Down the memory lane and footprints of women leadership – Inyathi ibuzwa kwabaphambili was the theme of the recent Student Affairs Her-Story Women’s Month Intergenerational Dialogue.

CPUT’s first Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga, was the keynote speaker at the event, which was held at the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre and attended by young women leaders, including Student Representative Council (SRC) members.

In her opening remarks Dean of Student Affairs, Nonkosi Tyolwana, emphasised the importance of intergenerational dialogue and institutional memory and spoke on the important role elders play in African homes.

A message of support was delivered by Aneliso Khetsekile (former SRC) and Thato Masonganye (Central SRC).

Tanga took the audience on a trip down memory lane of her time at CPUT and Peninsula Technikon.

She was installed as Vice-Chancellor in 2006 and had previously held other positions at CPUT and Peninsula Technikon.

She shared the following message with young women leaders: “You don’t have to be a specific gender to assume the role of leadership. You don’t need to have come from a particular environment in order to become a leader. Leadership does not reside in terms of family status. Leadership is in every one of us, in every individual.

“If it were not like that, I would never have been appointed at CPUT. If it were according to who you are, where you’re from and whether your family had status… I had none of those.”

She continued: “Each and every one of you have the capacity to be a leader, whether it’s in your small space or wanting to grow into a much bigger space.”

In her response, Prof Tembisa Ngqondi, Dean of the Faculty of Informatics and Design, encouraged the young women leaders to: “Carry on the baton – do not drop it”.

During the lively intergenerational dialogue that followed the topics ranged from advice for aspiring future vice-chancellors to balancing academic freedom with institutional goals and role models.

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

The CPUT community has shown its compassion and commitment to supporting students in need by donating generously to the Division of Student Affairs’ Food and Sanitary Drive.

Head of Department for Student Counselling, Leanie Brits, said staff, students and other institutional stakeholders donated non-perishable and sanitary items which were collected throughout July.

“The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) would like to thank the CPUT community for their caring spirit, and their willingness to make a difference. Each and every item donated will benefit a student in need.

“A special thank you to Libraries for their willingness to receive donations throughout July, DSA student peer leaders and DSA staff for their enthusiasm and support in mobilising all their networks, the Marketing and Communication Department (MCD) for the initiative to collect donations as part of the Shero Fun Run, and last but not least the staff and students from Consumer Sciences.”

She said the Biotechnology and Consumer Sciences Department collaborated with DSA to host a soup drive on District Six Campus on 18 July.

“This initiative was driven by the commitment from the Consumer Science students.”

Excluding the donations from the Fun Run, Student Affairs and CPUT volunteers packed 141 food packs and could include sanitary items in all packs.

“We have received over 400 sanitary pads collectively, of which MCD and the General Education & Training Department from Mowbray campus made bulk donations.”

Brits said the drive was continuing and invited staff and students to continue donating.

“People can still donate as student hunger remain a challenge for many unfunded students. All donations can be dropped off at Department Student Counselling, or any Student Affairs office on their respective campus. As the Dean of Students, Mrs Nonkosi Tyolwana noted during the welcoming at the Mandela Day, the Food and Sanitary Dignity drive should be a 365-day initiative, and we will brainstorm how we can continue the momentum of this collective drive.”

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

Nonkosi Tyolwana, the Dean of Student Affairs, has been elected to a pivotal leadership role within the South African Association for Senior Student Affairs Professionals (SAASSAP), demonstrating CPUT’s commitment to excellence in student advocacy and impacting the broader educational community.

This election, which took place during a recent Annual General Meeting at the University of the Free State, heralds an exciting new chapter for the association. Tyolwana's leadership team is set to usher in an era of increased relevance and impact, promising to elevate the standards and practices within the field of student affairs across South Africa. The newly elected leadership will be led by Jerome September, Dean of Student Affairs at the University of the Witwatersrand, read the association’s statement.

In reflecting on her election, Tyolwana said: “I am very excited by this election; to be nominated uncontested shows the confidence bestowed on me by my peers in the student affairs sector. I accept it on behalf of my students, 'abantwana bam’, for whose future depends on all of us at CPUT. If we allow them to perish, history will judge us harshly. They are our future leaders... This honour will benefit them tremendously.”

