improve the image of science and technology as a career. It aims to provide information about SET and careers, expose learners to hands-on experience offered in these fields. It finally aims to impact on the learners’ attitudes and aspirations, to help them make informed decisions about their future.

Learners who attended the session were grade eleven and twelve learners from Cathkin, Harry Gwala, Florida and Spine Road high schools. Learners with Physical Science, Biology and Mathematics learning areas were chosen to participate in the programme.

*by Liziwe Ndalana

Written by CPUT News
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Science Centre practitioners from around the country were hosted by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology for a two-day Science and Technology workshop conducted by Dr Shaheed Hartley, Director of Contract Research in the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Interim Dean of Research.

The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) asked Dr Hartley to develop this workshop for science centre practitioners to build capacity in science centres. This need becomes more pertinent in light of the fact that the Department of Science and Technology are planning to build more science centres around the country.

The workshop acted as a forum for science centre practitioners to share information and ideas about dealing with members of schools and the public who visit their respective science centres, as well as how to build science clubs.

Dr Hartley says, “We don’t have the numbers of people to do science shows at science centres and through this programme we hope to build critical mass of science centre practitioners.” The training is meant to help science centre practitioners with their presentation skills in physics, chemistry, technology and mathematics.

He says, “We need to get youth enthusiastic and interested in science and we can achieve this through the way we present the topics to them. We need to know our audience and be skilled in how to adapt our message and style of presentation to the people to whom we are presenting. This workshop helped participants adopt these skills.”

As part of the workshop, Dr Hartley explained how to go about organising science shows, what engages the audience, how to ensure the attention of the audience is captured, and how to organise the logistics.

In addition, the skills will enable participants to take the skills and apply it in their own environments. Dr Hartley says, “First we demonstrated different shows and thereafter the participants presented their own hands-on activities to the rest of the group. Participants moved between the lab, where they conducted their experiments, and the classroom where they demonstrated their experiments to the rest of the group.”

There are plans to continue teaching science centre professionals. Dr Hartley said, “This is the start of a series of workshops. I’ve also been asked to do mentorship in the Eastern Cape, and to assist in training in this regard.”

Written by CPUT News
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Graduates of the Faculty of Applied Sciences rose the roof this morning as they cheered on a classmate who had achieved one of the highest honours the University can bestow on its students.

Dean Berry, who graduated cum laude with a BTech degree in Horticulture, is also the recipient of the Vice Chancellor’s Medal. This medal is awarded to the top Btech student across all 6 Faculties. Berry achieved six out of six distinctions in his final year of study with an aggregate of 85%.

Four MTech degrees were also awarded to Nina Septoe, Andre Lambrechts, Jade North and Natalie Newman. These candidates’ graduated with their Masters Degrees from the Departments of Consumer Science: Food and Nutrition, Environmental Health, Horticulture and Nature Conservation, respectively, while Adegbenro Peter Daso and Janes Doughari Hamuel were awarded Doctoral degrees in the Environmental Health Department.

Guest speaker Dr Gansen Pillay, the Deputy CEO of the National Research Foundation of South Africa spoke passionately of the quality of research being done in South Africa.

He says that in moving from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy, South Africa offered a wealth of opportunity for bright young graduates to exploit.

“We have to focus and prioritise education in South Africa. I advocate the concept of liberation through education – it’s the one thing that can never be taken from you. And at the centre of everything, excellence and integrity needs to be non-negotiable. “

Graduation continues this evening on the Bellville campus where the Faculty of Engineering holds its second ceremony. On Saturday, the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences holds the final two ceremonies on Cape Town campus that bring a week of Autumn graduation to a close.

By Jan Weintrob

Photograph by Clive Galant

Written by CPUT News
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A leading researcher at CPUT in the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Prof Victoria Jideani, has two patents under her belt.

While this NRF-rated researcher has a patent for dietary fibre from the Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterenea), she also has a patent for probiotic yoghurt produced from a Bambara groundnut milk beverage and the method for the production thereof. The latter may lead to an exciting new business venture for the university.

“Indigenous knowledge (IK) associated with Bambara groundnut (BGN) in South Africa is not documented,” she explains, adding that, “Despite the BGN rich IK and nutritional profile, not much is known about its nutraceutical potential.”

She says that this knowledge system is at risk of becoming extinct because of the rapidly changing natural environment and fast-paced economic, political and cultural changes. 

“There is an urgent need to document the IK and establish a relationship between it and the BGN nutraceuticals.”

