The Executive Management of CPUT is responsible for the management of the institution. The Executive Management consists of the Vice-Chancellor, three Deputy Vice-Chancellors, the Registrar, the Executive Director of Finance as well as the Executive Director in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo was installed as the third Vice-Chancellor of CPUT in 2019. He previously served as the institution’s first Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships in which position he guided the university’s research mandate.

The other members of the Executive Management are:

• Prof Rishidaw Balkaran: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning;
• Dr David Phaho: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships;
• Prof Gilingwe Mayende: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Operations;
• Peter du Plessis: Executive Director: Finance;
• Prof Driekie Hay-Swemmer: Executive Director: Office of the Vice-Chancellor and;
• Sello Simon Mokoena: Registrar

The Executive Management is supported by the Management Committee, which includes the Executive Management Committee members and Deans of Faculties.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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CPUT recently hosted business and industry partners for an engagement session, which provided an opportunity for networking as well as valuable input from stakeholders.

The event was held at the SA Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) and guests were welcomed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof Rishidaw Balkaran, who said the theme for the event was: One Smart CPUT: Engaged with its Critical Stakeholders.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo said the University needs industry partners and members of civil society to achieve the goals set by the institution.

Nhlapo said the key component of a knowledge economy is greater reliance on intellectual capacities and capability than on physical input of natural resources.

He said that if South Africa were to play its role in the knowledge economy space, “it is important that we nurture our relationship with quintuple helix partners”.

“Unfortunately, we have no choice as we can all see the rampant inequality, corruption and poor education standards that continue to impede growth in South Africa. Thus, all of us must contribute.”

Dr David Phaho, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, said CPUT is being proactive in terms of responding to the change in the job market.

“We are working to develop programmes and courses that prepare students for the job market, not just through a regional lens, but a national lens and also a continental and a global lens. We have to make sure that we identify emerging trends and tailor our curricula to meet the needs of industry.”

Prof Lalini Reddy, Director: Community Engagement and Work Integrated Learning (WIL), thanked all the partners and said the university subscribes to the concept of ubuntu.

“We can’t do anything on our own.”

She said the institution appreciated the input from the business and industry partners.

The day included presentations by the WIL coordinators of each faculty as well as an exhibition prepared for the stakeholders.

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 Faculty of Business and Management Sciences’ (FBMS) newly launched state-of-the-art smart classroom is set to redefine the learning, teaching and assessment landscape.

At the launch of the cutting-edge venue, situated on the District Six Campus, Prof Paul Green, Dean of the Faculty, welcomed the attendees and said the innovative space was not merely a room but “a hub designed to transcend traditional boundaries, facilitating a spectrum of academic and collaborative activities.”

“Our collective vision of One Smart CPUT, as envisaged in the Institution’s Vision 2030, has been met with resounding enthusiasm in the FBMS and the action of the faculty expresses that this morning.”

He said the venue had been purposefully designed and would be able to host a myriad of functions including advanced postgraduate classes, webinars, colloquia as well as facilitate hybrid academic events and advisory board meetings, among other things.

“The Faculty of Business and Management Sciences is immensely proud to pioneer this transformative initiative in line with CPUT's ambitious Vision 2030. This smart venue embodies our commitment to excellence in education and serves as a beacon of innovation for the entire institution.”

Attendees were treated to a demonstration of the smart venue’s functions and capabilities.

Prof Rishidaw Balkaran, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, said the facility “creates the conditions for much more production and productivity in terms of our academics”.

He thanked Green and the Faculty for their commitment to the project.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo said what was key about the mission of the institution “is that we are saying CPUT transforms its students through world class researchers who inspire knowledge production and innovation that are cutting-edge”.

Nhlapo said CPUT was ready to be the MIT equivalent in Africa.

He said he anticipated that other faculties would follow suit.

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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CPUT recently hosted a high-level delegation from two German Higher Education Institutions – DHBW Ravensburg and DHBW Karlsruhe.

The aim of the visit, which was held at the Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering (DEECE), was to strengthen relationships between CPUT, DHBW Ravensburg and DHBW Karlsruhe and to engage in further collaboration between the institutions. The visit centred around the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE).

The German delegation consisted of Prof Dr-Ing. Herbert Dreher, President DHBW Ravensburg, Prof Dr-Ing Stephan Schenkel, President DHBW Karlsruhe, Ingela Lundin, International Relations Officer, DHBW Ravensburg, Prof Dr Stephan Sauter, Industrial Engineering, DHBW Ravensburg and Prof Dr Thomas Dobbelstein, International Business, DHBW Ravensburg.