She emphasised that the key mandate of SAASSAP is pivotal to transforming student experiences across the educational landscape. This includes:

• Actively coordinating impactful strategic projects that champion student success, mental health, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) awareness, diversity and inclusion, and social and financial inclusion, while also aligning with the goals of Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030 across all 26 universities.
• Establishing dynamic platforms for learning, collaboration, and benchmarking, fostering the sharing of best practices and innovative research aimed at enhancing student development.
• Crafting a comprehensive project management tool, coupled with robust coordination, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms, dedicated to improving student access, retention, and overall success.
• Engaging in proactive stakeholder management to unite key national and international players across various sectors, including government, private industry, academia, professional associations, development partners, and civil society, creating a powerful network dedicated to the advancement of education and student well-being.
• By driving these initiatives, SAASSAP is committed to making a lasting impact on the educational journey of students, ensuring they have the support and resources they need to thrive.

“Individually, this means professional and career development as I will now have the view of what is happening in student affairs across the universities.”

She said the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) and the Student Representative Council (SRC) will be provided with the latest developments and benchmarks in different areas of strategic applications. “Our SRC practices and strategic practices, and approaches will be enhanced through this exposure. Our vision 2030 DSA strategy will be enhanced or modified through case studies, benchmarks, and approaches from different universities.

Tyolwana said CPUT will be able to host national student affairs programmes, seminars, and conferences. She noted that the Ministry of Higher Education and its entities will recognise CPUT as a contributor to the higher education agenda through the student affairs profession. The leadership is responsible for communicating with the Minister and senior officials in higher education about issues that affect students, such as NSFAS, accommodation, and mental health.

They represent South African student affairs at local, national, continental, and global levels. They are also connected to the Student Affairs associations in the Southern African Development Community, the African Union, and various international groups. The leadership works closely with other student and staff associations, including SRCs, the South African Union of Students, the National Association for Student Development Professionals, the Association of College and University Housing Officers, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, and the Association of College and University Student Educators. 

The Deputy President is Dr Irene Mohasoa from Walter Sisulu University. The Secretary General is Dr Bernard Sebake from Central University of Technology, and the Deputy Secretary General is Tulani Nkuntse from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. Dr Tebogo Ncokazi from the University of Zululand holds the position of Treasurer General.

The Research and Development Officer is Prof Percy Sepeng from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Asanda Tele from the University of Fort Hare has been appointed as the Media Liaison Officer, and Tyolwana will oversee Projects as the Projects Coordinator. “I am excited to be able to make a meaningful contribution to the South African student affairs profession through SAASSAP. The team is made up of colleagues with different academic qualifications and diverse skills.”

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

The CPUT Marimba Band is set to participate in a Guinness World Records title attempt, scheduled to take place at the GrandWest Grand Arena next month.

Over 1 000 marimba players from across South Africa and Zimbabwe are coming together on 2 August to attempt a Guinness World Records title for the largest Marimba ensemble in the world.

The event, themed "United in Harmony", will not only attempt to dethrone Guatemala's standing record of 505 players but plans to double it – putting South Africa firmly on the global stage for a record-breaking celebration of culture, community and music.

It is expected to bring together players aged 8 to 62, from over 70 schools and institutions, representing every province in South Africa and two schools from Zimbabwe.

The ensemble will perform a ten-minute medley of “Waka Waka” and “Jerusalema", both powerful anthems of South African pride and unity. The record-breaking moment will be followed by a gold medal ceremony and a celebration concert featuring live entertainment from professional marimba bands, DJs, as well as a headline act from Goodluck! The event will feature Carl Wastie as the MC.

The attempt by social enterprise Marimba Jam will not be the first. In 2018, they gathered 241 girls on Women’s Day to unofficially break Australia's standing record – but without the official Guinness World Records stamp due to resource constraints. Now, with full international oversight and a Guinness World Records Adjudicator flying in from London, it’s all systems go.

