Teamwork between the Division of Student Affairs and the Student Representative Council (SRC) culminated to the first ever Institutional Student Parliament (ISP) at CPUT.

The milestone launch of the CPUT Institutional Student Parliament, under the theme: Promoting Transparency and Accountability in Student Governance. was recently held at Bellville Campus. The establishment of ISP reaffirms the University's position on inculcating and institutionalising an ethos of transparency, fairness and accountability in both student governance and institutional governance.

Njabulo Maphumulo, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, said it’s important to note that the ISP was not a body that will replace the SRC and its work, nor is it a creation of an extension of the SRC, “as it has its sole mandate that is to instil and preserve the principles of sound governance, accountability, transparency and efficient service delivery for the benefit and betterment of the greater CPUT community”.

“The objective of the ISP is to promote good governance, responsible citizenship, and ethical leadership at all levels. This milestone initiative demonstrates the University’s commitment to co-governance and interest in leadership development.” The ISP composition consists of the Central and Local Student Representative Council Members, delegates from the political, religious social and civil structures, delegates from the international student and differently abled communities and academic faculty representatives. The interim membership of the parliament amounts to 40 delegates among them, the executives such as the speaker, deputy speaker, secretary and campuses conveners.

Speaking at the launch, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, said: “After years of hard work, grit and sheer determination, our dream came true. A dream that has been unnecessarily deferred or perhaps for far too long... We are brave, curious determined to overcome the odds… It can be done. Nhlapo added that the student parliament will hold the SRC accountable and transparent. “[It serves as an advisory body to the SRC on policy matters, propel CPUT to majestic heights of knowledge vanguard, consciousness, and brotherhood/sisterhood.

“[ISP] keeps the SRC and its substructures accountable, transparent and rooted in the principles and values enshrined in the SRC constitution.”

In his keynote Address: Promoting Transparency and Accountability in Student Governance, Chairperson, Student Services Committee of Council and Council Member, Dr William Mapena, said the aim of the university accountability process should be to guarantee universities maintain the principles and ethical practices that protect the university population. He said the University students' involvement in student governance is an essential prerequisite for constructing a contemporary higher education community and undoubtedly, students play a crucial role in governance as participants. “To maintain their reputation and trustworthiness, student leaders are expected to act responsibly, transparently, and with integrity in the eyes of their constituency. The qualities of student leadership should include vision, respect for the law, transparent management, ethical values, and a sense of social responsibility.”

SRC president, Sinelizwi Notshikila, said the ISP will provide a structured platform for student representatives from different student formations, societies, and various faculties to come together raise and address concerns, shape ways forward and advocate for students interests effectively. “It signifies commitment to democratic principles within our university. The ISP will encourage the active participation in governance, fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership among students towards their academic and social environment.”

The interim selection process consists of the election of delegates by various affiliated student societies and SRC substructures.

The swearing-in of MPs and election of the executive is scheduled for 17 May 2024, which will be followed by a series of training and capacity development sessions in partnership with the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. The interim parliament will be focusing on the foundations of student parliament establishment through the development of rules, regulations and policies governing the body. The ordinary seating will alternate between Chambers of the CPUT Council, City of Cape Town Council and Provincial Legislature.

Maphumulo said: “The launch of the ISP concept was a massive success and significant to our efforts towards ethical leadership, good governance and responsible citizenship.” The launch was attended by the previous SRC presidents with their messages of support. “The student parliament project has long been on the agenda of the University, and this was confirmed through their messages of support as they pledged their support,” said Maphumulo.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) wrapped up Africa month with a celebration at the Granger Bay Campus, including an exhibition of African artifacts.

Guests proudly donned their diverse tradition attires while information sharing about the importance of the Africa Day was also on the agenda.

The DSA’s intention with hosting Africa Day was to commemorate and affirm the Division’s commitment to the CPUT vision 2030, in promoting the ‘oneness and smartness’. Commemorating Africa Day was crucial given that it allowed a platform for conversations. “In our quest to partner with relevant stakeholders to build relationships and enhance strong relationships between local and international students, Africa Day provided a platform to engage on common continental issues, this was done through conversations, exhibitions, learning from each country and providing opportunities that can benefit students and staff,” said Njabulo Maphumulo, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs.

