Dr Tasmeera Singh, the newly appointed Director of the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships (SIP) Directorate, exemplifies a profound dedication to the dynamic and transformative field of international higher education.

Singh joined the SIP Directorate in December 2021 as the Manager: International Relations and was appointed as the Director in August 2025. Before her time at CPUT, she excelled as the Principal International Advisor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Singh passionately believes in her role, stating that she “significantly contributed to shaping international partnerships and supporting cross-border collaboration”.

Singh, a dedicated individual who enjoys shopping, dining, and cherishing moments with her family, serves as the Deputy President of the International Education Association of South Africa. Her long-standing commitment to its Management Council underscores her passion for advancing international higher education. In 2019, she earned her PhD, focusing on identity and transformation in South African higher education. Driven by a feminist perspective, her work powerfully advocates for equity and inclusion. As a proud HERS-SA alumna and a COMENSA credentialed coach, she embodies the spirit of leadership and empowerment.

Her leadership style demonstrates a commitment to guiding others through example and creating a supportive and enabling environment. If she could advise her younger self, she would emphasise the importance of being fearless in taking charge and ensuring her voice is heard. Embracing opportunities with confidence and assertiveness is vital for both personal and professional growth, she notes.

Throughout her life and career, she has drawn profound inspiration from her mother, her greatest supporter and a constant source of strength. The unwavering belief her late mother had in her potential and leadership qualities has profoundly shaped her approach to life. One of the most empowering pieces of advice she received from another woman was, "You are your only limitation, so change your lens and things will become clear”.

This intuition has been instrumental in empowering her to overcome challenges and maintain focus on her goals. Singh's journey has opened doors that were once closed to previous generations of women in her family, granting her the opportunity to travel extensively and explore new horizons. This freedom has enriched her perspective and deepened her gratitude for the opportunities that came her way. Her success is grounded in a disciplined, ethical, and patient approach to her work. She exemplifies leadership by embodying the belief in inspiring others through her own actions.

Her advice to young women starting their careers reflects a deep understanding of their journey: “Be brave and venture into new spaces with integrity, seeing each challenge as a valuable opportunity for growth”. For those managing multiple responsibilities, she recognises the struggle and emphasises the importance of mastering multitasking. Though it may feel overwhelming at first, she assures that with persistence and adaptability, success and a sense of routine will eventually follow.

“While it can be challenging at first, persistence and adaptability lead to eventual success and routine.”

Having started her journey in February 2000, international higher education has become an essential part of who she is. What inspires her most is the remarkable evolution of internationalisation itself. She is captivated by the diverse growth of international education, especially with the rise of technology and artificial intelligence, which are opening new doors for equitable and accessible opportunities to students. The recent focus on diversity, equality, and inclusivity fills her with pride, reflecting a transformative shift towards a more inclusive global educational landscape.

Her significant involvement in international higher education has granted her countless opportunities to attend conferences and network. These experiences have enabled her to connect with inspiring individuals, immerse herself in vibrant cultures and learning opportunities, and gain enlightening perspectives. Each journey has not only expanded her understanding but has also empowered her to share valuable knowledge within her professional community.

Her favourite motto is: "Patience is a virtue. Everything happens at the right time, as it should”. This belief in the natural timing of events and the significance of patience inspires her to pursue her goals. This wisdom fuels her professional endeavours and personal life, reminding her that every challenge and triumph is a vital part of a greater journey.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The recent visit by a delegation from Indiana State University (ISU), which included lecturers and students, served as an introduction and knowledge exchange between Indiana State University and CPUT.

Dingaan Booi, the International Relations Officer for the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships (SIP) Directorate, highlighted the emphasis on various areas, especially in educational leadership and student development. This includes exploring partnerships among faculty and institutions, while also striving to strengthen international collaboration and mutual understanding.

“The main objectives were to highlight CPUT’s academic and student development frameworks, create a platform for Indiana State University to present its institution and goals, discuss mutual interests in education, student affairs, and leadership, and explore potential opportunities for future collaboration, joint research, or academic visits.” 

The well-balanced meeting fostered a profound understanding of each other's institutional structures and strategic priorities, illuminating the synergy between CPUT’s Faculty of Education and Student Affairs Division, and ISU’s Department of Educational Leadership. Through open discussions, both parties explored shared challenges and unveiled promising opportunities in higher education.

 “The presence of a diverse delegation from ISU—spanning academic staff and students—underscored their commitment to building meaningful, long-term relationships,” Booi noted.

The strong institutional introductions through presentations by CPUT and ISU opened opportunities for discussion between the two counterparts on:

• Educational leadership development
• Student counselling and support services
• Opportunities for collaborative teaching, learning, and community engagement

Booi stated that the ISU’s objectives for the visit likely included exposure to leadership, engagement with global cultures, and collaboration in academia. The involvement of CPUT’s Student Affairs and Faculty of Education indicates a comprehensive and people-centred approach.

