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
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First-year students who have secured a coveted spot in one of CPUT’s programmes can be assured of gaining relevant skills in their respective fields of study.

This assurance was reiterated by CPUT’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga, who addressed thousands of first-year students during a series of Welcome Ceremonies, held this week on the various campuses.

SUPPORT: CPUT’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga encouraged students to work hard

“Our main business is to achieve academic success,” says Mazwi-Tanga.

At CPUT, first-years will have access to internationally recognised academic programmes, which have been specifically designed to ensure they gain relevant knowledge and training.

The university also boasts an impressive array of laboratories and lecture halls, well-stocked libraries and first-rate computer facilities. First-year students will also have access to academic support programmes as well as sporting and cultural activities.

Prof Mazwi-Tanga encouraged first-year students to work hard and make the most of their time at the university.

“Seize this opportunity,” she says.

Dean of Students, Cora Motale, who also addressed the students, used the opportunity to urge students to make use of resources on campuses, which will play a role in ensuring their academic success.

“You all have the ability to do well. Do your best.”

*For additional information on the registration processes for first-year students, please see the notices on the CPUT homepage

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT’s Advancement Department has unveiled its strategy to celebrate the university’s first decade as a merged institution.

Dynamic new director, Milcho Damianov has presented the department’s “box of goodies” to Vice-Chancellor Mazwi-Tanga and says he is confident that this blueprint will galvanise the entire CPUT community around the milestone in 2015 that marks ten years of excellence at the institution.

Dubbed the “First Decade of Prominence and Prosperity”, the campaign will be launched in March this year and built upon in the following three years. It will both celebrate the past decade and look confidently to the future – a future where all at CPUT will strive to Create, Prosper, Uplift and Thrive.

“The four words are derived from the acronym of our university - CPUT,” says Damianov.

“This massive friend-raising and fund-raising campaign will create new partnerships and develop sustainable competitive advantages for CPUT. We shall prosper by nurturing our students, and uplift the quality of resources, education, and most importantly, communities in the region. Finally, positioning CPUT as world-class university will undoubtedly enable us to thrive.”

By Jan Weintrob

Written by CPUT News
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“I am humbled by the honour and privilege given to me to join this great institution and look forward to working with everyone in making CPUT one of the best universities of technology in Africa, serving its people with distinction.”

These are the words of CPUT’s newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Designate and Vice-Chancellor, Dr Prins Azwitevhelwi Nevhutalu.

A higher education professional, Dr Nevhutalu is set to begin in October along with current Vice-Chancellor Prof Tanga who will retire at the end of the year. He will officially succeed Prof Tanga on the 1st of January 2014.

The Search and Selection Committee was impressed by the qualities the Dr is set to bring to CPUT along with more than 25 years of higher education experience.

“Behind him is strong experience and a record of delivery in senior executive management, in leading research strategy and development processes within Tshwane University of Technology where he was DVC: Research, Innovation and Partnerships, also from the NRF where he was Executive Director: Research Development and Support and later Executive Director: Institutional Capacity Development,” says Council Chair, Mbulelo Bikwani.

Statement by the Chair of Council

Written by

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga, represented CPUT at the Talloires Network's Global Leaders Conference entitled "Building the Engaged University, Moving beyond the Ivory Tower". The Talloires Network is an international association of institutions dedicated to strengthening the civic roles and social responsibilities of higher education institutions.

The Network was founded by Tufts University in 2005 and celebrated its fifth anniversary at the conference. The three-day conference was held in Madrid, Spain at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) in mid-June and the gathering brought together higher education leaders from across the globe, particularly rectors, vice-chancellors, presidents, ministers of education, regional network leaders and philanthropic leaders from its 200 members representing 58 countries. South Africa was represented by at least nine Vice-Chancellors.

In partnership with the UAM, the Network engaged these leaders in a dynamic discussion about the role of universities in community and social development, as well as how universities can work with communities in identifying strategic interventions to address challenges.  Prof. Mazwi-Tanga, along with her peers and counterparts at the conference, explored how to deepen the impact of community engagement in the higher education sector.

