The partnership between Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and Germany’s Hochschule Wismar University of Applied Sciences, Technology, Business and Design finally came to fruition last week, when the first group of students of the Master of Business Systems (MBS) dual programme attended their inaugural lectures. The course is offered by the partners as MTech: Business Information Systems and Masters of Business Systems respectively, with graduates obtaining both degrees on completion.

Dr Chris Nhlapo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation & Partnerships at CPUT and Prof Uwe Laemmel, Head of the MBS program, delivered opening addresses at the Cape Town Hotel recently to mark the first contact session for the dual qualification. Nhlapo described the course outline, which touches amongst other things, on knowledge management, data management, and business informatics as very impressive. He sees the venture as a special vehicle to accelerate staff development with about twelve CPUT staff members participating in the programme.

During his presentation, he gave facts and figures in terms of where we stand as a country in human resources development. “Indications are that we are sliding down. We need more initiatives geared towards supporting the new generation of academics.” Nhlapo added that, “the element of internationalisation is going to give our staff a totally different dimension and advantage in being taught by some of the best researchers in Germany. We also commend the initiators of the program for the part they played”.

Great enthusiasm and appetite for knowledge were written in the faces of the students as Dr Roger Silberberg, their lecturer from Hochschule Wismar University, guided them through the coursework. Silberberg said in the 21st century the focus is on business processes and underlying information systems and technologies. “We are getting people to understand how business is run and how to use information assets optimally,” he said. Silberberg said they expect graduates of the innovative course to walk into employment anywhere in the world as “the number of employers needing these skills is accelerating every day.” The course work and dissertation will take two years to complete.

by Thami Nkwanyane

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT’s Business Faculty has enrolled at least 30 exchange students this year from various countries.

The students are registered for various programmes within the Business Faculty. The courses involved include ND: Office Management and Techology, ND: Marketing.

Twenty-one students are from Ravensburg University while two students are from Fonty’s University, which are both in Germany.

Three students come from Hogeschool Kaho St Lieven in Aalst, Belgium, while two students are from Carinthia University in Austria.

This year, two B.Tech students from Anhalt University, also in Germany, have joined the Marketing and Project Management Departments for their studies.

Ivan Charles van der Heever, Associate Dean in the Business Faculty, who is also responsible for both staff and student exchange programmes within the Faculty, originally went over to Germany to negotiate MOU’s with the partner institutions that are currently involved.

“The number of students coming to our institution has increased tremendously,” said Van der Heever.

According to Diane Bell, the Exchange Programme coordinator within the Business Faculty, staff exchanges are also regularly taking place, most recently with both Anhalt and Ravensburg universities.

“I was one of two lecturers who went and taught German students at Anhalt University in 2008. We were lecturing students who were doing the International MBA Programme, which is the only completely English programme offered at that university,” said Bell. This particular group of around 20 students which were taught by Hermanus and myself comprised 11 countries world-wide, a truly global class.

Bell said: “The experience of having to deal with other students from various countries was extremely enriching.”

According to Bell international students are “extremely focused “and it is just nice to work with them because they generally love Africa, especially South Africa, and are always positive about everything that hails from our continent”.

Each year German professors visit the Business Faculty and lecture in various departments.

This year, Prof Daniel Nicholas from Anhalt University will join the Marketing Department in February to lecture second year students for two weeks.

The Business Faculty will be sending two third year Marketing students to Belgium in order to complete their in-service training.

Van der Heever said: “In order for the programme to be a viable exchange, we need to send more students to these overseas universities.”

The Faculty usually sends two BTech students to Germany every year, but the challenge is always communication as many Germans do not speak English.

As from this year, the faculty will send students to complete a basic German course before embarking on the exchange programme.

CPUT students are required to apply to be selected to participate in any international student exchange programme. This entails them submitting a letter of motivation and a comprehensive CV. Their academic results are also taken into account as well as various other factors.

Bell said: “We try and send deserving students as there is a strong developmental component to these exchanges. Sometimes the selected student may never have flown in an airplane before.”

In October, the Faculty is sending two staff members to Anhalt University.