Cherice Mangiagalli, Student Development Officer: Sport, Arts and Culture, said she was incredibly proud of the CPUT Marimba Band for their achievement in being approved to participate in this world record attempt.

“This is a significant accomplishment that reflects the band's dedication, talent, and the vibrant musical culture fostered at CPUT. Their participation in such a prestigious event not only highlights their individual skills but also showcases the university's commitment to arts and culture and its support for its students' endeavours. This recognition on a global stage is a testament to their hard work and a source of immense pride for the entire CPUT community."

Tickets for the event can be purchased here.

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

The delegates of the Afrocentric Student Affairs International Conference, comprising passionate student affairs practitioners, visionary student leaders, insightful researchers, and dedicated policymakers from universities throughout South Africa, the African continent, and the African diaspora, recently convened at CPUT to champion the advancement of Afrocentric student affairs scholarship.

Nonkosi Tyolwana, the Dean of Student Affairs, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Professor Rishi Balkaran, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning. He set the tone for the 2025 Afrocentric Student Affairs International Conference, which took place at Granger Bay Campus with the theme: "Africanising Student Affairs through Ubuntu: Infusing African Epistemology". During the conference, he presented the "Student Affairs Scholarship and Engagement Model Theory" as an effective framework for achieving academic goals within student affairs.

Understanding the pressing need to decolonise higher education and embrace African epistemologies, the delegates expressed their heartfelt commitment to the principles of Ubuntu, which remind us that "I am because we are." They acknowledged the transformative power of African-centered education in nurturing student access, success, and retention, and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that the conference aims to support all learners on their educational journeys.

The keynote address - Driving agenda 2063 through Afrocentric education to enhance growth and development was delivered by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, who is also a former president of the Student Representative Council at CPUT (Peninsula Technikon then).

The key outcomes of the conference included the following:

• Development of a holistic Afrocentric Student Success framework, in collaboration with Assistant Deans for Learning and Teaching, FUNDANI CHED, the Director of the Centre for Diversity, Inclusivity, and Social Change, Brightness Mangolothi, student leaders, and professional associations such as NASDEV, ACUHO-i-SAC, and SASSAAP.
• Institutionalisation of residences as “Afrocentric Living, Learning, and Listening Communities” (LLLc) within the context of Afrocentric theory and philosophy.
• Harmonisation of Afrocentric Student Leadership Academies across student affairs in higher education.
• Establishment of Peace and Security initiatives through relevant national and international instruments to promote a “Safe and Secure Campus Life.”
• Creation of the Global Afrocentric Student Affairs Scholarship Network (GASAS.net) as a resolution of the conference. A multi-stakeholder Task Team has been established to drive this process.

Looking back on the event, Tyolwana highlighted the key takeaways: "The conference brought together student affairs practitioners, researchers, student leaders, and academics from across the continent to explore 'student affairs scholarship' in higher education. The main outcomes included:

• Analysing how student development theories can be applied within Afrocentric frameworks, which is essential for supporting our diverse student populations.
• Investigating the direct connection between student affairs scholarship and the academic project."

The Conference Declaration emphasizes the ongoing historical demands of students for decolonized education, in line with various texts adopted by African States that promote African cultures and languages. Key documents include:

• The Pan-African Cultural Manifesto of Algiers (1969)
• The Cultural Charter for Africa (1976)
• The Declaration on the Cultural Aspects in the Lagos Plan of Action (1985)
• The draft Charter for the Promotion of African Languages in Education developed in Accra (1996)
• The Harare Declaration (1997)
• The Nairobi Plan of Action for Cultural Industries in Africa (2005)
• The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (2003)
• The Language Plan of Action for Africa (2006)
• The Charter for African Cultural Renaissance (2006)

Additionally, the delegates acknowledge the relevance of Agenda 2063, which calls for:

• Revising African higher education to align with the ideals of African-centeredness and values, as well as the educational aspirations of Pan-African universities.
• Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 on “Inclusive Education,” which intersects with all 17 Goals.
• Given the necessity to promote Afrocentric scholarship within student affairs and to affirm a student-centered African identity, the conference urges higher education institutions across the continent to take concerted and concrete measures to strengthen the integration of Afrocentricity within the academic and social frameworks of universities.

