About 100 final-year students sacrificed their September recess to spend time in lecture halls in preparation for life beyond graduation.

CPUT hosted a four-day Employment Readiness Conference during the recess that aimed to be more than just a series of workshops but a powerful investment in the future of students’ employability.

What started as a two-day workshop by the Co-operative Education Unit quickly grew into a full-scale initiative, thanks to collaboration with the Golden Key International Honour Society, student leader Afika Manjati, and support from the Student Counselling department and external partner ORTSA.

The workshop took place at the Chemical Engineering Auditorium and was conducted by ORTSA’s Wesley Pillay. Students started with foundational skills of CV writing, interview preparation, and strategies to manage job-hunting stress. Pillay then guided them through workplace integration, corporate culture, probation, performance management, and building resilience. Standard Bank concluded the programme with a session on financial literacy, teaching essential skills in saving, investing, and money management. Students were given an opportunity to submit their CVs for review and feedback.

“Programmes of this nature foster a high chance of employability, exposing students to essential skills required in industry. The dedication of students over the week was remarkable; despite the conference taking place during recess, they arrived eager, attentive, and fully engaged. Their responsiveness in discussions, exercises, and practical sessions highlighted not just interest, but a genuine commitment to preparing for the future” says David Haarhoff, Administrator in the Co-operative Education Unit.

The Employment Readiness Conference demonstrated the power of collaboration between university departments, student leaders, and external partners. It equipped students with practical knowledge, personal insight, and the confidence needed to step into the professional world.

Written by CPUT News
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More than 100 of CPUT’s top students have been selected as members of the Golden Key International Honour Society.

Golden Key is a highly exclusive and prestigious international academic honor society and lifetime membership is by invitation only.

Its headquarters are in Atlanta, Georgia, and has 15 partners in South Africa. CPUT is currently the only university of technology with a Golden Key endorsement since 2009.

This year 113 students accepted the invitation and were inducted as members during a ceremony on the Bellville Campus.

The criterion used to select members is academic merit and invitation is extended to the top 15% academic performers across all faculties.

The society inculcates three values in their members - academic achievement, leadership and community service.

Members of the society can enjoy numerous benefits. A large number of Golden Key corporate partners across all industries only recruit from the pool of members as well as exclusive international scholarships programmes.

Golden Key South Africa Director Charlene Gunther commended the students for their hard work and dedication to their studies.

“You are truly world class,” says Gunther.

The new members were awarded certificates, while student Roelien Dippenaar scooped a R2 000 cheque for her outstanding academic performance and leadership skills.

By Kwanele Butana

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT recently hosted a ceremony to recognise and welcome new Golden Key (GK) International Honour Society members from the institution as well as from Eduvos.

GK is the world's largest collegiate honour society, and members may qualify when they are in the top 15 per cent of their class. They have access to a wide range of rewards, scholarships, travel, and study abroad opportunities, among other things.

Cherice Mangiagalli, co-advisor for GK at CPUT, welcomed the guests and said the university was thrilled to have an active chapter and to welcome the new members.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of you for your dedication and hard work that brought you here today. Bravo and congratulations once again.

We hope you will embrace our core values of recognising academic excellence, promoting leadership and serving our community with enthusiasm and commitment. The dedicated staff of the South African Office has worked tirelessly with our chapter to uphold the esteemed standards and mission of Golden Key and we are honoured to have them here to join us today.”

Gillian Cloete, Regional Director of Golden Key, told the new members that they were joining a community of scholars that have proven academic excellence, leadership and service.

“And it's a journey towards greatness.”

She thanked the Student Development Officers Melani-Ann Hara (primary advisor) and Mangiagalli for being mentors and for their outstanding work.

Two honorary members were also recognised.

They are Dr Dorothy Esau, Faculty of Education Learning and Teaching co-ordinator and founder of EduFocusConnect and Zolisa Shokane, an accomplished professional with a wealth of experience in administration, strategic management and education and founder of the Buyile Matiwane Foundation.

The keynote speaker was the Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, Njabulo Maphumulo, who encouraged students to find and embrace their superpowers, make lasting relationships and make purposeful choices.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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