CPUT’s commitment to addressing real-world challenges has received national recognition, with two case studies highlighting how the institution’s research is making a societal impact in South Africa and beyond selected for publication on the USAf website

In May 2026 Universities South Africa (USAf) launched an open call for impact case studies demonstrating the societal impact of academic work carried out by South African universities. A total of 34 were submitted and 14 were selected for publication.

The two CPUT case studies selected are:

Combating Hidden Hunger through the Development and Commercialisation of Nutri-Caro-E Fortification Technology

Hidden hunger, caused by deficiencies in vitamins and minerals despite adequate food intake, remains a major public health challenge in South Africa, particularly among children and vulnerable populations. Research undertaken by the Functional Foods Research Unit (FFRU) at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) led to the development of Nutri-Caro-E, a patented micronutrient fortification technology designed to improve nutritional status through incorporation into commonly consumed food products.

The technology demonstrated measurable improvements in micronutrient status among pre-school children attending informal crèches in the Eastern Cape. Following successful development and validation, Nutri-Caro-E was licensed to Sozo Foods (Pty) Ltd and incorporated into fortified food products including maize meal, instant cereals, peanut butter products, and stock cubes. Through its incorporation into products distributed to vulnerable communities, including school children and elderly beneficiaries, the technology translated university research into a practical response to hidden hunger and micronutrient deficiencies.

Prof Maretha van Heerden, Head of the Functional Foods Research Unit, Faculty of Applied Sciences: Biotechnology & Consumer Sciences, said: “Being selected as a case study for publication by USAf is a great honour and a meaningful recognition of many years of research, collaboration, perseverance and dedication. For me, it is not only about the scientific innovation behind Nutri-Caro-E, but also about the journey of turning a nutritional concept into a technology with the potential to make a real difference in people's lives”.

She continued: “What means the most to me is the potential impact on vulnerable communities, particularly young children. Hidden hunger remains a serious public health challenge in South Africa, and Nutri-Caro-E was developed to help address this by adding essential micronutrients to foods people already consume. Knowing

that our research could contribute to better nutrition, healthier children and improved food and nutrition security is incredibly rewarding.

“I am also proud that this recognition highlights CPUT's contribution to addressing real societal challenges. It reminds me that the true value of research lies not only in publications and scientific discoveries, but in translating knowledge into practical solutions that can make a meaningful difference beyond academia.”

From Space Research to Space Sovereignty: Commercialising South African Technologies for Global Markets

Research undertaken through the Africa Space Innovation Centre (ASIC) at CPUT has enabled South African-developed satellite communication technologies to progress from university research into licensed products, commercial applications and operational space missions. Through technology transfer to South African space companies, ASIC-developed technologies have generated licensing income, supported industrial growth and reached customers in Brazil, Japan, Europe and the United States.

As CPUT's satellite engineering, research and innovation hub, ASIC served as the research and development engine behind significant nanosatellite programmes including ZACube-1, Africa's first CubeSat; ZACube-2, Africa's most advanced nanosatellite at the time; M2MSat technology; and the MDASat mission. These programmes demonstrated South Africa's ability to develop and deploy advanced satellite technologies while creating intellectual property with commercial value.

Beyond commercial impact, ASIC-developed technologies contribute to Maritime Domain Awareness through applications supporting vessel monitoring, maritime surveillance and maritime data collection. The programme demonstrates how university research can strengthen South Africa's technological sovereignty, support local industry and create economic and societal impact through technology transfer and commercialisation.

Since 2019, these licensing activities have generated more than R3 million in royalty income for CPUT, demonstrating sustained commercial utilisation of university-developed intellectual property.

Jayde Barends, Senior Commercialisation Officer: Technology Transfer and Industry Linkages, said the selection of the case study for publication on the USAf website is a meaningful recognition of the quality, relevance and societal value of the University’s space-related research.

“It provides an opportunity to highlight the work being undertaken at CPUT and to demonstrate how research and innovation can contribute to addressing challenges beyond the university environment. For CPUT, the recognition helps raise the profile of its space-related research and the expertise within the University. Most importantly, the recognition reinforces the value of investing in research and innovation that has the potential to contribute meaningfully to society and to South Africa’s growing space and technology ecosystem.”

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

Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo has added yet another feather to his cap after being nominated to a prime leadership position with Universities South Africa (USAf).

Nhlapo has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Finance and Investment Committee of USAf, and will now play a pivotal role in ensuring the organisations financial stability and investment strategy.

