CPUT researchers are currently exploring whether Rooibos can play a preventative role in exercise-induced oxidative stress.

The study is the first of its kind and stems from a clinical trial led by Prof Jeanine Marnewick that found conclusive evidence of the health-promoting properties of Rooibos in humans.

EXPERTS: Prof Marnewick and her team of researchers at the Oxidative Stress Research Centre were visited by the SABC’s 50/50 team to report on the rooibos research done at CPUT.

Researchers traced the protective effect of Rooibos in adults who are at risk for heart disease. As part of the clinical trial, participants consumed six cups of Rooibos tea a day over six weeks. Results showed that the consumption of Rooibos decreased oxidative stress and cholesterol.

“Because of the results, we thought we would look at another population, not in terms of disease, but in terms of lifestyle,” said Prof Marnewick.

MONITOR: A researcher watches on as a participant completes an exercise.

The current study, which is being conducted in conjunction with Prof Simon Davies from the Sports Management Department, is looking at whether the intake of a Rooibos supplement can reduce oxidative stress that occurs during certain sporting activities.

Oxidative stress can be defined as an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in favor of the oxidants. Free radicals are a good example of oxidants, as they are unstable molecules that can cause damage to important cell components, such as genetic material, lipids and proteins. One of the sources of free radicals in our body can include strenuous exercise when our cells use oxygen to produce energy

Research has found that oxidative stress plays a role in the development of a whole range of diseases, including cancer, stroke, heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimers.

Prof Marnewick said although the body has its own anti-oxidant defense system, which combats the free radicals, it very often is not sufficient under certain conditions including strenuous physical activity.

The study will determine whether or not the intake of Rooibos, which contains a unique blend of anti-oxidants, can assist with combating the free radicals, in a bid to protect human cells.

Currently 44 male students are participating in the clinical trial, which are held at CPUT’s Human Performance Lab at the Mowbray Campus.

PREPARATION: Researchers prepare a participant for one of the exercises.

The trial sees students consuming Rooibos or placebo supplements, produced by CPUT, before participating in various exercises.

DEEP BREATH: Participants are closely monitored.

 “We draw blood before, during and after the exercise. This is to measure various biochemical parameters as well as monitor certain exercise performance outcomes” said Marnewick.

The trial, which started in May, will culminate in December. Thereafter the lab work will begin, with the results expected for release in 2012.

By Candes Keating

Photographs: Clive von Metzinger

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CPUT is fast becoming a leading institution in the national higher education research arena.

Based on an analysis of journal publications, conference proceedings and book publications, CPUT has achieved a research output of 152.12 for the 2012 period.

This is the highest research output in the history of CPUT and more than 30% than the previous year’s figures.

The reason for this surge in research output is clear – during the past few years, the university’s research mandate has been strongly emphasised.

Several new research groups have been established, and there has been an increase in research-driven staff appointments. The institution has also invested significantly in research infrastructure, secured additional funding and implemented various research strategies.

These impressive research statistics have been welcomed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo, and the Director of the Research Department, Dr Tembeka Mpako-Ntusi.

Dr Nhlapo and Dr Mpako-Ntusi are both instrumental in driving research at CPUT, having conceptualised and implemented various reliable strategies to enhance research at the institution.

Dr Nhlapo, who is driving the Research and Technology Innovation Blueprint, says the CPUT community must now build on this impressive record.

He says the challenge now is for the CPUT community to see how they can use research to impact positively on the development of communities and industry, and to inform government policies.

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

Researchers at CPUT are taking innovation to another level with the development of South Africa’s first CubeSat - a type of miniature satellite.

The CubeSat, ZACUBE-01, will be unveiled on Friday, 30 September 2011 at the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI), a specialised unit at CPUT’s Bellville campus that focuses on satellite engineering.

“This is a significant milestone for our institution, and country,” said F’SATI Deputy-Director, Professor Robert van Zyl, who is driving CPUT’s space activities.

