The Faculty of Informatics and Design celebrated the success of their Master’s and Doctoral graduates during a robing ceremony on graduation day.

Four Master’s graduates and three Doctoral graduates were honoured during the event where they and their supervisors shared the journey they undertook to graduation day.

Loved ones were given the opportunity to symbolically robe the graduate.

The Information Technology Department’s Prof Johannes Cronjé, said the event also gave the graduates the opportunity to thank their loved ones who supported them during their studies.

Dean of the Faculty of Informatics and Design, Prof Tembisa Ngqondi, encouraged the graduates to continue on the journey of lifelong learning.

The three doctoral graduates were:

Jolanda De Villiers Morkel (Doctor Technologiae: Design), who was supervised by Cronjé. Her study is titled: An Exploration of the student-tutor interaction in the live online architectural design critique.

Emmanuel Udekwe (Doctor of Philosophy: Informatics), who was supervised by Prof Chux Gervase Iwu, Adjunct Prof Andrè Charles de la Harpe and Prof Justine Olawande Daramola. His study is titled: Effective utilisation of human resource information systems in the South African health sector

Ernest Etim (Doctor of Philosophy: Informatics), who was also supervised by Daramola. His study is titled: e-Readiness of the South African informal sector for electronic portal technology support.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Women in the Faculty of Informatics and Design were inspired to unleash their greatness during a recent luncheon.

The event included poetry and music performances and a keynote address by well-known business and human capital strategist, Thandi J Mabena, who spoke about resilience and unity.

Dr Sisanda Nkoala, the Faculty’s Language and Transformation Coordinator, welcomed the attendees and said: “Today is really about celebrating you and your contribution to the faculty”.

Dean of the Faculty, Prof Tembisa Ngqondi, said it was a very special day for the Faculty.

“Unleashing greatness is not something you do in one day. It’s a journey that marks the steps of your success.”

She remembered the women who suffered for the country’s liberation.

“One thing that they had in common was that they were speaking the same voice. They had one vision and one mission. Their one mission was to liberate women in our country.”

She said those women understood the importance of women in a community.

“If we can adopt the solidarity spirit that these women had adopted, for them to be able to cheer each other and making sure that they are actually contributing into the country’s economy and the country’s well-being, we can walk together as one voice as FID and we will make a difference in our university.

She encouraged the women to be change agents.

Mabena, who is also a part-time lecturer at the University of Stellenbosch Business School and an accredited Gallup Strengths Coach with the International Coaching Federation, spoke about resilience and unity.

She said women in academia face several challenges including the multiple roles and responsibilities that they have as well as safety in the workplace.

Mabena encouraged the women to “keep your vision”, even when things were difficult and to start looking after each other.

“When we make mistakes and we fall, learn from your mistakes and avoid self-pity.”

She continued: “Commit to Excellence all the time. Give your best at times. This will train the world to give you the best.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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The Department of Urban and Regional Planning, with the support of the Faculty of Informatics and Design, hopes to make a long-lasting impact on a Langa-based orphan village.

In pursuance of the vision of the institution and faculty, the Dean of the Faculty of Informatics and Design, Prof Tembisa Ngqondi, tasked the department with conceptualising and implementing a humanitarian initiative in the manner of ‘67-minutes for Mandela’.

The resultant initiative is centred on improving the quality of life of 20 children who are housed at the Siyaphambili Orphan Village.

With the backing of the faculty, the department decided to adopt the home to ensure that that the relationship has a long-term impact, particularly in terms of skills development.

Five staff members, an alumnus and 25 urban and regional planning students recently visited the Siyaphambili Orphan Village to deliver various goods, including toiletries, sanitary items, food, clothing, soccer balls and skipping ropes.

They also lent a hand in the preparation of the meals for the children and cleaning the house and the yard.

Lecturer,Kwena Letsoalo said: “This outreach effort serves as a big step towards achieving the objective of forming partnerships between CPUT and communities, and in the process preparing the students for their roles as change agents who enhance the well-being of community members.”

During the handover of the goods, Prof Masilonyane Mokhele, Head of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, said: “As planners, we always strive to improve the conditions of communities, hence we decided to visit the Siyaphambili Orphanage home to share the little that we have. We believe this should not be a one-off event, so today is just the start – we will definitely come back.”

Siphokazi Xameni, the manager and caregiver at the orphanage responded: “Thank you, CPUT. It’s the little things that make a huge difference. I normally tell people that it is not always about material things but just giving your time. You have blown me away because we really need these, and when I spoke to Mzi (Mzingisi Muluse, (Department of Urban and Regional Planning’s Technician), he acted as if it’s something small.”

Dominic Stanford (CPUT Urban and Regional Planning alumnus) was ecstatic and noted: “The outreach initiative was a great success! I believe it provided the students with a sense of purpose. Initiatives like these tie back to the essence of our profession - collaborating and improving the lives of community members. Like the caregiver at the Siyaphambili Orphan Village said, it is not just about giving out material things, but rather about sharing and giving space to the children.”

Speaking on behalf of the third-year students, Siyamthanda Malawana said “We were very touched by this experience as we got to know more about the reasons children are placed in the orphanage. As much as we would have loved to spend more time with the children, we are extremely happy and appreciative of the moments we shared with them.”

Second-year student, Khanyisile Jubeju, said: “Providing a clean, safe and secure place for children is very important and I was honoured to be a part of the visit. I helped clean up the place, and seeing the gratitude was eye-opening. I had an amazing experience. In urban and regional planning, there is an emphasis on working with people and I feel that this was a great way to connect with the community.”

First-year student, Zoleka Malamba was moved by visit.

“I had a medley of emotions flowing through my body. I felt thankful for being part of this initiative. I would like to express my gratitude to the department for such an eye-opening opportunity. From the entire first-year group, our hearts are singing gratitude, Kwande!”

Written by CPUT News
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