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

Orientation 2009, which began on 19 January, promises an action-packed programme geared towards helping first year students to familiarise themselves with their new environment.

This year, first years on all campuses will receive a ‘Passport to Student Life’ – a one-stop handbook containing information on the various services available. An orientation DVD, produced by Student Affairs, will be shown at the various campuses. A Student Affairs and Services website will also be rolled out.

Daily live presentations on topics such as Financial Aid, Student Governance and Student Development are to be held in the Bellville Campus auditorium. Stalls providing further information about items of interest to students will be available on this campus as well as in Cape Town. Orientation Officers will be on hand to give extra assistance to newcomers.

Mowbray and Wellington Campuses have organised plenty of social and sporting events to help new students break the ice with their classmates and get settled in at residences. Wellington has hired out the local town pool for a day of water games. Mowbray’s activities include a drumming session and bus tour of the coast.

In the midst of the buzz of Orientation Week, it is important that students not forget about the essentials of preparing themselves for the year ahead.

“Students must make sure they register for courses before classes begin,” said Kenneth Rinquest, Acting Head of Student Affairs, “They need to make sure that their accommodation is in order. They must also be aware of safety issues.”

Echoing the Vice-Chancellor’s comments in her Welcome address about leading a holistic student life, Rinquest advises the new students of 2009, “Play hard and work hard – keep a balance.”

By Ilana Abratt, Marketing and Communication Department

For more information about student events and services at CPUT, contact the Student Development Officers:

Bellville:
Mastura Jamodien: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Eugene Malan: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cape Town:
Anette Grobler: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Nomsa Kulehile: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thobeka September: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Derek Stocken: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mowbray:
Sandy Johnson (acting SDO): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wellington:
Willie Liebenberg: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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

Renowned for its ship-wrecks, brown hyenas, jackals, side-winders and seals, the Skeleton Coast is infamous for its harsh, unfriendly terrain and extreme climate. It’s an area rarely frequented by even the most experienced vehicle-bound adventurers, but CPUT’s Anette Grobler from the Department of Student Affairs begins her month-long solo quest to walk the coastline this weekend - all in aid of a good cause.

In 2005, Grobler made history by being the first person to walk the entire length of the inhospitable Northern Namib Desert coastline in Angola in a 330km solo journey called “Walk for Wheels”. This feat was undertaken to raise money for landmine victims in war-torn Angola. Anette is now taking on an even greater challenge by attempting to walk the entire length of the Skeleton Coast National Park in Namibia, a solo journey of 500km, without any help.

This expedition will be undertaken in order to raise funds and awareness for the National Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing College in Worcester (the NID College). The expedition is called “Silent Steps” in recognition of the challenges faced by the deaf and hard of hearing in their daily lives. The NID College is the only Occupational Skills Program Training College for deaf and hard of hearing children on the entire African continent. The money raised from the Silent Steps expedition will be used to develop sport facilities for all 102 students at the NID College and help obtain other much-needed items.

The route starts at Ugab, the most southerly gate of the Skeleton Coast National Park in Namibia. Anette will have to push through some of the most inhospitable and desolate terrain known to humankind - “The Land God made in Anger”, as the San people call it. Anette aims to complete her mission in approximately 30 days, averaging around 18-20km per day, during the period between 26 March and 25 April this year.

Anette will have all she needs to survive including a rickshaw developed by CPUT’s very own Engineering department, satellite phone, medical supplies and a water desalination device to turn sea water into drinkable water.

