The Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS), Prof Paul Green, recently hosted a delegation from Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Management Sciences, led by the Executive Dean, Dr Edgar Nesamvuni.

The purpose of the meeting was to establish SMART engagements and collaboration between the universities. In the higher education environment where resources have been dwindling, both Deans expressed the intention to build partnerships to leverage each other’s strengths as an avenue for growth.

The meeting followed an open agenda with Green showcasing the FBMS, using the faculty video, followed by a presentation from Nesamvuni.

In the discussions that ensued, similarities in programmes, challenges with supervision capacity, strategies to improve staff qualifications and third-stream income generation were shared.

Both parties concurred that the meeting was beneficial and that further collaboration would follow. Green and Nesamvuni agreed to pursue a Memorandum of Agreement as a next step to formalise the engagement between the two universities.

Written by CPUT News
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Prof Paul Green, Dean: Faculty of Business and Management Sciences raves about the students who developed an app to help in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and achieved a second place in League 4 in the 2022 Enactus South Africa Competition held at Sandton Convention Centre.

The Enactus competition is an annual inter-university event among the 26 universities in South Africa (SA) where the ultimate winner goes on to represent South Africa against all other countries in the world at the global finals in the USA. Green said Enactus is an international non-profit organisation based in Springfield, Missouri. He says it is an international social entrepreneurship project presentation competition for university students, initially named Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE).

“The aim is to get students excited about community engagement, socio-economic upliftment, and free market economy and to immerse them in the role of entrepreneurs and companies within the market economy. These are all aligned with the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said.”

Team CPUT competed in the fourth league (there are four leagues, and the University competes in the league drawn) as a semi-finalist and team CPUT won the second prize trophy for their community-based project named “4All” an App developed in addressing GBV, especially in the low economic area of Elsies River as a pilot project. “This in itself is a huge feat for team CPUT, gauging from the limited time and resources that were available to the team for its preparation for the competition,” Green enthuses.

He adds: “The students’ project is topical in today’s socio-economic ills we witness in our society. It brings 21st century skills and the CPUT Graduate Attributes from the classroom into practice within our communities.”

The team members are Mpho Serepo, a second-year student: Diploma in Accountancy, Vivian Boyce, second-year student in Construction Management, Tshifhiwa Mudau, third-year in Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Science, Thabo Ntshabele, in-service trainee in Electrical Engineering, Zuma Noluthando, third-year, Chemical engineering, Walusungu Kaira, Master’s student in Chemical Engineering, Sabelo Mashinini, third-year in Industrial Engineering, Tanyaradzwa Hove, Bachelor of Technology Honours in Electrical Engineerin and Akhani Sopangisa second-year, Civil Engineering.

Mpho, the project leader, says: “I am very happy about the achievement and I also feel the need for CPUT to invest in such an organisation that will not only change the students’ lives but the lives of the country, or maybe the world at large.” She said their project is called 4All because it caters for everyone regardless of their class, race, sexuality and age, “also because it’s designed to help combat every type of violence (mental, physical, sexual)”.

“The aim of the project is to help in combating GBV.”

This project is an App that has a panic button that alerts the listed next of kin, community volunteers, police, and ambulance in case of emergency. It also has the social feature that allows the user to talk to the social worker or a psychologist. “It has the legal feature where one can get advice from a lawyer and also be guided on the necessary steps to open a case, news feed page, where the user will get updates about the GBV statistics in their surrounding area. Anything recorded on the app will be used as an electronic police statement. “This an App that will assist the SAPS in case of dockets theft ...”

Mpho added that it took hard work, dedication, discipline, and a few sleepless nights for them to achieve their feat.

“4All is an App developed in addressing GBV, through the enthusiasm of Team CPUT in their quest to address socio-ills in their communities, and their task was tackled with benevolence. The App addresses real societal challenges in the now, it’s relevant. GBV is a real serious problem, we need to celebrate women and children day every day and not only once a year, that is inclusive with the LGBT+, but it is also paramount to me, that is a serious scourge in need of remedial action, indeed a serious topic for the CPUT community at large,” Green added.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Modelling Africa out of poverty requires understanding in its historical, social, political and economic contexts as it is multidimensional and difficult to measure.