 “I found the engagement both enriching and affirming. The delegation was enthusiastic, open to collaboration, and genuinely interested in understanding CPUT's unique context. It reinforced the value of our internationalisation efforts, particularly through people-to-people academic diplomacy.”

He added that the SIP directorate felt that the visit opened a door for future academic exchanges, particularly in Education and Leadership Development, and validated SIP strategic approach of targeted and thematic international engagements. Booi noted that the meeting also highlighted the importance of involving Student Affairs Division and academic leadership in global partnerships.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships (SIP) Directorate recently hosted high-profile delegations from three esteemed international universities: The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) from the Netherlands, along with Hainan University and Sanda University from China.

The delegation from Hainan University was here with a clear mandate to establish strong partnerships between the two institutions, focusing on collaborative opportunities for faculty and student exchanges, as well as joint research initiatives in critical areas such as agriculture, food sciences, and engineering.

Sanda University’s objective was unequivocal: to forge an intercollegiate relationship with CPUT, facilitate meaningful student exchanges, and promote research cooperation. Simultaneously, THUAS aimed to solidify collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment and explore further opportunities with the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences.

Dr Tasmeera Singh, Manager of International Relations at the SIP Directorate, highlighted the significance of THUAS’s visit, which included productive discussions at Newlands Stadium and plans to actively pursue a joint Erasmus project. The potential for collaboration with both Sanda and Hainan universities is substantial, and follow-up meetings with CPUT academics are already underway to advance these initiatives.

Singh is delighted that there will “be future meaningful collaborations with these partners in the near future”. She continued: “We are extremely positive about the future developments of these visits. We look forward to collaborations in terms of the internationalisation of research and internationalisation of the curriculum.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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A Namibian Consulate delegation who recently visited CPUT met with the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships (SIP) delegation to promote the good bilateral and multilateral relations between CPUT and Higher Education institutions in Namibia. 

The purpose of the visit by the Namibian Consulate delegation, which comprised of Consul General Selma Nghinamundova and Consul Sarafina Eine Tshilunga, was part of the relationship-building exercise that the SIP Office has engaged in to reconnect with the Embassies and Consulates in Cape Town.  The SIP Office delivered a presentation consisting of an overview of CPUT and Internationalisation and then a discussion with the Consulate.

“The idea is to connect to strengthen working relationships as well as to partner with universities in Namibia as a strategy to increase their African footprint and create partnerships with the Global South,” said Dr Tasmeera Singh, Manager: International Relations, SIP.

Singh who delivered the CPUT presentation said: “The objectives were to start to build relationship with the Consulate and work with other universities in Namibia to see on how we can collaborate. This is our action to close the existing gap. We need to create and strengthen relationships with other universities.”

Nghinamundova said part of their office’s mandate was to foster partnerships between Namibian and South African Higher Education institutions. “We’re here to look for formal engagements with CPUT,” she continued.

“We request CPUT to come up with a proposal [template] on areas (for) collaboration and we will facilitate engagements with our universities, one or two universities even if it’s in terms of student exchange and other areas.”

Singh added that the meeting was “a great success as this is the initial start of a series of meetings and events to follow with the Consulate”. “Overall, a positive meeting with huge potential for success and continuity.”

SIP Director, Prof Judy Peter, who was also part of the meeting, said: “We want to establish this kind of relationships and you [Consulate] are in the best position to indicate which university we can work with [in Namibia].”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Strategic Initiatives and Partnership (SIP) Directorate recently hosted Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences who has an existing collaboration with the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS).

The aim was to touch base with FBMS and to expand the collaboration to other faculties.

“In this regard, the SIP Office was contacted to engage in discussions as to how we can expand on the partnership, in particular there was interest with the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE),” said Dr Tasmeera Singh, Manager: International Relations SIP.

The CPUT delegation included SIP director, Prof Judy Peter, Prof Veruscha Fester: Assistant Dean: Research, Technology, Innovation & Partnerships (FEBE), Dr Fareed Ismail: Senior Lecturer/Researcher of FEBE and Xolelwa Bashala: Office Administrator of Strategic Initiatives and Partnership meanwhile Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences was represented by Veronika Wäninger: Non-EU Mobility of Stabsabteilung International Office.

Peter extended a warm welcome to everyone present in the meeting. Fester conducted a presentation about the FEBE which included the CPUT structure and background:

• FEBE structure and governance
• CPUT V2030 Focus areas applicable to FEBE
• FEBE Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes
• Faculty research focus areas
• FEBE Flagship projects

Peter conducted a short presentation about the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships:

• The CPUT Smart Focus Areas
• SIP Internationalisation role
• Facilitate student leadership and agency
• CPUT active partnerships (Erasmus+, African and International)
• International Education Forum

Singh said the meeting was “very good” as there is great potential for expanding the collaboration constructively.

There were also discussions on potential collaborations around engineering management, staff exchange for Nano and 3D printing fields of research. Singh added that the “successful meeting was a starting point for further engagement with different faculties across CPUT”.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships (SIP) recently hosted a delegation from two American district colleges, the Community College District (SCCCD), Riverside Community College District (RCCD) and EDU Africa with aims to build lasting relationships.