Anette is hoping to serve as an inspiration to all that there is no reason to sit back and do nothing. If you would like to support the cause and Anette in her incredible expedition then please sms the letters “NID” to 31243. Each sms costs R10 and all proceeds go to the NID. The person who sends the most sms’s will stand a chance to win a Dell Notebook to the value of R8000.  “Imagine if 23 000 students and staff send an sms, for R230 000 we can build the NID College a skills centre!” says Anette. You can follow Anette via her Silent Steps Facebook Group. We at CPUT wish her luck on her adventure for the greater good.

by: Danielle Rall

Edited by Jan Weintrob

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

It is with great excitement that the Student Affairs and Services division, in conjunction with the Institutional Transformation, Social Cohesion & Diversity Office, formally hosts month-long celebratory events across all CPUT campuses, in honour of the role and contribution of CPUT women.

Throughout the month, there will be a series of activities (from interviews on campus radio and live internet broadcasts to cultural and sporting events) with the central theme being

'I Am a Powerful Woman'.

Below are the weekly themes for activities taking place in August:

• 03 - 07 August: Women in Business, Science and Technology
• 11 - 14 August: Women in Sports
• 17 - 21 August: Women in Education
• 24 - 28 August: Women in Arts

Branded Long-sleeved t-shirts (sizes S - XXL) will be on sale at R20 each from Thursday, 06 August 2009 at from Mbali Zulu This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Tel. 021 460 3318 at CPUT Libraries.

Contact Thobeka September (Student Development Officer) for more information on Tel: (021) 460 3548 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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

The Student Affairs Department of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) on the Cape Town campus donated a brand new jungle gym valued at R9000 to the children of the Rainbow Educare Centre in Paarl.

Dedicated staff members hosted a “kidz” party to celebrate the arrival of the jungle gym. Student Affairs donated additional goods that included toys, educational posters and stationery to the centre on the day of the party. These donations were handed over by Dr Piet Louw, Head of Student Affairs.

The party was held as part of a community outreach project initiated by Student Development officer Ms Anette Grobler. “Tertiary institutions in South Africa must get involved in community partnerships. It benefits the community, and students who work on the projects gain valuable experience” said Ms Grobler.

In-service training students, Lieze-Ann van der Merwe and Suzanne Verburg were dressed like clowns and entertained the children at the party. Mr Derek Stocken and Mr Kurt Mitchell from Student Media provided the music for the party. Local residents in Paarl donated their time and money to give the children the best possible party by preparing the party food that included marshmallow popcorn balls, cup cakes and other sweets. The children chased the clowns with their sticky fingers.

Ms Iona Martins is the principal of the educare centre. She praised CPUT for acting on the needs of the community.

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

The third annual CPUT Market Day took place on Monday 8 September 2008 on the Cape Town Campus.

The event, which was held in the Student Centre, was hosted by Student Affairs. The aim of the Market Day was not only to give students a chance to make some extra money but also to show their entrepreneurial skills.

The Market Day was attended by many students looking for a treat. Everything from cakes to jewellery was sold. There was even a thumb war stall, which challenged students to a thumb war, as well as a health promotion stall, which enlightened passers on the benefits of living a healthy, balanced life.

The popular 5fm DJ, Euphonik, also attended to keep both students as well as stall holders alike entertained.

All round the event was successful, even the dreadful rain could not keep students away. Campus was abuzz with students from different faculties pitching up to enjoy the goods and activities on offer.

By Tasneem Tagodien

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

One of the hottest acts in South Africa, Gang of Instrumentals, will be performing live for CPUT students on Monday the 18th February, 2008. The event, presented by Student Affairs, will be taking place in the piazza on the Cape Town campus during the 13:00 lunch break.

The GI band members are dynamic, multi-skilled entertainers with serious street credibility and massive popularity. Breaking the mould of pop urban music, the stylish band fuses soul and hip hop with a distinct reggae feel, experimenting with the afro-funk genre to create a sound which is distinctly GI. Their first album, Kassi Flava, was nominated for two Channel O awards. Their latest album, Salute, has broadened the band’s popularity even further with the chart-topping single ‘My Number One.’

The event promises to be one of the best and biggest musical performances seen on Cape Town campus this year.

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

The Wellington campus is set to become the sports hub of the Boland region thanks to a substantial donation of R4.5 million from the National Lotteries Board.

The campus, which boasts a thriving sports culture, recently used the funds to revamp the surfaces of several tennis and netball courts and also install mast lighting at the rugby field.