This is the view of Prof Jonathan Makuwira, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Malawi University of Science and Technology. On Monday, Makuwira was delivering the keynote speech during the 5th International LAMIPISA Conference hosted by CPUT’s Department of Management & Project Management.

He argued that the criminality of poverty cannot only be seen in the lack of materials, food and shelter but also in the social and public institutions. “It is so subtle that one can hardly notice its violence, poverty is not only violence but also a crime against humanity.”

He added that while African states gained independence as a result of efforts of ordinary people, rather than political elites, who were fighting for their rights this objective was later replaced by the concept of development.

“Their poverty became the main problem of development .Therefore the Africans were problematized – the solution? Development! ”

Held under the theme “Modelling Africa out of chronic poverty”, the three-day conference is a melting pot of multi-disciplinary research and industry practices, encouraging global networking.

Prof Paul Green, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, said joblessness was the biggest challenge facing the country’s democratic government.

“The failure of the economy to match the growing labour force to job opportunities is a structural and fundamental problem,” argued Green. “The problem is further exacerbated by an economy characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity.”

He added that when using the Gini-coefficient measure, inequality increased from 0.64 in 1995 to 0.69 in 2005, although it did improve to 0.65 in 2010/11. He, however, was excited about the future.

“In Industry 4.0 we are entering an era of tremendous opportunities and innovation is the key to sustainability, empowerment and growth in small business, digitisation and technology.”                                    

Written by Kwanele Butana
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The Hospitality Management students who excelled academically in 2017 walked away with a total of R1 478 100 in bursaries, vouchers and prizes during the Hotel School Awards.

The glitzy ceremony was held at the Cape Town Hotel School this week and saw the school’s academic giants bagging bursaries to the value of R1 445 550, as well as R32 550 in vouchers for books and weekend getaways at local hotels.

The bursaries are funded by successful establishments in the industry including Tsogo Sun Hotels, Cape Liquor and Catering Trade Educational Trust as well as Protea Hotels by Marriot.

Thembisile Molose, the hotel school’s director, said the monetary value of the bursaries is a vote of confidence in the school’s work by industry captains and expressed his gratitude to the school’s advisory board.

Prof Paul Green, Dean of Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, said other departments should take a leaf from the school’s management and learn how to attract such financial and other support from industry.

The biggest winner of the evening was a third-year student, Jonathan Prithiviraj, who was awarded a scholarship to study abroad.

Jonathan clinched the very prestigious University College Birmingham Scholarship to complete his fourth year of study at the college in Birmingham. Valued at approximately R350 000, the scholarship is awarded to the best academic student that can succeed in the overseas environment.

Jonathan will commence his studies in Birmingham in September and he says he is nervous and excited about his upcoming stay overseas.

“I hope to learn and develop personal skills,” he said.

He added that since hearing about the scholarship during his first year, it had been a goal that he had been aiming to achieve.

“I was Head Student Representative for three years, which I used as a stepping stone to craft my leadership skills as I worked as liaison between the lecturers and staff,” he said. “I always gave 100% of what I could in whatever I did.”

The school’s alumnus Prince Chirwa, who is now Guest Experience Manager at the Twelve Apostles Hotel, advised the students to be alert to the opportunities presented to them by the industry and make most of them.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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The Department of Business and Information Administration (BIA) recently hosted industry partners and community organisations during an exciting networking event at the Cape Town Hotel School.

The event presented an opportunity for engagement as well as for valuable contributions by industry and community organisations.

Guests were welcomed by the programme director for the day and senior lecturer in the Department, Mandie Richards, who introduced the keynote speaker, Prof Paul Green, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences.

The keynote address was titled: Connecting for the Future, on a Quest for Success within the South African context.

Green told the partners that their input was extremely important, adding that their valued contributions, including to the content of the curriculum “remains continuously relevant to us”.