“One of my publications on BGN paved the way for international collaboration between the South African Association for Food Science & Technology (SAAFoST) and the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) in America.”

Her article “Should the BGN remain underutilized?” was published in the August 2015 issue of FST Magazine, which is published by SAAFoST and subsequently republished in Food Technology (USA) by IFT as “Utilizing BGN in Value-added Products” in 2016.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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Following their visit to the Faculty of Applied Sciences, the Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) representatives were impressed by the “outstanding hospitality, friendliness, great enthusiasm and dedication to practice-oriented teaching and research at CPUT”.

The HSWT delegation comprised of Prof Carsten Lorz, Vice President for International Affairs and Diversity at HSWT and a Professor in Forest Soil Science, and Juliane Glovania, Project Coordinator for the African-Bavarian Alliance for Applied Life Sciences.  Dean of Applied Sciences, Prof Joseph Kioko, said the aim of the visit was to explore and establish strategic links between HSWT and CPUT, particularly the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

Kioko said HSWT has programmes which are similar to those offered by Applied Sciences at CPUT, such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Food Technology, Biotechnology Environmental Sciences and Biodiversity Conservation. 

“We hope to establish links to advance research collaboration, academic exchanges, and to leverage best practices. There will also be a particular focus on innovation/entrepreneurship,” said Kioko.

The visit was a great success and culminated with the formulation of the next steps towards a mutually beneficial partnership between the two institutions, observed Kioko.  “As part of the next steps,  HSWT will invite CPUT Faculty members in the area of agriculture and  climate change to a HSWT seminar in March/April 2023 to network with HSWT scholars and other Faculty members from partner universities from South Africa, Senegal, Ethiopia and Tunisia in frame of “African-Bavarian Alliance for Applied Life Sciences". HSWT will cover accommodation, meals, and flights to Germany.

The Dean was also impressed by the keen absolute extent of common areas of interest (for both Teaching & Learning; and Research & Innovation), and the interest to collaborate from both sides, “which was really great to see”.

“I foresee a rich and productive future of collaboration between ourselves and HSWT.”

Reflecting on their experience at CPUT, Lorz said the visit at CPUT was very impressive, with their discussions with the Faculty of Applied Sciences as well as with the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, Prof Judy Peter. “We were especially impressed by the professionalism of the laboratories and practical teaching sites of the departments of food technology and horticulture/landscape architecture,” he continued.

“The Faculty’s focus on applied teaching and training in agriculture, food technology, horticulture, nature conservation, environmental management etc makes it an excellent partner for our university. We were very impressed by the high motivation and dedication of all people we met. The Faculty of Applied Sciences has a great team and we are looking forward to our future cooperation.”

Kioko added that the key outcome was that a tangible foundation for collaboration between CPUT and HSWT was laid down, and a plan of action was agreed to.

“Making this collaboration a success will be a key contribution towards our goals of smart internationalisation in line with the aspirations of our One Smart CPUT V2030,” Kioko remarked.

Lorz said they would be happy if they could merge their networks with other African universities to enable mutual learning and experience-sharing when it comes to applied higher education.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Break the rules, says Dr Tracey Naledi.

A public health specialist at the Western Cape Department of Health, Naledi urged graduates from the Faculty of Applied Sciences to simply not accept all rules.

It is not easy to determine what rules to break and what not to, but the development of society is about questioning the rules, says Naledi.

Referring to the late Nelson Mandela and the thousands who participated in Sharpville, Naledi says by questioning and breaking the rules of the time, South Africans today reap the benefits of living in a democratic society.

She says around the globe there have been rules that have had to be questioned, such as denying women access to higher education.

“The point is that some rules can be a source of injustice and great pain.”

She urged the class of 2016 to think about rules, look at them from multi-angles, research them and consult others.

“Make informed and concise decisions to follow, ignore or contradict the rules,” she says.

“Realise that your decisions will cost you. There will be consequences…be sure that you are willing to live with the consequences.”

Naledi says breaking rules requires responsibility and in some cases there will be mistakes.

“Making mistakes is a good thing…Every mistake is an opportunity for growth. It’s a teachable moment…because you are asking yourself ‘what happened’…you are reflecting.”

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

Students who completed their qualifications with flying colours were awarded medals at this year’s Autumn Graduation.

Nikita Jansen Van Vuuren, who obtained the ND: Food Technology, was awarded the Dean’s medal by Prof Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Prof Olelan Fatoki.