The outdoor festivities included performance by a marimba band, African traditional dance groups and African countries craft stalls and exhibition. There was a screening of the “Preserving Khwe/Xam Heritage, a creative expression.

In his opening address, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, said Africa Day was an exciting annual event where the institution joins other Africans in celebrating the mother continent, its rich resources, its astonishing beauty, and its profound cultural diversity. “This is an important day to us as it gives us a very rare opportunity to reflect and to talk about issues affecting us as Africans. It’s an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to work collectively with other institutions on the continent and promote responsible internationalisation.”

Prof Simphiwe Sesanti from the Faculty of Education, University of the Western Cape, also took to the stage and shared his views on: Contextualising Africa Day and its meaning in the Higher Education Context. There were also messages of support from the diplomatic community, which included Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Angola.

The keynote speaker, Honourable Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister, International Relations and Cooperation, delivered his presentation on celebrating Africa Day through education, innovation and culture”. Alfonce Ngasirmoi from Kenya and Milka Bazeka, a Democratic Republic of Congo native, both shared their experiences of students and staff in a higher education context.

Reflecting on the event, Maphumulo said it was a major success, given that it was a unique project that combined the academic project by the Cape Town Hotel School Hospitality students who showcased their culinary skills as they prepared African cuisine during the day. “The event was further a success as it showcased the rich culture and diversity of our students who displayed their talents through music, traditional dance and cuisine.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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CPUT Libraries, in collaboration with the Department of Student Affairs (DSA), recently joined the global celebration of World Book and Copyright Day under the theme "Read Your Way”.

This annual event is observed worldwide, and it serves as a tribute to the invaluable contributions of books and authors, while also highlighting the importance of copyright protection in fostering creativity and innovation. The World Book and Copyright Day holds profound significance, tracing its roots back to UNESCO's decision in 1995 to commemorate April 23rd as a day of literary celebration. This date was chosen to honour the birth and death anniversaries of renowned authors, including William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, underscoring the universal appeal of literature and its timeless impact on human culture.

At the heart of CPUT's celebration were esteemed guest speakers, dedicated staff, and enthusiastic students, all gathered to partake in a series of enlightening discussions and presentations. Yunus Omar, Library Manager of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, set the tone for the event, emphasising the importance of reading as a transformative force that enriches the mind and broadens the horizon. Njabulo Maphumulo, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, emphasised the importance of cultivating a culture of writing and storytelling, stressing that it is crucial to create avenues where individuals can share their narratives and contribute to the rich tapestry of literature. Maphumulo also highlighted the critical role of access to books in empowering individuals to chart their intellectual journey. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts, such as this event, to bridge the gap and make educational resources more accessible to students.

There were also insightful presentations by guest speakers, Ntombozuko Bota- CPUT alumna and author of a book: A Seed Grown Into Flower and motivational speaker and Musa Tshabangu- first-year student and author, who captivated the audience with their inspiring journeys and invaluable insights into the writing, publishing process, and importance of copyright. With firsthand experience and expertise, they shared practical tips and financial considerations essential for aspiring authors, shedding light on the intricate path from conception to publication. Musa has authored two books, Decision Making and Koke ngaphasi komthunzi welanga kune skhathi sakho.

Under the adept direction of Regina Sikhosana, Library Manager, Faculty of the Engineering and Built Environment, the programme unfolded seamlessly, providing a platform for dialogue, learning, and inspiration. Janine Lockhart, Scholarly Communication and Digitisation Services, extended heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their contributions and commitment to promoting information literacy as a skill taught in libraries to support learning and teaching, and protection of authors’ copyright and intellectual property following the Protection of Personal Information Act.

Ntombekhaya Gwaqa , Marketing Librarian, said the celebration of World Book and Copyright Day was a testament to the institution's unwavering dedication to fostering social cohesion, a culture of reading, learning, and creativity. “Through collaborative endeavours and insightful discourse, it reaffirms the enduring significance of books as vessels of knowledge and the indispensable role of copyright in safeguarding the fruits of human imagination. As we reflect on this commemorative day, let us renew our commitment to cherishing literature, nurturing talent, and upholding the principles of intellectual integrity and cultural diversity.”

Written by CPUT News
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