The funding was awarded to the institution after Wellington Campus Sports Coordinator Tyrone Africa submitted a proposal to the board highlighting the need for an upgrade of the facilities.

Speaking at the recent official opening of the revamped facilities, Africa says the makeover is a stepping stone for other sport-related projects.

“This is a pioneer project for the institution. We would like to improve sports facilities across the CPUT campuses,” he says.

FUN: The netball and rugby team show off their skills on the resurfaced netball court.

Head of Student Affairs, Malinge Gqeba thanked the board for their investment in CPUT and also commended Africa for putting together the winning proposal.

“The National Lotteries Board made it possible for those playing sport to have access to proper facilities,” he says.

And students are already reaping the benefits of the state-of-the-art facilities.

Deputy Chairperson of the Sports Forum at the campus, Enanda Heasbroek, says with new lighting installed at the netball and tennis courts, which also boast new smooth surfaces, the teams have been able to extend their training hours.

“We are training for much longer periods at night and it is really improving our skills,” she says.

Head of the Rugby Team, Ashley Dreyden says the new mast lighting on the rugby fields means they can now host student league games, which usually take place at night.

“The facilities are top-notch,” says Ashley.

By Candes Keating

Photographs by Clive Galant

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

Two of the country’s top DJs welcomed CPUT students to campus life this week.

Popular 5FM celebrity DJs Fresh and Euphonik rocked the Cape Town and Bellville campuses as part of a Student Affairs welcome bash. The two jockeys joined forces and have since become one of the hottest acts in South Africa better known as F.eU.

DREAM TEAM: Fresh and Euphonik are two of the most popular DJs in the country.

Student Development Officer, Annette Grobler, says Fresh and Euphonik, whose real names are Thato Sikwane and Themba Nkosi, were a great way of grabbing students attention and informing them about all the fantastic opportunities available in the sports, culture and student development areas.

Grobler says it has become increasingly challenging to communicate with students and they now rely heavily on social media outlets.

“In Bellville, the MC encouraged people to take out their phones and join the cput students group on Facebook,” she says.

“Now they are on top of everything happening on campus.”

Grobler says the Student Affairs department aims to be a “home away from home” especially for those who live on residence.

“Our aim is to try and create a well-developed individual who has both their academic and emotional needs catered for,” she says.

“Last year rugby was an unexpected hit with students and we are hoping many more will join things like our Zumba classes.”

By: Lauren Kansley

Images by Clive Galant

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

South African higher education institutions must produce graduates of whom they can be proud of, said Sibusiso Chalufu, the recently appointed Head of Student Affairs.

Chalufu, who previously held the position of Head of Student Development at the University of Pretoria, said developing CPUT students and ensuring that they impact positively on their communities is just one of the many challenges he will be taking up.

“There is a need for change in students’ mindsets. We need to show them that there is life beyond bashes,” he said.

Chalufu, who holds two Masters Degrees in Education, said he is not opposed to students having fun, but feels that they have a vital role to play in the development of the CPUT student and broader community.

One of the first programmes which Chalufu will focus on involves the development of the Student Representative Council (SRC).

Chalufu said currently the SRC is driving political agendas and not focusing on the needs of the student community.

He said SRCs at tertiary institutions are in place to “serve students” and address their needs.

“The SRC must add value to the student community. Servant leadership needs to be inculcated in them,” he said.

Chalufu said the SRC must be involved in programmes such as fund raising for needy students or promote programmes that will add value to students’ lives.

“If we want the SRC to be involved in such programmes, then we need to train them,” he said.

With the majority of students not participating in student governance, issues relating to student apathy will also be addressed.

“Students don’t have a sense of a SRC that is there for them. The SRC must develop a programme of action. They need to go out and ask students what they want and how the SRC can serve them,” he said.

Chalufu also wants to ensure that Student Affairs becomes the centre of all student activities at CPUT.

“I want to endeavor to involve all students in student governance, culture and sport. If we can achieve this, then we would have achieved a lot,” said Mr Chalufu

Other programmes include training and development of Student Development Officers and the implementation of regular meetings with the student population.

