A reluctant start in academia transformed into a deeply fulfilling journey for Prof Bennett Alexander, who recently retired after an impactful career, spanning almost 40 years.
The Faculty of Informatics and Design recently bid farewell to Alexander, who served as Assistant Dean since 2017 and first joined the then Peninsula Technikon in 1985.
Academia was not his first career choice. Alexander graduated with an engineering degree from UCT.
However, the harsh realities of apartheid-era South Africa soon shattered those dreams.
“Like many of my contemporaries, I faced significant barriers as a non-White engineer.”
His initial position as an Analogue Test Engineer at SAMES in Pretoria was marked by exclusionary practices, including "whites only" engineering weekend getaways. Undeterred, he moved to the O'kiep Copper Company in Nababeep as a Control Engineer, only to face a strike from the white Mine Workers Union protesting his appointment. His subsequent role as an Instrumentation Engineer at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station highlighted the pervasive racial inequities, as he was denied on-site housing provided to white employees.
“By the latter part of 1984, I found myself at home, contemplating my future. It was then that Franklin Sonn, a neighbour, and Thomas van Breda, a family friend, intervened. On their advice, I accepted a short-term contract at Peninsula Technikon.”
“The plan was to stay for six months before returning to the engineering industry. However, what began as a temporary detour turned into a lifelong vocation. Almost forty years later, I cannot imagine a career outside of education.”
“Reflecting on this path, I realise how special it has been to be part of an institution that nurtures future generations. The obstacles I faced in the industry were not just personal setbacks but catalysts that steered me towards a more impactful and rewarding career.”
In 1985, Alexander joined Peninsula Technikon as a lecturer in the Electrical Engineering department. “Upon my arrival, I reconnected with many old friends and acquaintances from university, and other individuals I had learned about through their reputations for academic excellence. This assembly of talented and dedicated engineering professionals, who had also found themselves at Peninsula Technikon for similar reasons, became the driving force behind the institution's commitment to excellence in education and social justice.”
Alexander’s career is filled with memorable moments and significant milestones. In 1990, he was promoted to Senior Lecturer and in 1992 he was nominated to serve on the Academic Development Team of Peninsula Technikon under the leadership of Brian O'Connell, who later became Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape.
From 1994 to 1995, Alexander served as Acting Head of the Electrical Engineering department, a role that honed his leadership skills. “During this time, I realised the importance of administrative excellence in academic settings.”
In 1996, he obtained his Master’s degree from Indiana State University and in 2000, Alexander established the Electronic Media Centre, which eventually evolved into today's Multimedia Programme. “This initiative reflected my commitment to keeping pace with technological advancements and integrating them into the curriculum.”
In 2001, he became Head of the Information Technology department and seven years later he was conferred the title of Associate Professor. “This recognition was a highlight of my academic career, reflecting years of academic and community work.”
In 2011, Alexander earned a doctoral degree, paving the way for his promotion to Assistant Dean in 2017. “This role has allowed me to shape the future of the faculty and mentor the next generation of academics and professionals.”
Throughout his career, Alexander has been actively involved in learned societies, holding numerous leadership positions. He has chaired the Higher Education ICT Association for over a decade and led various projects, including the TABEISA and TELP projects and several SETA-funded initiatives, focusing primarily on curriculum and learning materials development.
Reflecting on nearly forty years at the institution, Alexander is proud of the many achievements that were made possible through collective efforts and a shared vision for excellence. “Firstly, I take immense pride in the institution itself and its continuous pursuit of excellence. This commitment was a hallmark of Peninsula Technikon and continues to define CPUT today. I see a bright future for our university, driven by its unwavering dedication to innovation and quality education.”
As he steps into retirement, Alexander plans to pursue his passions for jazz music and camping, while staying connected to academia. “Looking back, I am deeply thankful and feel blessed to have had the opportunity to live out my passion for engineering and education. My career unfolded in ways I never could have imagined, and I am grateful for every moment.”
Written by Ilse Fredericks
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