The ushering of first-year Chemical Engineering students into university learning has evolved significantly and culminated in major developments in student academic performance when four top teams recently competed in a thrilling final of the department’s design competition.

The department’s First-Year Level Coordinator, Ayesha Reiners, said the students had been conducting an integrated project since February as part of a teaching and learning strategy to develop graduate attributes. “The topics in the project were carefully selected to address real-life problems often confronted by chemical engineers in the industry,” Reiners said.

She added that the topics were designed around themes such as waste management, renewable energy, electrochemistry, water purification, Ion separation and biofuel synthesis.

The grand finale was in the form of high competitive exhibitions. The winning team developed a novel method of extracting lead from an aqueous solution onto a bio-sorbent. The team managed to extract more than 95% lead from a synthetic solution. The runner-up successfully converted used cooking oil to biodiesel achieving a 100% conversion.

Student Namhla Siboya said the ground-breaking project managed to combine both education and fun into an instinctive and positively refreshing learning experience. “We had great tutors and mentors who constantly pushed us to do our best,” said Namhla.

Retired CPUT Chemical Engineering Lecturer, Bruce Hendry, was one of the adjudicators. Hendry said he had an exciting experience with the students and was impressed with their projects. “I was also impressed by the preparations behind projects,” he said.

Reiners added that the project runs throughout the year and is embedded in most subjects. The students work in teams with lecturers mentoring them. Students report back regularly in a collaborative seminar. They are given feedback during the seminars but are encouraged to work independently. “This is to inculcate a culture of independent learning, problem-solving, teamwork and engineering design amongst other attributes,” she concluded.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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First-year students who have secured a coveted spot in one of CPUT’s programmes can be assured of gaining relevant skills in their respective fields of study.

This assurance was reiterated by CPUT’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga, who addressed thousands of first-year students during a series of Welcome Ceremonies, held this week on the various campuses.

SUPPORT: CPUT’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga encouraged students to work hard

“Our main business is to achieve academic success,” says Mazwi-Tanga.

At CPUT, first-years will have access to internationally recognised academic programmes, which have been specifically designed to ensure they gain relevant knowledge and training.

The university also boasts an impressive array of laboratories and lecture halls, well-stocked libraries and first-rate computer facilities. First-year students will also have access to academic support programmes as well as sporting and cultural activities.

Prof Mazwi-Tanga encouraged first-year students to work hard and make the most of their time at the university.

“Seize this opportunity,” she says.

Dean of Students, Cora Motale, who also addressed the students, used the opportunity to urge students to make use of resources on campuses, which will play a role in ensuring their academic success.

“You all have the ability to do well. Do your best.”

*For additional information on the registration processes for first-year students, please see the notices on the CPUT homepage

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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The third instalment in a series of welcoming ceremonies for the first-year students concluded successfully at the Bellville campus' multipurpose hall on Thursday, 19 January 2012.

Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Anthony Staak, addressed a full house of students, their parents and guardians by extending a warm welcome to the institution. Members of Executive Management, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo and Dean of Students, Cora Motale were also present to welcome the first years.

"For many of you, this is your first experience with tertiary education, which is very different from the high school environment you became accustomed to", he said.

"We hope that in the coming years, you will discover that you made a wise choice to further your education at CPUT and that you'll even consider returning for your postgraduate studies."

"We endeavour to help develop you into mature, well-balanced individuals", he added.

Prof Staak concluded by emphasising a need for students to value the opportunity they have been given, saying: "You as new students carry a huge responsibility to do the best that you can during your time here."

The Orientation programme continues for first-year students until Friday, whilst registration for new and returning students is underway on the main campuses for the remainder of the month.

By: Thando J. Moiloa

Written by CPUT News
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Anybody still hoping to apply for a course at CPUT has a slim chance of getting accepted.

Many universities around the country have been swamped by thousands of matriculants desperately hoping for a place in a first-year university course.  CPUT alone received almost 30 000 applications.

Acting Registrar Nikile Ntsababa says all available places for the almost 80 courses offered across the six faculties have been allocated.
The next step of the process is the registration of almost 9000 first-year students who have already received their coveted acceptance letters.
“After registration (ending January 30) we will consider wait-listed applicants. We don’t consider walk-ins,” he says.  Ntsababa says anybody hoping for last-minute acceptance into a course is competing against the best of the best who started the application process as early as March of last year.

Many future first-year students have completed rigorous interview and testing processes to get their places.  Faculties like Informatics and Design which offers popular courses like Photography and Journalism are often the first to close applications.  Larger Faculties like Business accept applicants up until October.

Anybody wanting to study at CPUT in 2013 need to prepare themselves by studying their desired course's admission requirements and closing dates.  Course information and electronic application forms are available on this website or alternatively call the hotline at 021 959 6767.

By LAUREN KANSLEY

Written by CPUT News
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In a bid to curb first-year dropout rates, CPUT will roll out an integrated First Year Experience (FYE) Project.

Details of this project, which is spearheaded by Fundani CHED, was revealed at the RITAL conference held recently at the Granger Bay Campus.

The annual RITAL conference provides a platform for CPUT staff to showcase research into innovative teaching and learning initiatives.

This year’s theme was Reclaiming Quality: Enhancing the scholarship of teaching and learning in Higher Education. CPUT staff delivered presentations that focused on the subthemes of curriculum development, teaching, learning and assessment practices, and first years. 

Fundani CHED’s Dr Nosisana Mkonto presented on the FYE Project and says first-year retention is not just a South African problem, but a global one.

Mkonto says studies have shown that there are numerous reasons why students fail or withdraw from their studies, ranging from financial difficulties to a mismatch between the student and the course.