The CubeSat, which measures 30x10x10 cm and weighs approximately three kilograms, was built by staff members and postgraduate students specialising in F’SATI’s Satellite Systems Engineering Programme.

This postgraduate programme, which is backed by the Department of Science and Technology and the National Research Foundation, aims at developing the human potential and intellectual capacity needed to grow South Africa’s space industry.

Offered as a postgraduate course, the programme covers the broad fields of satellite communication, embedded and power systems, as well as electric and magnetic compatibility studies.

The building of CubeSats forms an integral part in the programme, providing students with the exposure and discipline they will need to work on bigger satellites in industry.

Prof van Zyl said currently they are involved in the development of a second CubeSat, ZACUBE-02, which they plan to unveil in 2012.

If all goes as planned, ZACUBE-01 will be launched early next year and used for space science experiments. Its activities will be monitored by the ground station, which has been set up at FSATI’s premises on the Bellville campus.

ZACUBE-01 will be showcased at the International Astronomical Federation Conference, which will be held in Cape Town in early October.

By: Candes Keating

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In a major boost for the reputation of CPUT, there has been a surge in research outputs for 2009. The university now leads all other Universities of Technology in South Africa in terms of research output, including traditional rivals, Tshwane University of Technology.

The latest Research Outputs report released by the Department of Higher Education and Training shows “impressive growth in publications output (above 10%) at CPUT… a good sign of research potential and development.”

Based on an analysis of journal publications, conference proceedings and book publications, the report highlights the fact that among the Universities of Technology, CPUT improved its research productivity by a hugely substantial 77% between 2007 and 2009. This is a full 14% more than the nearest competitors Vaal University of Technology, and 31% more than Tshwane University of Technology.

The reasons for this are clear – during CPUT’s gradual transition from a tuition-based vocational institution to that of a University of Technology, incorporating both tuition and research, the university’s research mandate has been strongly underscored. Four new research groups and units have been established, including the Biocatalysis and Technical Biology Research Group and The Centre for Multigrade Education. In addition, the Institutional Ethics Review Board was established in 2008 to pay ongoing attention to ethics as the research environment expanded at CPUT. Several researchers received new or improved NRF ratings, more post-doctoral fellows have been appointed, and more research-driven appointments have been made than at any other time in the university’s history.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo adds that two critical offices are now fully up and running and are providing comprehensive support to CPUT’s researchers and innovators. These are The Technology Transfer Office, “a fantastic resource where advice about patents, copyright and holistic intellectual property management can be obtained."

The office was established as a result of the Intellectual Property from Publicly Funded Research Act of 2008, which recognises the important role universities play in research and innovation to promote economic growth. The act obliges universities to establish a TTO to foster Technology Transfer - essentially the process of taking a concept from research into a useful product or new service using the primary tool of Intellectual Property (IP).

In addition, the Centre for Postgraduate Studies, established 2 years ago, is enhancing the profile of post-grad activity at the university, attracting more and more students into the research community and raising awareness of potential technology innovation as an outcome of postgraduate research.

Nhlapo says he is thrilled at CPUT’s research outputs for 2009, and has paid tribute to the active support given to research by CPUT’s management. He’s also praised the variety of internal support services helping researchers. These include the library and information support services, information technology, and the administrative and financial infrastructure, without which it would be impossible to conduct research.

By Jan Weintrob

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Research output at CPUT can no longer be confined to journals. With the establishment of the Technology Transfer and Industry Linkages Unit, research output, where feasible, will be commercialised

At the helm of the new unit is Theo Hendrickse, who joined CPUT earlier this year.

Hendrickse holds several qualifications and brings his wide-ranging professional experience, which includes, academic, legal and business knowledge, to this new position.

He holds a Masters Degree in Science (Chemistry) from the University of Cape Town, a B.Proc Degree from the University of the Western Cape and a postgraduate qualification in Intellectual Property and Competition Law from the University of London.