Nikita obtained distinctions in all 21 subjects with a final aggregate of 88% over the three years of study. She is currently studying towards a BTech degree in Food Technology.

EXCELLENCE: Prof Rishidaw Balkaran, DVC: Academic, Marshall Sheldon, DVC: Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, Dean’s Medallist Nikita Jansen Van Vuuren and Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Prof Olelan Fatoki. Nikita obtained distinctions in all 21 subjects in ND: Food Technology with a final aggregate of 88% over the three years of study.

Photos: Lauren Kansley

Ray April, who obtained the ND: Somatology, received the Dean’s Medal from Health & Wellness Sciences Acting Dean, Prof Penelope Engel-Hills.

Ray obtained her Senior Certificate at Worcester Gymnasium School in December 2014 and in 2016 registered for the ND: Somatology programme and obtained 18 distinctions with a final aggregate of 82 % over the three years of study.

Ray is presently registered for the BTech degree in Somatology programme. She plans to pursue a career in lecturing and would like to enter the Masters' programme in the future as she is very interested in research.

Daniel Stuck (ND: Maritime Studies) is the Dean’s Medallist for the Faculty of Engineering after obtaining an average of 86.9%, with distinctions in all 29 subjects.

He registered for the first year of his National Diploma in Maritime Studies in 2014 and returned to complete his diploma in 2018, after spending four years at sea completing his sea-time.

Sumone Herholdt (ND: Building and BTech: Quantity Surveying) walked away with the Vice-Chancellor’s medal.

Sumone obtained her National Diploma in Building in 2017, with an average of 81.2%, obtaining distinctions in 14 of 17 subjects, and also winning the best National Diploma Student Award. She registered for her BTech in Quantity Surveying in 2018, obtaining distinctions in all 7 of her subjects, with an average of 86.6%. Her average for the ND: Building and BTech: Quantity Surveying combined was 82.8%.

Her dreams of becoming a Quantity Surveyor took shape when Sumone joined the LWA Quantity Surveyors team in November of 2018 as a junior quantity surveyor. She is currently in the process of working towards her Professional Quantity Surveyors accreditation with SACQSP.

ACHIEVEMENT: Prof Rishidaw Balkaran, DVC: Academic, Marshall Sheldon, DVC: Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, Dean’s Medallist Ray April and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Prof Penelope Engel-Hills. Ray obtained 18 distinctions with a final aggregate of 82 % over the three years of study towards the ND: Somatology.

Photos: Lauren Kansley

Written by Kwanele Butana
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An aggregate of 85% for four years has earned Kudzanai Nyamayaro, a postgraduate Chemistry student the coveted James Moir medal.

An initiative of the South African Chemical Institute, the medal is awarded annually to the top BTech or BSc (Hons) chemistry student at every South African university and university of technology.

It is named after James Moir, a pioneering chemist who, during the 1900s, played a significant role in the chemistry field in South Africa. He was renowned for developing new methods of analysis and improving others.

The medals add to Nyamayaro’s growing list of achievements.

He scooped the CPUT Dean’s medal, which recognizes the top achieving student in the Faculty of Applied Sciences as well as the CPUT Vice-Chancellor’s medal, which is awarded during graduation to the top achieving student at CPUT.

Currently working towards his MTech in Chemistry under the guidance of Dr Nikoletta Báthori, he was recently awarded the prestigious Department of Science and Technology Innovation and Priority Research Areas Masters Scholarship. His MTech work is based on crystallography (determining the arrangement of molecules /ions in crystalline solids), with a focus on the improvement of the properties of pharmaceutical drugs.

Only 24-years old, Nyamayaro has already co-published three papers and is currently working on several more.

Modest about his academic achievements, Nyamayaro says science is in his blood.

“Science runs in my family. Everyone is involved in science in some way or another,” he says.

However, Nyamayaro says while a love of science prompted him to follow a career in chemistry, hard work has played a huge role in his success.

“I work and study really hard. I think this is a good combination for success. If you put effort into something it will eventually work out,” he says.

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

World Environment Day is not just about oceans, it’s about everything to do with the environment, whether it is water or the food that we grow or the soil or the air. Anything that affects the environment. 

This year’s theme is Beat Plastics Pollution to make people more aware of the harmful effects of plastic on the environment.

Extended Curriculum Programme coordinator in the Faculty of Applied Sciences Beatrice Opeolu drives activities to create awareness around climate change and the environment as the leader of the Climate Change and Environment Research Focus Area.