“My vision has always been that staff should be given an opportunity to network with colleagues abroad while students are getting an opportunity to study.

“Hopefully, we’ll create lots of opportunities for staff and students this year. Staff need to be able to broaden their horizons,” concluded Van der Heever.

By Andiswa Dantile

Photograph: Some of the students participating in the Business Faculty’s international exchange programmes.

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT’s CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Milling, and Mobile Robotics teams are gearing themselves for the coveted first prizes at the World Skills Competition (WSC) which is currently underway in France and Germany.

CPUT CNC Milling and Mobile Robotics teams have their eyes fixated at being the first teams from the institution to do so.  Vuyani Moni, a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering said the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is sending two teams from CPUT, one to Leonberg, Germany and another to Bordeaux, France to participate in World Skills Competition.  CPUT teams are participating in CNC milling and Mobile Robotics skills in Germany and France, respectively.

This comes after the CPUT competed in the national competition that was held in Durban in June this year where the gold medallists were sent to participate in an international world skills competition.

The Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering recently hosted a send-off ceremony for the two teams at Bellville Campus. Simphiwe Nqabisa, HOD: Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, said: “As the department we are very proud of our students, we are proud that we can send students to Europe. Go there and represent the department, institution, and your country, we are proud of you.”

Prof Suresh Ramsuroop, (Acting) Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, said he was hoping for more participation in the future. “Thank you so much for the effort and sacrifice that you have made to represent the country,” enthused Ramsuroop.

Laeeq Jefferies, a Mechatronics Engineering final-year student, said: “The journey to get to where I am today was not easy, it took a lot of discipline, commitment and hard work. Despite all challenges that you are faced with, you have to keep your head up and have a positive outlook in order to overcome all these challenges along the way.”

Mikhail Solomons, who will be graduating with his Advanced Diploma in Mechatronics, said his journey was quite challenging thus far. “Having to manage the workload of completing Mechatronics, while doing additional activities outside my course such as the World Skills Competition. I do believe that I am self-motivated and that is what keeps me going.” 

Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering Lecturer, Dr Fareed Ismail, was “extremely” happy to see what was happening. “When you go overseas you will realise that you are top dogs because you are streetwise. You are making us proud. I am so excited. May you do your best.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Department of Maritime Studies recently hosted Prof Benedict Knud, a Hochschule Wismar, University of Applied Sciences (HSW) representative, for the Erasmus Plus Euro-ZA Capacity building project in the field of Maritime education.

Samantha Montes, Department of Maritime Studies: Senior Maritime Instructor, Survival Centre, says the primary goal of the Erasmus+ capacity building project in Maritime Education and Training (MET) that is currently taking place between the six participating maritime universities is to develop systems processes to aid the development of Maritime Education and Training. “The objective is to develop a clear mapping of the focus areas that each institution needs to modify to have a recognised curriculum amongst the six institutions,” Montes explains.

Knud delivered three guest lecturing sessions at the Granger Bay campus. ​

The three lectures were on:

• Life & Study - global tendencies and individual aspects for beginner students" (referring to a sample of the EURO ZA project).
• Life & Study - Global Picture and the Role of Simulation in Maritime Studies and Ship Operation" – From Wooden Ship Models to Fast Time Simulation Systems - (referring to a sample of EURO ZA project)
• The role of Simulation in Maritime studies and ship operation - Demonstration of Fast Time Simulation SAMMON and ARROW tool" (referring to a sample of EURO ZA project).

Knud says the reason specifically for the meetings is “our partnership in the EURO ZA project where three universities from Europe and three from South Africa (CPUT, Durban University of Technology and Nelson Mandela University) are working together to improve the maritime education and training – exchanging information about their curricula and equipment and contributing with lectures. “Therefore, I delivered three presentations here at CPUT to students and lecturers,” he remarks.

Reflecting on his visit, Knud says: Cape Town is a beautiful city – even under Covid-19 impact. And the lectures and meetings were perfectly organised. So, it has been great…”

“They manage the campus and the Maritime Education & Training so well, even under difficult conditions in South Africa with less money than in Europe. And most of all, the friendliness of the people and to even feel the joy of life even under complicated conditions due to Covid-19.”