A former member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Intellectual Property and Chairman of the Patent Examination Board, Hendrickse will provide guidance and support to academic and research staff on matters pertaining to the protection of Intellectual Property (IP) and the exploitation of commercial opportunities arising from their work.

The establishment of the unit will also enable CPUT to comply with new legislation which outlines how intellectual property generated from public funded research should be managed.

During the next few months Hendrickse plans to focus his energy on establishing the Technology Transfer and Industry Linkages Unit on the Bellville campus and securing a visible presence on Cape Town campus.

“IP protection and commercialisation of research output has not been a focus for CPUT in the past, and, if we are to ensure a sustainable approach, we must do the groundwork,” he said.

“The plan is to understand the broader environment at CPUT in which this unit must function. This will give me the necessary insight to know what infrastructure and resources I need to put in place for the unit to function effectively.” he said.

Dr Chris Nhalpo, DVC Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships said he is excited about the unit as it is going to add the necessary impetus to CPUT’s quest to be a leading innovation academy in Africa.

“At present, there is little appreciation of IP as an instrument of growth and wealth creation in South African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). It is therefore imperative for HEIs to create proper policies and frameworks in line with the IPR Act 51 of 2008 for the management of intellectual property arising from publicly financed research,” he said.

According to this legislation, institutions own intellectual property generated from public funded research.

“Therefore, I think this office is a critical resource to assist CPUT in managing its intellectual assets as there is now an obligation on employees and students to disclose IP to the institution,” said Dr Nhlapo.

By Candes Keating

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The face of research, innovation and technology at CPUT is set to be revolutionized with the official roll-out of the Research and Technology Innovation (RTI) blueprint.

This ten-year blueprint provides the institution with a strategic frame within which it can seek to produce research and innovation that is relevant to the needs of the province, South Africa and the world.

Speaking at the launch of the RTI, Deputy-Vice Chancellor Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo says the RTI outlines programmes and practical intervention strategies for breakthrough improvement in research activities at the institution and includes a number of key objectives.  

Some of the objectives include the establishment of Research Chairs in each faculty, the appointment of senior researchers in niche areas and an increase in postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellowships.

Nhlapo says the blueprint also aims to build on the institution’s strengths through the following seven focus areas: Bio-economy and biotechnology; Space science and technology; Energy; Climate-change and environment; Human and social dynamics; Economic growth and Design for sustainability.

CEO of the Cape Higher Education Consortium, Nasima Badsha commended CPUT for rolling-out the RTI.

“Your blueprint is an important and exciting step in achieving your vision of growing research at CPUT that responds to the needs of the province, the country and beyond,” says Badsha.

The RTI has also received support from CPUT’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga as well as from CPUT Chair of Council, Mbulelo Bikwani.

By Candes Keating

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CPUT researchers have had an excellent year - from clinching top research grants to inventing new products, our researchers have established themselves as leaders in their respective fields.

Their sterling work was recognised and celebrated at the institution’s annual Research Day, which took place at the Cape Town Campus.

CPUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga commended the researchers for their contribution to growing research at the university.

Several years ago, the institution had fewer than 10 National Research Foundation-rated researchers and today boasts more than 30 rated researchers and a thriving research environment.

The university has also established a large number of specialised research centres and boasts three Research Chairs. A large number of researchers have also invented new products.

Mazwi-Tanga says CPUT researchers can be assured of continued support from the university.

An annual event, Research Day allowed researchers to network and also to listen to various presentations on research being carried out by their colleagues. However, the highlight of the day was the coveted research awards.

Awards were given in the following areas – Research Publication, Postgraduate Supervision and Industry Funding.

Research publication

Postgraduate supervision

Industry funding

By Candes Keating

Photograph by Clive Galant

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The Faculty of Business at CPUT recognised excellent BTech research presentations and posters during a recent conference on Cape Town Campus.

The conference was designed to showcase the research conducted by BTech students in the faculty and the best students from each department were afforded an opportunity to present their research work under the theme: “Youth: The dynamo of business research.” 