By Candes Keating

Photo: Sibusiso Chalufu, the recently appointed Head of Student Affairs.

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

Beginning university studies can be the journey of a lifetime and the Student Affairs Department is there to show you the way.

The department is responsible for a range of sporting, cultural, developmental and recreational opportunities- the bulk of which is free to all registered CPUT students.

Pop into the Student Affairs offices in the new library building in Bellville, the Student Centre in Cape Town, and in the F Block in Wellington to find out what is on offer.

Also don’t forget to pick up your Passport to Student Life, a brochure detailing how to access these numerous services.

The Sporting Development Office offers a plethora of exciting sport codes like capoeira, soccer, handball, karate, swimming, rugby and golf. These sports are offered across the Bellville, Cape Town and Wellington Campuses although any CPUT student, with a valid student card, can join and take advantage of free transport between campuses.

The more creative-minded student is catered for with drama, voice artists and a vibrant student media unit that has its own radio station.

A variety of clubs and associations are always planning new ventures and looking for fresh members. The best way to stay connected to everything Student Affairs is doing, is to like their Facebook page or to follow them on Twitter.

Written by Lauren Kansley

Tel: +27 21 953 8646
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Liaises with the media and writes press releases about interesting developments at CPUT.

Make the most out of your time at CPUT and connect with the Department of Student Affairs (DSA).

From an exciting number of sport codes to the choir or university radio station, CPUT students have access to a wide variety of activities outside of the classroom environment.

These activities are all coordinated by the DSA’s various divisions, which includes sport development, student development, arts and culture, student media and student governance.

The department also facilitates environmental programmes, awareness campaigns, and various corporate social responsibility programmes across campuses throughout the academic year.

“We currently have full time DSA staff on most of our campuses and our activities are open and accessible to any registered students and are where possible, free of charge,” says Anette Grobler, a Student Development Officer at DSA.

Globler says the department promotes itself as “your home away from home” and encourages students to visit their various offices and see what they have to offer.

For updates on events, excursion or programmes, like the DSA Facebook page or follow the department on twitter @CPUTSTUDENTS

Contact details

Cape Town Campus
021 460 3149

Bellville Campus
021 959 6637

Wellington Campus
021 864 5247

Mowbray Campus
021 680 1695

Athlone Campus
073 158 9168

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

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

The Division of Student Affairs in partnership with planetUNI and Planetshakers Empower, have donated sanitary items at the Bellville campus for female students in need.

Student Development Officer, Melani-Ann Hara, said for over six years planetUNI and CPUT have enjoyed a fruitful relationship and partnered in many projects, including stress busters, O-Week student socials and many more.

Hara said planetUNI is the young adult university ministry, and Planetshakers Empower is the social justice arm of Planetshakers Church. Their mandate is to ‘Empower Generations to win Generations’. “Going forward, we believe that this partnership will grow even further,” she said. As part of the handover, the various partners met to discuss a memorandum of understanding for future collaborations.

Reflecting on the donation, Hara said: “It means a lot to CPUT Student Affairs when faith-based organisations partner with us to meet the growing needs of our students. No female student should be disadvantaged in performing her academic best by not having access to sanitary pads, she continued.

“planetUNI has seen the need and wanted to assist students who are in need. The donations will be distributed through our Campus Health clinics across the campuses for those students in need.”

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

The Division of Student Affairs has embarked on a series of campaigns to help address alcohol and substance abuse and the social ills caused by it.

The initiative kicked off with a virtual dialogue held earlier this month, which was attended by 107 students and staff members, according to Student Development Practitioner,  Anette Grobler.

The panel members were Jerry Mboweni, certified life coach on addictions, Motshabi Nkoane, National Department of Social Development, Nonkosi Tyolwana, CPUT Transformation Unit, Chumani Mashwanyela: residence coordinator, Kwena Mapuma, a peer educator and Amajita Men’s Programme representative and Ditebogo Manana, National Department of Social Development.