“The social impact of this partnership will have far-reaching benefits, not only for our graduates but also for communities as well as the economy.”

Green said the BIA Department engages in various innovative practices, which respond to the needs of society and enhances the students’ analytical skills.

He said that in this ever-changing world it was essential to stay ahead and prepare students for success.

“As a faculty we are also aware that to remain relevant and to be in touch with industry, we need to continuously review our curriculum. “

He thanked the partners and the organisers for the engagement.

Charlton Brandt an alumnus who now works as Business Specialist: Data Management and Analysis at Old Mutual Limited, delivered a talk on the value of a vision.

The day also included an overview of the department as well its work integrated learning, community engagement and service-learning components. This was followed by a panel discussion, titled Reflections for Success, which touched on several topics including job readiness and the future of work.

The discussion was facilitated by Alesimo Mwanga, Executive Director, PAWA Africa, and chair of the BIA Advisory Committee and the panellists were: Yolande Jacobs, Human Resources Executive Director, World Wildlife Fund; Carla Stewart, Marketing Manager; Leliebloem House: Youth and Child Care Centre; Zikhona Madubela, Founder, In2ChangeLearning; Beverley Dankers, Deputy Dean, Student Development and Support, Cornerstone Institute and Celiwe Mabaleka, Registrar, Western Cape Government, College of Emergency Care.

Head of Department, Prof Visvanathan Naicker, thanked the speakers and panellists for their valuable contribution to the event and everyone who attended for making the symposium a success.

‘I’m confident that the takeaways from the symposium will further deepen our thinking and stimulate the department’s work in future.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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The Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS) recently hosted its 6th Annual Diversity webinar.

This year’s theme was: Disrupting the Status Quo: Networks to Enable Employability. The webinar brought together various role players who have disrupted the status quo and thought outside of the box. “Their narratives highlighted the importance of creating and exploring networks to enable employability which then enhances entrepreneurship, and thus breaks the cycle of poverty, and contributes towards economic sustainability,” said senior lecturer, Mandie Richards, who is the faculty’s co-ordinator for transformation and social cohesion

Dean of the Faculty, Prof Paul Green, said the world as we know it has changed and with the change comes a need for thinking differently.

“When one envisages breaking the status quo, it requires a different mindset at a very high level, at a board level, as to not only imagine the future but strategic ways in achieving the goals and in the process providing opportunities to ensure that various communities, both urban and rural are advantaged. Academic institutions like ours have a pivotal role to play and should be preparing students by creating an environment which stimulates students so that they change their mindset as to how they become employable or find opportunities so that they are creators of employment.”

The speakers were: Gerhart Wiencke, owner of Urban Oasis, Vusi Vokwana, founder and director for Kasi Catalyst and FBMS students, Aviwe Jacobs, Phindile May and Mzovuyo Mabandla who are business partners in Urban Tshisanyama.

“As the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences strives towards creating futures for students, we are continuously engaged in curriculum renewal and aligning to 21st century skills and integrating skills which contribute towards graduate attributes and employability. The harsh realities of unemployment, however, requires a shift in focus as to how we engage and for the creation of networking opportunities,” said Richards.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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The Centre for Tourism Research in Africa recently hosted the 7th International Conference (ICTR) on Tourism Research which served as a vital platform for scholars, researchers, practitioners, and industry experts from around the world to converge and engage in meaningful dialogue on the multifaceted field of tourism at the iconic Cape Town Hotel School.

The participants came from 22 countries. In person attendance included delegates from Canada, Portugal, Nigeria, Poland, Tanzania, Australia, India, USA, Germany, Qatar, Turkey and South Africa. Virtual attendees included participants from Brazil, Bulgaria, Oman, Italy, Finland, Peru, Vietnam, Cyprus, Sri Lanka and Austria. On the first day, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof Rishidaw Balkaran, provided the welcoming address and said: “Welcome to you…Thank you very much, I am looking forward to the presentations, all the best, please have fun at the same time, enjoy Cape Town. Colleagues online I wish you well as well.”