Dean of the Faculty of Business, Associate Professor Mzikayise Binza, handed prizes to the best students.

The presentations consisted of individual research work as well as group research work. Prizes for individual research presentations went to Nicole Roux (Department of Hospitality Management), Shameelah Ismail (Tourism Management), Bridget Kufakwedeke (Entrepreneurship) and Portia Malunga (Retail Business Management).

Five groups from various departments were also recognised for their sterling research work.

INNOVATION: This poster got the nod from CPUT academics as the best creation which represents applied promotion and scored its designers R1000

The BTech students from the Marketing Department displayed a total of 27 academic posters at the BTech conference in the venue’s foyer throughout the course of proceedings

The posters were extremely well-received as they were derived from research that focused on social media marketing communications amongst young adults (commonly known as “Generation Y”) for the subject, Applied Promotion IV, lectured and supervised by Rodney Duffett.

The overall winners were Sandi Goodwin and Liam Robertson who received R1000 in prize money for their poster entitled: “Demographic influences on the effect of Facebook advertising on liking amongst young adults: A study at the College of Cape Town.”

The second prize went to Kyle Joshua and Chadd Pretorius, while Marion De Vries and Lana February came third.

By Kwanele Butana

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Researchers at CPUT are involved in cutting-edge research and have established themselves as leaders in their respective fields.

And the proof is in the university’s latest Research Report, which highlights the huge strides CPUT has made in terms of research during the past few years.

The report also confirms findings of the Department of Higher Education and Training, who have noted an increase in terms of research output at the institution.

The 139-page report reveals an increase in the number of National Research Foundation (NRF)-rated researchers, improved research ratings and an increase in the number of master’s and doctoral graduates.

The report also showcases researchers who have made headline news by winning prizes and prestigious research grants from the NRF, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry and other national and international bodies. A number of researchers have also filed patents, trademarks, copyrights and formed spin-out companies.

Deputy Vice­ Chancellor Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo says he is pleased with the growth in research outputs and research activity at the institution.

“The institution has cemented its place within the South African National System of Innovation as an attractive centre for international cutting-edge research and innovation, and an appropriate destination for world-class research fellows.”

Read the report here.

By Candes Keating

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BTech Tourism students were rewarded for their hard work at a recent ceremony where they presented their research findings in front of a panel of academics and an industry expert.

“We had some excellent presentations and the panel members (CPUT Professors Jakobus Steyn and John Spencer, Mark Boekstein from UWC and Marissah Smith from Cape Town Tourism) had to deliberate for some time on the eventual winner and runner-up,” said lecturer, Associate Professor Kamilla Swart.

Out of the 19 presentations, Shaamelah Ismail got the nod as the final winner for the sterling presentation on the role of communities in tourism planning for Sir Lowry’s Pass Village.

Jennifer Katsch came a close second with her research on the Impact of the global economic crisis on major events in Cape Town.

Suzaan Rossouw just missed out on an award with her paper on Impact of the global financial crisis on five-star hotels in the Central Business District of Cape Town.

Other presentations which also received commendations from the panel included:

• Abby-gayle de Bruyns for her study on Industry perceptions of an events management qualification versus practical experience;
• Racquel Koopman for her presentation on Community involvement in tourism initiatives in Riebeeck-Kasteel and;
• Mariete Fourie’s presentation titled: Is ecotourism a viable tool towards sustainability? A case study of Intaka Island.

By Kwanele Butana

Photos by Clive Galant

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A group of CPUT researchers are involved in groundbreaking research on international sporting events.

Ass Prof Kamilla Swart, from the Faculty of Business, recently returned from the London 2012 Olympics, where she and several Masters students conducted research on the event.

During the past few years, Ass Prof Swart conducted various sport-related research at the Beijing 2008 Olympics and the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

This latest research project, explored the safety of tourists and locals during the sporting event.

As part of their research, the CPUT group interviewed a large number of tourists and locals and conducted 350 surveys in just one week.

For the first time ever, the research group made use of iPads to record the interviews.