She teaches water quality management to Environmental Management and Environmental Health BTech students and recently she has started focusing more on environmental toxicology.

“This would be the study of poisons in the environment,” explained Opeolu.

For the last decade, Opeolu’s research concentrated on monitoring different kinds of pollutants in water and food samples, searching for the presence of heavy metals, phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), perfluorinated compounds and pharmaceuticals. 

(The dominant sources of PAHs in the environment are human activities such as wood-burning or combustion of biofuels, improper waste disposal).

She started off researching how the PAH level in food changes depending on how it is processed (fats are converted to PAH differently when food is grilled versus fried or boiled) and then moved on to checking PAH levels in freshwater systems. She discovered PAH levels were higher in the sediments than in the water, which means different effects for organisms that live and feed on sediment materials versus others in the water column.

Now she is moving from purely monitoring water to look at the entire cycle of exposure.

Specifically, she is concentrating on various pollutants in water, figuring out at what levels these pollutants become toxic to the environment. Not only does she want to investigate what pollutants are present but she wants to figure out what this means for the environment and what remediation can be affected.

“So the long-term plan is to be able to develop a material that we can use, as individuals and on an industrial scale, to remediate a combination of the pollutants. I’ve done research into heavy metals, several organic compounds including pharmaceuticals; so it would be great to have a single material that can remediate up to four pollutants because that would be more cost-effective,” said Opeolu.

She is currently setting up a laboratory space on the Bellville campus in the Horticulture department where she can oversee two or three postgraduate students. Here she will expose organism such as Daphnia (planktonic crustaceans specifically bred to be used in the laboratory), microalgae and bacteria to various pollutants in controlled environments.

Eventually, she wants to be part of a Water Institute on campus so that she can draw on the expertise of colleagues in various fields to develop water remediation systems and solutions.

* Today, 5 June is World Environment Day and the Applied Sciences Department hosts a Symposium on District Six Campus. Themed Beat Plastic Pollution, the symposium will feature six speakers talking about various effects of plastic pollution.

** On Friday 8 June renowned toxicologist Prof Augustine Arukwe from the Norwegian University of Science and will deliver a public lecture at the Saretec building on Bellville Campus followed by a panel discussion, between 12 am and 2 pm. 

Written by Theresa Smith
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Many parents  are heartbroken and completely baffled by their unruly child, they have no clue why the child they raised well is making such awful and destructive decisions. This could have been how Mzukisi Ngxongxela’s parents felt when he dropped out of university twice.

But today the supportive and proud parents  are in jovial mood as their son has managed to turn his life into a more positive lifestyle as he was a recipient of the Dean’s Medal after he graduated with a Diploma in Mathematical Science. Reflecting back on that experience, Mzukisi revealed that he dropped out of university after spending all the bursary allowances on worthless and wrong stuff.

“Before I came to CPUT I enrolled for Bachelor Science in Biotechnology in one of the universities in the Western Cape, I had a bursary but I blew up all the money in wrong things. I bunked classes and did not write June exams and eventually dropped out, but I have learned from those mistakes,” he said.

“It felt like the end of the world.”

But Mzukisi was determined to set an example of success for his six-year-old daughter and cousin. “You push harder when you know that you are not only doing something for yourself but also for someone else,” he remarked.

In 2017, he enrolled towards the Diploma in Mathematical Sciences and quickly found that studying Mathematics was his passion. He achieved distinctions in 24 of his 28 subjects, and obtained an overall average of 84%. Mzukisi did his Work-Integrated Learning at Eighty20, a data analytics consultancy based in Woodstock.

His immediate aspiration is to study Honours or advanced diploma in Mathematics. He is grateful for the support he received from his family and lecturers especially, Mr Thomas Farrar.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The first of two inaugural professorial lectures in 2023 to take place at the Faculty of Applied Sciences was delivered recently at the Bellville Campus.

So successful was the inaugural lecture of Prof Vernon Somerset, a professor in Environmental Chemistry, that he was hailed as a scholar of note and was congratulated for setting the bar high for upcoming inaugural lectures at the University.

The theme of the event was: From Atoms to Biosphere. A perspective from pollution assessment. In his official opening address, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, said it was good to be at an Applied Sciences Faculty, “this faculty is my academic home”. “I am here today to celebrate with the family of Professor Somerset because a lot of work went into what he is achieving here tonight,” Nhlapo continued

“It’s a good thing to recognise and celebrate the contribution that people are making while they are still alive. Very often we tell good stories about people when they are dead and cannot hear us, At CPUT we frown upon that tradition, that’s why we are talking about ‘oneness, about ubunye, about ukungafani, because we wanted to build One Smart CPUT...