Dean: Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS), Prof Paul Green, opened the second day of the conference, and said: “We are thrilled to embark on this journey of exploration, collaboration, and innovation in the realm of tourism. Today's event promises to be a captivating odyssey, as we delve into the multifaceted landscapes of tourism across various streams. Our agenda is thoughtfully curated to offer insights, provoke discussions, and inspire actionable ideas for the advancement of tourism research and practice…

“Thank you for joining us on this exhilarating journey. Let's ignite the flames of discovery and innovation together!” Amongst the keynote speakers were:

• Dr Kamilla Swart, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar: The Future of the Olympic Games - When will it be Africa’s turn?
• Prof Kaitano Dube, Vaal University of Technology: Opportunities and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Tourism and Hospitality Research.
• Prof Ike Ezeuduji, University of Zululand: Bleisure Travel Reimagined: Implications for Research.
• Prof Catheryn Khoo, Torrens University, Australia: Contested HIStory: Representation in HERitage Tourism.

Swart said presenting at the ICTR was a rewarding experience, with valuable exchanges that enriched “my perspective on global tourism trends and research while at the same time highlighting perspectives from the global South”.

The Programme Chair, Dr Chris Hattingh-Niekerk, who is also a Senior Lecturer: Event Management, said the conference sought to foster a collaborative environment that encourages the exchange of cutting-edge research, innovative ideas, and best practices in the realm of tourism. Hattingh-Niekerk said through its diverse range of sessions and presentations, this conference aimed “to advance our understanding of the complex dynamics within the tourism industry, explore emerging trends and challenges, and develop sustainable solutions.”

By bringing together a global community of experts, he said the conference not only promoted knowledge dissemination but also facilitated networking opportunities and interdisciplinary collaborations. “Ultimately, the International Conference on Tourism Research played a pivotal role in shaping the future of tourism by promoting research-driven insights that can enhance the industry's resilience, sustainability, and positive impact on local communities and economies.”

Throughout the conference, there were vibrant discussions on various topics, including the importance of sustainable tourism practices in mitigating environmental impact, the role of technology in enhancing visitor experiences, and strategies for preserving cultural heritage while promoting tourism. Prof Catheryn Khoo from Torrens University in Australia, whose research on “Contested HIStory: representation in HERitage tourism” sparked an interesting debate around how tourism places have traditionally privileged certain men’s (white, heterosexual, masculine) travel experience.

“As the host of the conference, I was particularly struck by the diverse range of perspectives and innovative approaches shared by participants. Witnessing the exchange of ideas and the collective commitment to advancing responsible and sustainable tourism practices reinforced the importance of such gatherings in driving positive change within the industry,” Hattingh-Niekerk remarked.

He added that hosting an international conference showcased the FBMS’ commitment to academic excellence. “It demonstrates our institution's ability to convene leading experts, researchers, and scholars from around the world, creating a platform for the exchange of groundbreaking ideas and research findings.”

Hattingh-Niekerk continued: “The decision to host the 7th ICTR in Cape Town, South Africa, was not only an opportunity to advance The Centre for Tourism Research in Africa and CPUT's academic standing but also a chance to bolster our country's reputation as a leading destination for research, innovation, and sustainable tourism practices.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS), Prof Paul Green, recently heaped praise on a celebration of academic achievement, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence by the CPUT staff members and students who have completed the SAP S/4 HANA course as well as candidates from our industrial partner Shoprite.

Green was speaking at the SAP S/4 HANA graduation ceremony, recently organised by the Centre for Enterprise Research Partnership and Innovation in Africa (CERPiA) and the Advancement Department and held at the Cape Town Hotel School. “It is with great pleasure that we gather here today to honour the dedication and hard work of our graduating students who have successfully completed their SAP S/4 HANA certification under the auspices of the Centre for Enterprise Research, Partnership, and Innovation in Africa (CERPIA),” said Green.