“Nobody perceived it as unsafe. The people who were cautious about safety were the locals,” says Tracy Daniels, one of the students.

During the trip, Ass Prof Swart also presented a paper with Sport Management lecturer, Brendon Knott, at the annual International Sport Business Symposium.

The paper titled, “Mega-events and the Football Sport Tourist – From Beijing 2008 to South Africa 2010,” profiles the football sport tourists at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa.

The group plan to conclude their research project during the next few months.

By Kwanele Butana

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Leaders in research in South Africa are set to descend on CPUT for the bi-annual Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Forum.

Established in 2008, the forum offers a platform for key role players in the higher education sector to share best practices in research and innovation.

DVC for Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships at CPUT, Dr Chris Nhlapo says the forum will also allow the DVCs to debate and engage on a variety of research issues from funding to PhD study programmes.

“Experience worldwide has shown that the effective research and innovation management of Higher Education institutions, networks, and collaboration is the core factor for their sustainability. Therefore, this platform of the DVC forum is a step in the right direction,” says Dr Nhlapo.

The forum will also get input from key role-players in the South African research scene, with addresses delivered by members of the National Research Foundation and the Department of Higher Education and Training.

A delegation from the Ethiopian Embassy will also present their research capacity development project.

“I certainly believe that the forum will bear fruitful results and lay the foundation for future research and innovation management in South Africa, thereby strengthening our national system of innovation,” says Dr Nhlapo.

By Candes Keating

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The Design, Development and Research Conference is back for the second time.

The hugely popular conference drew academics and industry leaders from a spectrum of design niches in its inauguration last year and promises to be a stimulating collective once again.

While the conference only takes place in September, a call has been made for interested parties to submit research papers and posters for the following tracks viz; Design, Development, ICT for Development (ICT4D), Dilemmas, Instructional Design and Research.

Last year’s speakers included architect Mokena Makeka and world-renowned designer Prof Jackie Guille and this year’s lineup promises to be as stimulating.

 The exciting announcement that Cape Town is the World Design Capital for 2014 makes an event like DDR even more significant.

FID Dean Johannes Cronje urged anyone with a passion for design to submit an abstract and get involved.

“We have a chance here to develop something really special and become internationally known,” he says.

To be part of this exciting design event then submit your abstract submission by May 8. Visit http://www.design-development-research.co.za for more information.

By LAUREN KANSLEY

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Researchers based in the Health and Wellness Sciences Faculty at CPUT, in collaboration with the University of Stellenbosch, are leading research on the prevalence of diabetes and the associated cardiovascular risks factors.

The prevalence of diabetes in South Africa, especially in the Western Cape, is not well documented, and as a result there is no recent data available on the prevalence of diabetes in this province.

However, with the research being conducted by CPUT postgraduate students and staff, this gap of information in the health sector is being addressed.

Shafick Hassan, head of the Radiography and Nursing Department who is heading up the research team said: “The last prevalence study on diabetes was conducted in Mamre in the 1980’s.”

With researchers focusing on the Bellville South community in the Northern Suburbs, findings have already revealed a sharp increase in the prevalence of diabetes, compared to what was reported more than a decade ago.

The researchers spent several months collecting blood samples to measure glucose and cholesterol levels and conducted blood pressure tests on individuals aged between 35 and 65.

Approximately 1000 people had been tested.

“To date we have found the prevalence of diabetes in that community to be much higher than anticipated. Preliminary results indicate a diabetic prevalence of 26.3%,” said Hassan.

The results of the study may also indicate a broader health problem in the population of the Western Cape , which could severely impact on the limited health resources in province.

Research has proved that diabetes is a contributing factor to various health problems, including eye problems, kidney disease and cardiovascular disease.

Studies have also linked the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance ( IGT ) to the global epidemic of obesity and lifestyle changes associated primarily with urbanization.

Hassan said the findings of this study will provide vital information, which will be useful for national and provincial health planners when planning intervention strategies for conditions related to diabetes and future health services needs.

