The Faculty of Business is helping learners from disadvantaged communities achieve their dream of acquiring education by donating to community-based organisations set up for this purpose.

One such initiative to benefit from this gesture is the Mitchells Plain Role Model and Bursary Trust, which was established by CPUT’s Chancellor and Minister in the Presidency, Trevor Manuel.

The trust has been supported by the Faculty of Business which handed over a generous donation.

Manuel recently convened a Mitchells Plain Education Summit at Glendale High School where he committed himself to work with the community to establish the trust, which is aimed at supporting deserving learners from 16 high schools in the area.

Donations from private and corporate donors made it possible for the trust to award the bursaries to 16 learners, who were nominated by their school based on their 2012 academic performance.

Dr Reedwaan Ismail, Manager of Strategic Projects and Initiatives at CPUT who represented the faculty at the summitsays each student received a bursary of R10 000.

“Should they succeed in 2013, they will be supported again in 2014 and for a final year in 2015,” says Ismail.

By Kwanele Butana

Written by CPUT News

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

A total of 653 graduates walked across the stage during CPUT’s annual Spring Graduation held today.

The number included 39 Masters and five Doctoral students and the ceremonies were officiated by Chancellor Trevor Manuel.

Ceremony one guest speaker Fred Robertson encouraged the graduates to appreciate the sacrifices made by struggle veterans like Manuel as well as Nelson Mandela, Albert Luthuli and Govan Mbeki.

“You stand on the shoulders of greatness and you have a great responsibility,” he told them.

Robertson sketched his own career path starting from humble beginnings in District Six where his entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured to the slums of the Cape Flats.

His incredible career journey culminated in him heading Brimstone Investment Corporation, a multi-billion rand investment corporation, among other incredible successes, and being named a leading figure in the national business community.

Robertson reminded graduates that his success, and theirs, was dependent on the support they received from family, friends and their alma mater, adding that before them 75 000 students had graduated from CPUT in its 10 year history.

“Give back to your alma mater. We need to cultivate a culture of giving back,” he says.

Robertson also encouraged graduates to commit to life-long learning.

“Expand your knowledge continuously and teach others as well, because in teaching others you also learn. Believe in yourself and be brave, passionate and remember life is a team effort.”

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.