“Hence, we are here today to celebrate the Inaugural Lecture of Prof Vernon Somerset.”

Nhlapo also acknowledged the presence of some of the distinguished guests such as Professor of Chemistry, Emmanuel Iwuoha, University of Western the Cape (UWC), Dr Natasha Ross, Senior Lecturer at UWC, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof Andile Mji, Dean of Applied Sciences, Prof Joseph Kioko and the CPUT staff members who attended the event.

“It’s my singular honour and privilege to welcome you all at this important gathering this evening at CPUT. We will be learning about one of the most important pressing issues of our time, a perspective on pollution assessment. And we know that this is very important.”

Somerset’s career in chemistry teaching started as a high school teacher in Mathematics and Physical Science “that is something that is very dear to the Faculty and the Institution”. He also has BEd (Hons), from University of South Africa. Somerset also obtained his Master’s degree in Chemistry from UWC. The distinguished professor also obtained his PhD in Electro-analytical Chemistry in 2007 at UWC. He has also received numerous awards nationally and internationally.

“To date Vernon has a publication record that started in 2002, and that includes 65 peer reviewed journal articles, 10 publications in conference proceedings, 15 project and technical reports, four books, 22 book chapters and four popular articles,” Kioko said.

Kioko who read the citation, said: “Thanks Prof Somerset for setting the bar. We are hoping that this sets a nice tone, a nice example for our colleagues to follow that lead.”

In his inaugural address, Somerset said: “It’s indeed a pleasure to stand here and speak to you about what I have been doing over the last 20+ years. He acknowledged his family and “close friends” and those who played a critical role in terms of his achievements. “We have been in this journey for over 20 years and thank you for assisting me, and guiding me, mentoring me in terms of all the aspects that we have sometimes painstakingly discussed, assessed, and trying to make sure we all understand the aim of our research as to what it is that we want to add and contribute to those who we work with, those who will come after us and in terms of our journey.”

In his response, Iwuoha said the impact of Somerset’s work in the national and international environmental sustainability policy arena is “highly commendable”. Somerset also acknowledged Prof Merrill Wicht, Head of the Chemistry Department.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Faculty of Applied Sciences recently signed the 10 principles of Fair Trade during The Fair-Trade University launch “Cape Peninsula University of Technology Fair Future (CPUTFF),” a student-driven initiative to promote fair trade and sustainable development.

The event was held at Agri-Hub CPUT, Wellington Campus, and this campaign aims to bring to reality the ways in which sustainable/resilient and ethical becomes practical in the agricultural space. The campaign is a support component to the theory in the lecture hall as well as a networking opportunity with other fair trade university campaigns within the region and globally.

Department of Agriculture Lecturer, Nonkululeko Mfeka, said the CPUT and the World Fair Trade Africa and Middle East (WFTO AME), had signed a Memorandum of Understanding earlier this year to partner in improving the livelihood of disadvantaged producers and the broader community through various awareness campaigns and information sessions. “This initiative aligns with the institutional Vision 2030 mission and values, focusing on ‘Smart student engagement and learning experiences’”, said Mfeka. She continued: “We are glad, as a department, we’re identified to spearhead this campaign.”

Project Officer, Domestic Fair Trade - Kenya and South Africa WFTO Africa & Middle East, Musa Mpofu, said it gives them a great sense of achievement to facilitate the fair-trade university campaign journey that CPUTFF has chosen to embark on. Mpofu said the domestic fair trade project housed in WFTO Africa and the Middle East started this conversation with CPUT in 2021. “While the process of getting us to where we are today took a while, it gave the project adequate time to navigate various implementation frameworks, and we believe the current framework will give the students the best possible experience of implementing a fair trade campaign in a region where a fair trade campaign cannot be based on procurement,” she said.

During the event, there was a signing of the pledge by Prof Joseph Kioko, Dean: Faculty of Applied Sciences, and Mpofu. Kioko said: “To our visitors thank you; by partnering with us, you are making a difference. This is important to us… We are really excited to be part of this. One of our aims as CPUT is to help produce graduates who contribute to making a better world, that better world starts from where we are, our communities, and our societies, right from here.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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