More importantly, he said information on this study must be disseminated appropriately.

Currently the lead researchers, which include CPUT’s Dr Tandi Matsha and Stellenbosch University Professor Rajiv Erasmus, are discussing the findings with stakeholders in the health sector.

The researchers, who are linked to the Oxidative Stress Research Group, which is based in the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, are also in the process of writing up a number of journal articles on this study.

They had also presented data on the study at several conferences.

Hassan said the research is ongoing and that plans are in place to extend the study to other communities in the Western Cape .

By Candes Keating, Marketing and Communication Department

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Rheology researchers at CPUT were recently awarded a million rand to extend a project that focuses on emulsion technology and the development of a safer and more accurate blasting practice for the mining industry.

For the past nine years, the Material Science and Technology group, which is based at the Cape Town campus, has been conducting research in collaboration with African Explosive Limited (AEL), a world-leading innovator in explosives technology and manufacturer of bulk emulsion explosives.

The emulsion research project lead by Prof Irina Masalova has proved to be such a success that AEL has committed to fund CPUT for an additional three years.

The research has allowed AEL to develop an eco-friendly version of their repump, doped and blend emulsion bulk explosives, using waste fuel oil generated by mining machinery.

“We have managed to successfully apply rheology, which is the study of the flow of complex and multi-phase liquid, as a tool for predicting the stability and pumpability of AEL’s bulk emulsion explosives,” said Prof Masalova.

“Methods for investigation surfactant characteristics have been developed as well, which allows the company to do quick optimisation of the quality and quantity of the right surfactant in order to manufacture cost effective emulsion with optimal stability.”

Prof Masalova said funding from AEL and the National Research Foundation’s Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP), has also resulted in CPUT establishing a world class rheology laboratory, at a cost of R8.5 million. The centre is the only of its kind in South Africa.

Recently the centre’s achievements and projects with AEL were highlighted at the Department of Trade and Industry’s award ceremony, which celebrated successful research projects that received THRIP funding.

THRIP’s mission is to improve the competitiveness of South African industry, by supporting research and technology development activities and enhancing the quantity of skilled people.

It does this through a partnership programme which challenges companies such as AEL to match government funding for innovative research and development in South Africa.

The emulsion research project clinched the runner-up prize from the Department of Trade and Industry in the Advanced Higher Technologies Category at the awards ceremony which was held in Somerset West on 22 October 2009.

Prof Masalova said: “The DTI evaluated projects in terms of the outcomes and how it impacts industry. They have seen this project to be efficient and beneficial for industry.”

She said the collaboration would not have been possible without the buy-in of AEL, a South African company.

“The Research and Development Department at AEL is lead by Dr Piet Halliday, who believes that investment in research will allow the company to produce a new generation of products and technology,” said Prof Masalova.

The nine years of support from AEL and THRIP has resulted in the institute producing the following:

• 3 Post Doctorals
• 2 PhD Projects
• 5 Masters Projects (All Cum Laude)
• 4 BTech Projects
• 20 Journal Publications, and
• 15 Conference Papers/presentations

By Candes Keating

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The CPUT Research Day for 2009 is scheduled for 4 December. Please diarise.

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To harmonise and streamline the teaching efforts of the University’s Department of the Built Environment, a new approach to the subject of Research Methodology was implemented this year.

Since January the subject has been aligned across campuses, with the same submission dates and identical assessments. The subject comprises of two components. These are formal lectures and a hands-on research project in which the theory taught in the formal lectures is applied. For the first time, the theoretical part of the subject was presented in an intensive, one-week block release which took place during the first week of lectures. These lectures were presented by visiting Professor Dr Andreas Hartmann (TU Twente - Netherlands) and Mr Ludwig Martin from the Cape Town campus.

The aim of the block release was to cover the basics of research and allow the students, now equipped with the necessary knowledge, to start tackling their individual research projects at an early stage of the year. Previously structured lectures were held throughout the first term, thus leaving less time for the students to actually experience and do their research.