USAf is an umbrella body of the 26 public universities in the country and plays a critical role in advocating for the Higher Education sector to a range of national and international stakeholders.

The VC also holds another prestigious chairmanship, he is the current Chairman of the Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (Thensa). Thensa is a formation of all technology focused universities in South Africa.

As the Vice Chancellor of one of the largest universities in South Africa, Nhlapo is no stranger to managing the financial obligations of a large organisation and adhering to all regulatory obligations. Thanks to his firm and decisive leadership Nhlapo has ensured that CPUT has always been given unqualified audits and continues to impress with its strict financial prudence.

Nhlapo welcomed his appointment and assured USAf and its members that he would work in its best interests to ensure the organisation remained in good financial stead.

“Thank you for the trust that has been shown in me and my abilities to lead the Finance and Investment Committee of USAf. Under my stewardship I will ensure that the organisation maintains and strengthens its financial footing and to always work towards the betterment of all 26 member universities,” he said.

Written by Lauren Kansley
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.

Insights into bridging the gender gap between men and women were discussed at a recent Gender Transformation Symposium held at the Granger Bay Campus.

George Mvalo, Chairperson: Universities South Africa (USAf) Transformation Managers Forum, said his forum’s priorities include bringing about Gender equality and putting an end to Gender-Based violence.

Mvalo observed that most universities were run by men and that all universities under administration were also run by men.

"We risk becoming a failed generation due to persistent structural imbalances at our universities,” he argued.

He added that the gender agenda was at the centre of transformation and called for an end to gender discrimination and marginalisation.

Prof Vivienne Taylor, a retired UK academic and Commissioner: National Planning Commission (NPC), said the brutality of violence perpetrated against women, gender pay gap and poverty were some of the challenges women have to deal with.

“Men who are supposed to protect women are the assailants,” added Taylor.

She argued that the significance of women's emancipation starts with re-organising the significance of women's roles as women cannot always wait for the government to protect their rights.

“The NPC is currently assessing progress in the implementation of the NDP, which was launched in 2012,” she revealed. “A rigorous review of the NDP is necessary.”

“We would welcome research on women's abuse by universities as a start towards women empowerment,” she said.

Yaa Ashantewa Archer- Ngidi, Social Cohesion Advocate at the Durban University of Technology, said rewriting history by correcting the lies told by previous authors is one of the mandates of the advocates.

Archer-Ngidi added that women should not accept being humiliated because that is a sign of an inferior complex.

Tamara Mathebula, Chairperson: Commission for Gender Equality, discussed the importance of gender transformation in higher education during the CPUT Gender Transformation Symposium.

Dr Nyx Mclean, a lecturer in the Faculty of Informatics and Design at CPUT, suggested actions that can be implemented to protect gender diversity among students and staff including the following:

Include a "transgender" or "other and specify" options on forms;

Include preferred name and option to change gender identity on university software systems;

Ruling out binary coded language such as "ladies and gentlemen" even on emails and;

Building gender-neutral bathrooms in addition to the ladies and gentlemen’s ones.

Written by Kwanele Butana

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

South African academics in the field of African Languages say their universities need to collaborate some more on various issues of research interest as well as make recommendations on the way African Languages can be used as a resource in teaching and learning. 

These were some of the resolutions taken during this year’s Universities South Africa Community of Practice for the Teaching and Learning of African Languages (CoPAL) which was held on the Bellville Campus.

The CoPAL was hosted by the Fundani Centre for Higher Education Development’s Language Unit, which presented a synopsis of language policy implementation initiatives and multilingual teaching practices at CPUT.

The CoPAL’s resolutions as well as the need to identify more sources of funding for the field’s Postgraduate students were identified as priority initiatives for COPAL.

The delegates agreed to facilitate more collaborations among universities and to explore and make recommendations on the use of African Languages as resources in teaching and learning.
The universities discussed their respective postgraduate academic programmes in African Languages, staffing issues, student enrolments and related aspects such as funding and exchange programmes.

The universities which were in attendance included CPUT, UCT, Rhodes University, UWC, Nelson Mandela University, North-West University, Fort Hare and the University of Zululand.

Professors Mbulungeni Madiba (UCT) and Pamela Maseko (UWC) were re-elected unopposed into their positions of Chairperson and Vice-chairperson, respectively.

Universities South Africa, formerly known as Higher Education South Africa, is a membership organisation representing South Africa's universities.

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