CERPIA is an institutional centre established by Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo. CERPIA through CPUT is a member of the SAP University Alliance (UA) since 2009, which seeks to transfer theoretical and practical scarce digital business systems skills to university students in preparation of entering the job market. These digital business systems skills are driven by Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) principles using SAP Software as a tool. CERPIA education partners are SAP University Alliance, University Competent Centre (UCC) and the industry partners.

CERPIA SAP education manager and trainer, Jerry Ansen, said the purpose of these courses was to equip student and staff with the knowledge and skills required to effectively use SAP software for managing business operations and processes. Ansen added that the courses are for students and staff to master SAP ERP skills, and enhance their digital business skills and to enhance students employability.

He said BANKSETA sponsored 38 students of which 31 graduated and ETDPSETA sponsored 29 staff of which 23 graduated. The SAP programmes were introduced to CPUT by Ansen, and he has been the pillar behind the skills development of staff and students since 2009.

All students are welcome to attend the courses as there is no selection criteria, “We depend on funding for students from Advancement Department”. “Graduates get to learn 21st-century ICT digital skills, be empowered to take current job opportunities and be competitive in the market space.” Addressing the graduates, Ansen said: “Congratulations!! And I wish you all the best in your professional digital business skills careers.”

31 CPUT students graduated from SAP S4 HANA in:

• Human Capital Management
• Financial Accounting
• Materials Management
• Master Data Management
• Project Management

There were three staff members in SAP S/4 HANA – TS410 and eight candidates from Shoprite Group ltd and SAP S/4 HANA- Materials Management. CERPIA, as the driving force behind advancing digital business skills, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of “our students and the broader community,” Green remarked. “As part of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences… We are committed to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen fields.”

He added that through the FBMS integration of SAP skills into their curricula and the provision of certifications, “we empower our students to stand out in a highly competitive industry”. “This strategic focus on SAP not only enhances graduate employability but also ensures that our students are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the digital economy. It is this emphasis on practical, industry-relevant skills that makes our graduates more marketable and sought after by employers.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The inaugural Food Security Colloquium served as a platform for meaningful dialogue, signalling CPUT's commitment to addressing food insecurity and fostering a supportive environment for all students.

The event was hosted by the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) and the Centre for Diversity, Inclusivity and Social Change (CDISC) and the theme was: Adopting and Institutional approach to food security.

Dean of Student Affairs, Nonkosi Tyolwana, emphasised the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to tackle the issue of hunger, adding that studies that had been conducted on the topic had few solutions in terms of mitigating the problem.

She said that according to a HEMIS study, more than 60 percent of CPUT students come from indigent families.

There were currently 976 requests from students for food.

She added that the Institutional Transformation Forum, led by Prof Paul Green, had done “pioneer work” and developed the food security concept (immediate and short-term focus).

Mancom approved the concept in 2020 and requested the DSA to lead and coordinate it in collaboration with a number of internal partners.

The Vice-Chancellor constituted the Institutional Food Security Committee, chaired by Prof Joseph Kioko, to ensure that a longer and sustainable approach to address student hunger is institutionalised.

Tyolwana outlined the purpose of the event, which included, among others, gathering information from the CPUT community on solutions to the immediate challenge of food insecurity with immediate, short and long-term solutions; to discuss interventions aimed at reducing food insecurity and to discuss holistic approaches to integrating food security across the university to enhance impact.

Keynote addresses by Green and Kioko highlighted the gravity of food insecurity, not just at CPUT but nationwide. Green highlighted commendable past initiatives such as food gardens and departmental food drives and stressed the need for a formalised approach. He proposed a few strategies for discussion including food banks, voucher programmes and nutritional workshops.

Kioko echoed the sentiment, emphasising the importance of food security in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He outlined efforts to address food insecurity, including the acquisition of land near the Wellington Campus as well as a tractor and other implements.

“The aim of buying this was to use it for training agriculture students and whatever is produced by those students can go into feeding themselves and other students.”

The event featured panel discussions on students' experiences with food insecurity and current initiatives to alleviate hunger, as well as a plenary discussion focusing on sustainable solutions.

Key takeaways included the need for project streamlining, including a database of initiatives and a need for a forum to provide structure.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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