“For us it’s very important that we learn from each other,” said Dreher.

The CPUT delegation consisted of Dr David Phaho, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Prof Rishidaw Balkaran, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching, Prof Judy Peter, Director Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, Prof Veruscha Fester, Assistant Dean: Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, FEBE and several other representatives from the Faculty and from Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships.

Phaho welcomed the delegation and said the university wanted to ensure that it built on already great relationships.

Dobbelstein said his institution already has long-standing ties with the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, which includes, among other things, staff and student exchanges.

The delegation also had the opportunity to visit the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre

Earlier in the month a delegation from The Hague University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands and KU Leuven in Belgium visited CPUT and was also welcomed to DEECE.

The objective of the meeting was to renew the partnership agreement with CPUT in the areas of research, staff, and student exchange, amongst others.

The Dutch and Belgium delegation, which consisted of Sabine Amft (THUAS) Pepijn van Willigenburg, (THUAS) Prof.ir Annick Dexters (KU Leuven) and Albert van Oudheusden (UNSA) were welcomed by Prof Bingwen Yan (Acting) Assistant Dean: Teaching and Learning.

Written by CPUT News

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The Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof Rishidaw Balkaran, recently hosted the Annual Faculty Review of Learning, Teaching and Assessment Practices.

The event marked a significant stride in realising Vision 2030 and the institutional strategic imperatives.

The comprehensive review convened at the Cape Town Hotel School. 

Through interactive presentations and collaborative feedback sessions, Deans, Directors and other institutional stakeholders delved into the current practices with a critical lens for the enhancement of the academic project. 

The annual event is reflective of the collective commitment towards academic excellence.

Written by CPUT News

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CPUT recently hosted business and industry partners for a productive engagement, which also served as a platform to launch the Institutional Industry Advisory Forum.

The Forum will seek to advise on job market trends, as they relate to work-integrated learning, future-proof curricula, research and innovation.

The event, held at the Cape Town Hotel School on the Granger Bay campus, provided valuable opportunities for networking while some of the cutting-edge research conducted at CPUT was also showcased.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo said cooperation in research development and innovation between universities and industries plays a fundamental role in the economic development of any country.

“Industry benefits from state-of-the-art laboratories and technology from academia, while higher education institutions learn about business reality and market needs.”

Prof Dina Burger, Director: Research Development, said the event was a significant day and milestone on the calendar for the CPUT community.

Burger said one of the university’s focus areas is smart engagement and strong links with quintuple helix partners.

“A partnership between us will take us far, and today we will solidify our commitment to partnerships in launching the institutional industry forum.”

The keynote speaker was PRASA acting regional manager, Raymond Maseko, who said PRASA was the beneficiary of a partnership with CPUT. He outlined the important role CPUT students had played in the recovery of PRASA’s rail network.

Maseko said that when the train service resumed after the hard lockdown in 2020, PRASA had to recover much of its network, which had been destroyed during the lockdown.

“Because we were planning now to recover the service, we increased our intake from CPUT in 2021 to about 36 students from the electrical engineering school, from mechanical engineering and also we took some operations management students.” Some of the students worked as project managers.

He said 21 of these students were now permanent PRASA employees.

“We have recovered all of the stations with the people that we have been working with, from industry, of course other contractors, but specifically from people that we have sourced from partnering with CPUT.”

Prof Lalini Reddy, Director of the Centre for Community Engagement and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), said it had been an honour for the Centre to co-host the event.

“In launching the Institutional Industry Advisory Forum, we commit to offering our future-proof curricula in preparing them for the future world of work.”

Prof Rishidaw Balkaran, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching, said the idea was to ensure that CPUT made learning relevant for our students but there were also benefits for industry, including from the cutting-edge research conducted at the institution.

David Haarhoff, Project Lead, Community Engagement and WIL, said events of this nature aligned with the institution’s vision of being an inclusive university that constantly strives to collaborate and innovate with industry partners.

“The focal point of the event was essentially to recognise the dedication and efforts of industry partners in affording our students opportunities to develop professionally. I am extremely happy with the engagement and networking of industry partners who also recognise the university’s research efforts and provide current trends within industry which align to the curriculum.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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