Students are introduced to the terminology of research, research tools, approaches and paradigms in research, planning of research projects, as well as writing proposals and reports. In these workshops students were given assignments ranging from finding information in the library and off the internet, interpreting research designs of presented journal articles, and justifying their own approaches to given research problems.

A rotational team leader had to present the respective team’s work each day. A draft research proposal, a presentation thereof, a final research proposal, a draft research report, and a final research report with a presentation on the work done is required from students.

Supervisors are assigned to each student. Mr Rudolph Zietsman and Mr Ludwig Martin will fill this role on the Cape Town campus.

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From publishing research papers to embarking on innovative studies, CPUT researchers have made the institution proud.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed by the university, who recently celebrated their activities at the annual Research Day, which was held at the Mowbray Campus.

Vice-Chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu, commended the researcher and says the university has surpassed its own research targets, with 23% of staff holding doctoral qualifications and 35 holding ratings from the National Research Foundation.

He says research activities were important as the university had embarked on a drive to go from a good to a great institution.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo, highlighted the university’s Research and Innovation Blueprint, an innovative document that plots to the way forward for research and innovation activities at CPUT.

Nhlapo emphasised the concept of research uptake, a process which sees the results of research turned into a patent, product or service, through innovation and technology.

CPUT also awarded the university’s top researchers, supervisors and industry funding recipients for 2013.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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A pilot study led by one of CPUT’s top academics demonstrates the benefits of rooibos for individuals at high altitudes.

Professor Simeon Davies, HoD: Sport Management, recently led a pilot study to investigate the role of Rooibos supplementation on humans during an expedition to the summit of Aconcagua, Argentina, which at 6962m is the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere.

The study assessed the prophylactic benefits of rooibos supplementation at high altitude, and ascertained why individuals make decisions to participate in extreme sport or adventure activities.

Exercise at high altitude induces a high degree of oxidative stress, which is often associated with High Altitude Sickness (HAS).

Many climbers who ascend to high altitudes often need to take prescription drugs to combat this.

The pilot study latches onto published research findings by the CPUT’s Oxidative Stress Research Centre led by Prof Jeanine Marnewick, which suggests that rooibos antioxidant compounds could have beneficial outcomes for high altitude climbers.

The research project involved eight participants who last month formed part of an expedition team climbing Aconcagua.

The research project will also forms part of a submission to the NRF South Africa/Argentina Joint Science and Technology Research Project at a later stage.

“It is exciting to think that a South African indigenous plant such as rooibos may be a natural way to attenuate (weaken) the effects of HAS, and provide a viable alternative to the use of prescription drugs,” says Davies.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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Building computers from atoms may sound far-fetched, but at CPUT this is the future of science and technology.

To make sure the institution becomes a world player in the development of this new technology is a task that is being undertaken by Dr Kessie Govender, a physicist based in the Electrical Engineering Department.

During the next few months, Govender will set up a team of researchers that will focus on the research and development of the basic components that are used in quantum computing and quantum information processing. The workings of these components rely on the principles of quantum physics.

Quantum computers will increase the computational power beyond that which is attainable by a traditional computer. 

For example, these computers will be able to solve mathematical problems such as factorizing a large number into its prime factors, within seconds, whereas current computers could take several hours or days to solve the same problem, says Govender.

“This is the technology of the future” he says.

Govender first began to dabble in this area of research whilst lecturing physics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and still continues to work with quantum researchers there. He later moved to the South African National Space Agency’s directorate in Hermanus, where he was also involved in the technical developmental aspects of ZACUBE-01.

Govender says to conduct this type of research you need a team of people who have a good knowledge of physics.

To grow this area of research, Govender says, engineering curricula at universities will have to look at incorporating more physics into the curriculum.

“Physics opens the door to curiosity and it allows you to branch into a number of other areas,” he says.

Students and staff interested in this area of research should contact Dr Govender on 021 4603762 or via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Written by Candes Keating
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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