SIP Director, Prof Judy Peter opened the meeting with a short overview of CPUT, which was followed by short presentations on the background of each institution. Dr Lataria Hall presented the background of Fresno City College. Candice Soupen provided a summary of the purpose of the visit.

Peter said the objectives of the meeting was to explore student exchange programmes and obtaining information about opportunities, that can be relayed to respective university committees. Peter added that the meeting also aimed at learning about education systems, distance education, online opportunities and study abroad through distance education. 

She said they were also exploring opportunities for partnerships between organisations, possibly virtual exchange, virtual and travel exchange and traditional study abroad programs.

The also explored faculty professional development, virtually, and mobility programs and possible faculty exchange programs. The delegates also discussed early childhood, elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educational systems throughout Africa, including education in rural areas.

CPUT delegates also provided comprehensive information on what is currently available and offered at CPUT as well as any other alternative options currently available in South Africa to assist with information.  Peter said: “The meeting was very constructive, and all institutions look forward to further communication around the potential opportunities for collaboration in the areas of student exchange programmes, early childhood development and information sharing.

“It was noted that some of the collaboration areas could be in line with the CPUT COIL facility to address the objective of virtual platform for exchange students.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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SRC members and staff from the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences were recently treated to a thought-provoking tour of the exhibition: Truth To Power: Desmond Tutu and the Churches in the Struggle Against Apartheid.

The Faculty, through its unit for Strategic Initiatives and Projects (SIP) has a strategic partnership with the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation and the Foundation invited the Manager of the Strategic Initiatives and Projects Office, Andiswa Mrasi, Tshawekazi Stofile - Tourism and Events Management intern in the unit and the CPUT SRC members for a tour of the exhibition at the Old Granary in Cape Town, which was followed by a debriefing session.

According to Stofile, the objectives included igniting a sense of hope in young leaders, “with the hope that they too will inspire the rest of the student community at CPUT and showcasing moral and ethical leadership”.

The SRC members who attended were:

• Thamsanqa Selby Zondo – CSRC member
• Mxolisi Vilakazi – LSRC member
• Amahle Ntsimango – LSRC member
• Bongomusa Walter Ngema – LSRC member
• Banele Mfukulie – LSRC member
• Dylan Jantjies – LSRC member
• Xolani Booi – CSRC member
• Nunqo Makunqo – LSRC member

Stofile said the lessons the group learnt from the experience included “the power of unity in leadership - working together for one good cause and that being an active participant in student politics is a continuation of South Africa’s history of political organisation and mobilisation”.

Written by CPUT News

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To explore potential partnerships and collaboration opportunities, the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships (SIP) Directorate welcomed the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) at Bellville Campus.

The CPUT delegation was led by Prof Dina Burger, Director of the Directorate of Research Development and Acting Director: SIP, who also welcomed the delegation from North Carolina. Meanwhile, Dr Melody Pierce, Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs, and Prof Tonya Smith-Jackson, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs led the N.C. A&T delegation.

The primary objectives included:

• Advancing engineering education and general education.
• Developing online programs and study abroad initiatives.
• Creating global experiential learning opportunities.
• Enhancing student success and faculty development.
• Facilitating faculty and student exchanges at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

“The end goal was to establish a robust framework for collaboration that would leverage the strengths of both institutions to benefit students, faculty, and the broader academic community,” said Dingaan Booi, International Relations Officer: SIP. The event was highly successful and aligned perfectly with SIP objectives. “The level of engagement from both CPUT and NC A&T was exceptional, indicating a strong mutual interest in forging a long-term partnership,” he said.

At the meeting, Burger indicated that the constructive conversations between the delegates showed enthusiasm and collaborative spirit from both parties. She said the delegates showed great steadfastness in enhancing educational significance and developing innovation.

According to Booi, the key highlights of the meeting were:

The in-depth discussions identified several key areas for potential collaboration, including Work Integrated Learning, Service Learning, youth incubation, micro-credentialing, and philanthropic leveraging for institutional transformation.

Both institutions expressed a strong commitment to formalising their collaboration through an institutional Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Leveraging the US Fulbright Programme for staff and student mobility between the two institutions was identified as a significant opportunity. Amongst the recommendations was to establish an MOU between CPUT and NC A&T at an institutional level to formalise the partnership. The SIP Directorate will engage with NC A&T on developing a Research Impact framework to guide future collaborative research efforts and many others including that the institutions will leverage the US Fulbright Programme and other international initiatives to facilitate the mobility of staff and students, enhancing global experiential learning opportunities.

“We are confident that these recommendations and outcomes will lay a strong foundation for a fruitful and enduring partnership between CPUT and NC A&T,” said Booi.

He added that the SIP Directorate was extremely pleased with the outcome of the meeting. “The level of enthusiasm and the depth of the discussions exceeded our expectations. We feel confident that this collaboration will lead to significant advancements in various academic and research areas, benefiting both institutions immensely.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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