Montes adds that the project comprises six partner universities from Finland, Germany, the United Kingdom and South Africa. “The benefit to CPUT Department of Maritime Studies is the introduction to simulation as a research tool with special reference to:  

• Ship’s dynamic for efficient manoeuvres (this is using the SAMMON planning software tool)
• Avoiding dangerous rolling and other wave effects in heavy weather (this is using the ARROW software tool).”

She says Prof Knud has a very engaging YouTube channel that is highly informative and offers case studies of maritime casualties and routine ship handling.  “To see one of his lectures in person was most beneficial to the students because it allowed them to engage directly with him and his experience. As an experienced seafarer, I found the philosophical approach to simulation most intriguing; this is a concept I had not considered previously.”

Montes enjoyed that the two disciplines of studies in the department (Marine Engineering and Nautical Science) were exposed to the same lectures and that they understood that their actions onboard a ship could not be seen as not impacting other areas of seafaring.  “For every action, there is a reaction. This also illustrates the need for effective communication and teamwork (Engine Room Management, Bridge Team Management).”

She was also impressed by the “depth of knowledge and that the ideas were unique” and how Knud “developed the software and the concepts”.  In his message to the CPUT community, Knud says: “I do wish you all the best for the future – overcoming the drawbacks due to Covid-19 constraints and the respective problems in shipping currently existing.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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A Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) delegation recently visited the Institution to establish contact with the Research Directorate and get an overview of how research is managed at CPUT.

At the meeting, CPUT was represented by Dr David Phaho – Deputy-Vice Chancellor Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Elisha Chiware- Director of Library Services, Dr Hester Burger – Manager of unit of Research Integrity, Research Directorate. Dr Patricia Smit – Manager: Research Capacity Development and Dr Nelisiwe Maleka – Manager: Research Uptake Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships.

Burger said the purpose of the meeting was two-folded:

• To introduce the work that DSI does with research offices, particularly on the relationship between South Africa and Europe and the collaboration in science and innovation research
• To enlighten DSI about the research areas at CPUT and activities currently running between CPUT and Europe.

At the meeting, the DSI stated that they aim to create contact with the Research Directorate to arrange information sessions.  The department also advised that there are bilateral consortiums on research initiatives with European countries other than bilateral calls, e.g., the Consortium of Minerals and Water in Germany and Austria.  DSI coordinates South African-European-funded projects. Annual joint committee meetings are chaired by the DSI Director General (DG) and European Commission DG.

On behalf of the DIS delegation, Dr Toto Matshediso stated that it’s very important for South African institutions of higher learning to use these consortiums to forge bilateral cooperation to access information about research initiatives and that the interest is in spin-off companies.

Representatives provided a comprehensive overview of how CPUT manages its research and innovation activities. Meanwhile, the DSI highlighted how CPUT is delivering on its mandate, not just in teaching and research, but also in innovation for the benefit of the people of South Africa, citing the successful launch of the three nanosatellites in January 2022 as an example. “The [DSI]colleagues were well informed about our activities, and they wanted to inform us about existing and emerging opportunities for research and innovation funding, especially from the European Union for CPUT researchers, specifically young and emerging researchers,” Phaho said.

He added that the end goal was to establish a single point of entry within the Research Directorate at CPUT, where opportunities for funding and collaborations managed by the DSI through bilateral agreements with other countries can be communicated to the broader CPUT Research and Innovation community. “The benefit of CPUT is an opportunity for our researchers (including academics, students and postdocs) to be informed in real-time on existing and new opportunities for funding, partnerships and mobility as they become available through the DSI.”

The meeting provided insights on research, strategic initiatives, and funding opportunities available through DSI. “Both CPUT and DSI agreed on strengthening the skills development of CPUT postgraduate students, participation of postgraduate students in exchange programmes, and European science forum. The engagements will continue, and some action points will be executed,” Burger said.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

Department of Biotechnology and Consumer Science lecturers Theloshni Govender and Enid Hinrichsen-Swart recently collaborated with Germany’s FH Münster University of Applied Sciences, Department of Food Nutrition Facilities.