Mkonto says first years need to be nurtured and supported.

“As the CPUT community we are going to create a supportive, integrative first year to enhance student development and success,” she says.

The FYE Project focuses on high-impact activities and practices, such as an extended orientation programme and an early warning, referral and support system. Interventions such as online help material, workshops and a mentoring programme have also been included in the project.

Mkonto says when conceptualising the project, they looked at how best they could integrate it to ensure that faculties and support departments work alongside one another to ensure student success.

As a result, structures have been set up in faculties to ensure the success of the project and training will also be rolled out for academic staff.

“The support is not only for students at risk, but for all first years,” says Mkonto

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.

Adapting to academic writing and the rigours of university study are rated high on the list of problem areas facing first-year students.

The Student Learning unit is a free service offered to all registered CPUT students.

Here students will be coached in the vital practice of academic literacy, study skills, time management, listening and note taking, internet research and question and topic analysis.

Head of Student Learning Dr Nosisana Mkonto says the programme attempts to bridge the gap between school and university and urges all first years to make contact with the unit as soon as possible.

“Many times students will struggle silently and eventually fail. That is not necessary because the problems they face are not unique and we are here to help,” she says.

Other services include:

• The training of mentors and tutors who are identified by lecturers to assist in a variety of student experiences like settling into residences
• Mathematics support
• Workshops on a variety of topics

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make an appointment.

The unit is open between 8am to 4pm and is located in the E-Learning Centre in Cape Town and in room 1.04 in the IT centre in Bellville.

Written by Lauren Kansley

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Liaises with the media and writes press releases about interesting developments at CPUT.

Thousands of first-year CPUT students and their parents were given a personal welcome to the institution this week.

Competition for a space was tough and the university received more than 30 000 applications for only 8 000 available places. 

Vice-Chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu, presided over proceedings in Cape Town and Wellington, while Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof Anthony Staak, took the reins in Bellville.

Both men congratulated the students for working hard to clinch a place at CPUT and encouraged them to continue the academic excellence right though to graduation. 

EXCITED: Students from the Wellington Campus are ready to start their classes

At the Wellington Campus, Nevhutalu reminded first-year students of the wonderful opportunity they have to pursue their academic careers at CPUT.

“Remember that you are part of a privileged few - millions of other young people who passed matric do not have the opportunity to study full time and to be part of a university community. So, make use of this opportunity and do not become a statistic of South Africa’s higher education system,” he says.

Staak reflected on some of the recent successes of the institution which included launching a satellite into space, pushing the boundaries of research and design innovations and boasting an international community of students and staff from over 70 countries.

The first years were also introduced to the Student Representative Council at all campuses and were promised their full support in all matters and encouraged to embrace a full student experience filled with sports, culture as well as academics.

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First-year film production student, Anande Kuse, continues to shine in the sport of table tennis.

She recently represented the Cape Town Table Tennis (CTTT) team at the SA Table Tennis championships, hosted by the South African Table Tennis Board in Durban.

CTTT came second, bagging a silver medal in the U/19 team events category, and made it to the group stages in the singles category.

“I’m so happy about the silver medal I received at nationals. I could not play last year when I was in Grade 12. I really worked hard and I’m very proud, “said Anande.

Earlier this year she was elected to represent SA at the International Table Tennis Federation African Youth, Junior and Cadet Championships.

CPUT Table Tennis coach Mfundo Marasi congratulated Anande and thanked the Student Affairs Division for their support.

“As CPUT Table Tennis, we're super proud of her achievements and for representing not only the province, but also our flying CPUT flag high at the national event. We hope the USSA Table Tennis summer games will take place this December 2022, where she'll continue to fly the CPUT flag sky high.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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First-year students and their parents received a warm welcome at the Bellville campus this morning, where the last of three welcoming functions for the week were held.

The new cohort, who filled the Bellville Stadium, were in for a treat as CPUT alumna and former Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi, delivered a special motivational talk.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, welcomed the first-years and said the new students had made a wise choice in selecting CPUT – South Africa’s leading University of Technology.

“Each year we graduate thousands of industry-ready students, many of whom were already earmarked for jobs. CPUT has thus far received 414 000 applications for study in 2023. Keep in mind that we only have 8721 first-year places, so that indicates how coveted a spot at our university is.”

Nhlapo said he, together with his management team were endlessly revolutionising processes and asking the critical question: ‘How can CPUT take full advantage of the opportunity that technology presents’.

“You will experience this technology first-hand in our high-tech laboratories, research facilities, IT facilities and well-resourced libraries. All of these tools will be at your disposal now. Use them and flourish.”

Tunzi, who received a standing ovation from the excited crowd, said it was while she was at CPUT that she learnt some of her biggest lessons.

“This is where I learnt to fail and where I leant to succeed.”

She encouraged the students to invest in their futures.

“Welcome to CPUT. It is a wonderful school and you’re going to love it here.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Hundreds of new first-year students will be formally welcomed to the institution during three welcoming events next week.

First-years and their parents will be addressed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, during these events, which are scheduled to take place as follows:

14 February at 10:00 - Wellington Campus - House Murray Gardens

15 February at 10:00 - District Six Campus – Piazza

16 February at 10:00 - Bellville Campus - Major Sports Hall

The Division of Student Affairs is also looking forward to meeting the new student cohort.

All Student Affairs departments, various student structures, sport and arts groups as well as exhibitors will have stalls and exhibits on the campus between 10:00 and 14:00 on the respective days.

This will assist students as they get to know their campus, and student life opportunities and support services.

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