“The use and abuse of substances have become a national and international health and mental health crisis, including in the higher education setting. We know that alcohol and substance abuse have far-reaching consequences for both users and non-users, as it directly impacts all facets of psychosocial and socioeconomic domains,” said Melanie Marais, Head of the HIV/Aids Unit.

The main objectives of these campaigns are to create awareness of:

• The use/abuse of alcohol and drugs on campuses and residences.
• When the use of alcohol and/or drugs become abuse
• The risks that go along with the use/abuse of substances and when and where to seek assistance.

Students and staff are encouraged to join this campaign titled: #BeWise.

Some of the planned activities include:

• Virtual exhibition 1 to 16 June.
• Slam poetry 1 to 5 June.
• Debate: For or against alcohol on campus? 26 to 29 July.
• Discussion groups 30 to 31 July and 13 to 14 August.
• When is enough, enough?
• When to seek help and more.
• Psycho-education sessions July to September

Should you be struggling with alcohol and/or substance abuse, contact Student Counselling via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the Higher Health 24hour Mental Health number 0800363636.

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

The Student Affairs Division and Services (DSA) will run the #WiseUp Healthy Living campaign from 19 July to 5 August.

Head of Department: Student Counselling, Leanie Brits, says the mandate of DSA is to educate and support students’ adjustment, development and wellness outside of the classroom through its various service portfolios.  “We strive to create opportunities for engagement and education to empower our students to grow. The prolonged lockdown and COVID-19 pandemic brought with it an increase in psychosocial challenges for students.

“The pandemic challenged people’s resilience and placed great strain on people’s general coping strategies,” says Brits.

The #WiseUp Healthy Living campaign emanated from the need to empower the CPUT community with information, tools, and resources to maintain the fundamental principles of a healthy body and mind.  “It also seeks to promote wellness, mental health, and amongst others, focus on depression and suicide awareness, substance use and abuse and gender-based violence (GBV) awareness,” emphasises Brits.

She adds that the campaign is supported by CPUT’s external partners, the Department of Social Development, the National Institute of Community Development and Management, and the Department of Health, exhibiting on campus on the 19th and 20th of July. The Department of Student Counselling and Campus Health clinic will also show these days.

Students are encouraged to attend the exhibitions’ stalls and the various activities that will run during the campaign. The organisers anticipate that more than 500 students will participate in the on-campus events that will run during this period. The campaign has to adhere to COVID-19 protocols, and therefore, certain activities will be limited per number of attendees to comply with venue capacity restrictions. The drama performance and exhibitions are open air/outside events, these activities will be regulated but limited.

The target audience is all CPUT students, especially students who seek to empower themselves with knowledge and those who want to learn how to live and maintain a healthy life. “This campaign allows students to learn the facts about general strategies to maintain wellness and mental health, substance use and abuse, depression and suicide, and GBV,” summarises Brits.

She also states that wellness and mental health should be a daily priority and that without proper self-care, one might find it challenging to focus on one’s academics and may even notice social and emotional problems such as depression, low motivation, isolation, high levels of stress and inability to deal with pressure.

“Students may end up engaging in unhealthy coping strategies such as increased alcohol use, unhealthy eating and sleeping habits, etc. We are holistic beings; wellness and mental health cannot be separated from our work and academics. We encourage the CPUT community to #BeWise and equip themselves with the knowledge to live healthily,” adds Brits.

To view the line-up, click this link:

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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

Hundreds of new first-year students will be formally welcomed to the institution during three welcoming events next week.

First-years and their parents will be addressed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, during these events, which are scheduled to take place as follows:

14 February at 10:00 - Wellington Campus - House Murray Gardens

15 February at 10:00 - District Six Campus – Piazza

16 February at 10:00 - Bellville Campus - Major Sports Hall

The Division of Student Affairs is also looking forward to meeting the new student cohort.

All Student Affairs departments, various student structures, sport and arts groups as well as exhibitors will have stalls and exhibits on the campus between 10:00 and 14:00 on the respective days.

This will assist students as they get to know their campus, and student life opportunities and support services.

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