This collaboration aims to create a global partnership and foster relationships with FH Münster University to attract international students. Govender and Hinrichsen-Swart, who is now retired, made their presentation during a five-day online seminar. The seminar was presented to 48 German students completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics and Nutrition Science.

The topic presented was food science and nutritional perspective on functional foods like South African maize flour.

The seminar consisted of nine modules and four food practicals incorporating maize meals in South African/German cuisine, presented by Govender and Hinrichsen-Swart.

“This opportunity allowed us to share our expertise in Food Science and Nutrition with an international audience… Our end goal is to build a long-lasting relationship with FH Munster University, thus creating future social interactions and educational opportunities for CPUT staff and students,” Govender continues.

“This international collaboration allowed me to showcase my knowledge and passion for South African maize meal and its nutritional and culinary versatility… I was very impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment showed by the German students to learn about the South African maize meal and culture.”

Hinrichsen-Swart says: “This international collaboration allowed me to showcase my knowledge and experience with the process of recipe development, sensory evaluation principles and the application of a food safety management system… I was very impressed with the positive attitude the German students showed towards learning about something new to them, such as the adaptation of recipes to include South African maize meal with the addition of a functional ingredient.”

Govender also reveals that there will be a rotation between lectures within the Department of Biotechnology and Consumer Science to participate in this project to ensure everyone has an opportunity to share their expertise. “Our students will also be able to learn from this international collaboration. These opportunities will allow the CPUT community to share their expertise and passion with a global audience,” Govender enthused.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

The Department Biotechnology and Consumer Sciences recently gave a fond farewell to two exchange students from the Department of Food – Nutrition – Facilities at the FH Muenster University of Applied Sciences, Germany who spent about four months in the department.

Consumer Sciences: Food and Nutrition Lecturer, Raché Hanekom, said the department was pleased to have hosted Litha Lorenz and Freya Linnig as exchange students from February until June this year. The exchange was based on the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department Biotechnology and Consumer Science and the Department of Food – Nutrition – Facilities at the FH Muenster University of Applied Sciences.

 Lorenz and Linnig participated in the Food Production and Service Operations 2 and Food: Science and Practice 3 subjects. The pair successfully completed large scale production days, working alongside the Programme’s second-year students.

 Hanekom said: “It has been an absolute pleasure working with Ms Lorenz and Ms Linnig. Their willingness to learn, share knowledge and skills, and participate in all academic activities are commendable.” Prof Maretha Opperman, Head of the Functional Foods Research Unit, said the students were the second FH Muenster exchange student group visiting the Department which shows the commitment between the universities to make the exchange a success.  “This exchange programme is valuable to our department as it creates opportunities for future research collaboration as well as international benchmarking.”

Second- year student, Oyena Dlwengu, said at first, she thought Litha was just here to study and return to Germany, but she [Litha] became like a schoolmate to her.  “It was amazing working with Litha as she offered unique perspectives and ideas to assist with group practicals. Despite the social differences and language barrier, Litha worked well with us and demonstrated a positive and enthusiastic approach towards the subject. It was a pleasure working with her.”

Another second- year student, Alistor Rossouw, said it was enjoyable to work with Freya in a group. “I learnt some fascinating facts about Germany. She is an imaginative person and always had solutions for challenges in a practical laboratory. Freya is one of those people who has a diligent mindset that will always work towards her goal.”

In a joint statement, the German students said they “totally” enjoyed their stay in Cape Town. “The cultural immersion, educational opportunities, and warm hospitality of the South African people made it a truly memorable experience. We also had the chance to collaborate with students of the Department Biotechnology and Consumer Science, gaining valuable insights and different perspectives. The academic staff were knowledgeable and passionate about their subject.” The Programme Consumer Science: Food and Nutrition is looking forward to future collaboration, in line with the CPUT 2030 vision of Internationalisation and hosting three more exchange students in Semester 1 of the 2024 academic year.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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CPUT recently hosted a German and Namibian delegation for a series of strategic workshops. These workshops were aligned with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Community Engagement in the Southern Africa Region (CESAR) project, which contextualises the following fields of action: Teaching, Research and Management. Social Entrepreneurship initiatives are explored through project partnerships with industry and communities as linked to the following three United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation
• SDG 7 Affordable and clean energy
• SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities

International partnerships are becoming increasingly critical as a means to address global issues posed by the SDGs. Therefore, the CESAR project seeks to address challenges experienced by communities in Namibia, South Africa and Germany through collaborative partnerships as aligned to SDG 17 which focuses on partnerships for the achievement of all the goals.  Support for local communities takes priority within the Southern African context through the exchange of ideas, knowledge sharing, skills development, and practical and experiential community engagement projects in communities.

A trans-disciplinary team, comprised of staff from the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST) and Flensburg University of Applied Science (FUAS), were selected to engage in capacity-building workshops and knowledge exchange activities through teaching, research and management. Prof Dr Kay Pfaffenberger, Director at the Centre for Business and Technology in Africa, (FUAS), is the overall DAAD CESAR project leader. Pfaffenberger alluded to the critical need for partnerships to address global environmental issues and was extremely impressed by the effective and efficient efforts of the project team during the workshop and expressed his sincere appreciation to the CPUT hosts. At NUST, the project is led by, Dr Laudika Kandjinga and at CPUT the project resides within the Service-Learning and Civic Engagement (SLCE) Units, led by Jacqui Scheepers.

“CESAR contributes to strengthening community partnerships and collective problem-solving. The partnership provides opportunities to engage community and industry partners and the various spheres of government to find innovative impactful solutions towards improvement in communities. CESAR seeks to lay a firm foundation for the development of a Centre for Community Engagement at the NUST which can monitor envisaged projects. A SDG Engaged Research Forum will provide further support for collaborative research projects even after the runtime of the project. The responsibility for project continuation will lie with the respective universities and their respective partners post project,“ said Scheepers, Manager: SLCE.

At the workshops, the team members took turns in facilitating and presenting on the various aspects and topics which strengthened the participation and inclusion of all institutions in the programme.

“This was surely a beautiful experience ... beautiful because of the trans-disciplinary project team working towards one goal and that being to contribute and impact our communities at large. It afforded me opportunities to engage with individuals from Germany as well as Namibia, to share ideas and contextualise aspects related to the project. Further to this, it also aligned and added to my international project management portfolio which links to my current postgraduate studies in project management. Working in silos is something of the past and the need for national and international partnerships must be encouraged for the growth of our University“,  said David Haarhoff, CESAR project support and researcher, CPUT.  Haarhoff works closely with Martin Kuhn, Scientific Assistant, FUAS and Theresa Burns, SL Administrator, CPUT.

During the strategic planning workshops, the delegation critically addressed challenges and opportunities in line with the project deliverables. The delegates also visited a community site, the Ulwazi ‘Knowledge“ Educare Centre, in Delft. The centre provides preschool education for children up to six (6) years of age. The educare was built with 1 700 old car tyres, 6 000 eco-bricks and 2 000 glass bottles. Both delegations were extremely impressed by the architecture and creativity of the building with sustainability and alternative construction methods being high on the agenda. The SLCE Units arranged for Gift of the Givers to bring grocery items for the children’s meals, snacks and care items for the young children. The principal and staff expressed their appreciation to Gift of the Givers, CPUT, and the international delegation.

The project spans over three years, ending in a comprehensive report in 2027. From 22 – 24 July 2024 the three DAAD CESAR project leaders from FUAS, NUST and CPUT will represent the project at the DAAD Project Leader Conference “Educating tomorrow's leaders to pioneer sustainable development – the role of academia” in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

At present, DAAD is funding 103 partnership projects that connect German universities with relevant partner institutions in developing countries in Africa. 

Further project planning session are scheduled to take place in September 2024 at NUST and in November 2024 the delegation will be back at CPUT. These project planning workshops will ensure that the desired project deliverables are achieved.

Written by CPUT News
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