A number of internationally recognised speakers also shared their ideas on a variety of topics related to civic engagement, including citizenship; the role of institutions of higher education in addressing critical social needs; partnerships with the NGO sector and more. During the sessions, participants shared the work of their universities, engaged with their peers and provided direct feedback to the network on membership needs.

Following a field visit to CPUT in August 2009, Susan E. Stroud (a researcher and member of the Network Secretariat responsible for research across Africa), authored a profile on the institution, titled ‘Community Partnerships for Development and the Appropriation of New Knowledge’, which details the institution’s merger history, looks at the environment in which it operates and investigates the successes and challenges of CPUT’s Civic Engagement agenda.

Prof. Mazwi-Tanga shares her thoughts on the experience saying: “The conference prompted us to think about breaking the ‘ivory tower syndrome’, allowing universities and communities to forge meaningful partnerships in solving pressing problems in local communities and society at large.

“As leaders of higher education institutions, we were able to see ourselves as being one with communities and be informed by what is going on to make a positive impact within the communities. This is part of the movement for change which the Talloires Network stands for; as it recognises the contribution institutions make at an international level.

“The key to this, I believe, involves how universities adapt the curriculum to incorporate and accommodate issues of civic engagement, because if it is not touched upon the curriculum level, the academic output remains superficial. Education, after all, is about development for change.

“What we’re thinking about at present is how to infuse this thinking into the University at all levels; academic, research, teaching and learning in order to address the real social issues of poverty, unemployment, health and so on. The question that remains for CPUT, is how far have we come in trying to alleviate and address these problems and challenges and have we made it a deliberate agenda at CPUT? 

“What I like about the network is that is cuts across all divisions of race, religion and gender, in order to see true human issues. I would like CPUT to try and speak to the ideals that the group embodies and to see the university abuzz with incubator companies born out of research projects that have deep ties with the surrounding communities” says Prof. Mazwi-Tanga.

By: Thando J. Moiloa

Written by CPUT News
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“New students help us recharge our antique ways of thinking and how we empower young minds to become productive citizens of this great country, South Africa.” Those were the words of welcome of Vice-Chancellor Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga, as first-year students and their parents and guardians gathered on the Cape Town, Bellville and Wellington campuses of CPUT at the start of Orientation Week. “Students are very important members of the CPUT family, as it is through their best performance that the university is regarded as successful, stable and sustainable.”

Extending a special word of welcome to parents and guardians, Prof Mazwi-Tanga stressed that CPUT is very aware of the huge responsibility the institution has to teach and empower their children. She urged students to make learning a priority and make the most of their time in the robust learning environment that a University of Technology presents. “We are in a unique position to produce graduates who have a strong sense of work-integrated learning, so build networks during your studies and ensure that you become a well-rounded adult”, she said. With the welcoming ceremonies spread over 3 days and 3 campuses, here are some of the highlights of the start of the 2011 academic year.

The “house-father” and house committee of Murray Hall, Wellington campus.

The house committee are charged with welcoming new students to the residence and to campus, with fun activities planned to ease the homesickness of first-years in their new lives as students. With the student housing challenge always on the priority list, CPUT presently offers around 2500 beds for residence students. However, a new residence, Caledon, near the Cape Town campus, will be handed over in March, providing an additional 500-plus beds.

Llewellyn Fortuin is studying education and will be living in residence.

“I have mixed emotions,” says Llewellyn. “On the one hand, I’m glad to be away from home, but I also miss my family. On my first day here, I just wanted to go home because I didn’t know anyone, but then we went on the first year’s camp and things started to ease as I made friends. All I want to do for now, is to focus on my studies and do well this year. I’m from Vredendal, so it’s not that far from home.”

Angelea Smit is also studying Education and will be living in residence.

“It’s been exciting, especially meeting new people who are just as new as you to this environment. I haven’t really worked out my emotions of being away from my parents, but I guess later when everything has settled, I will be a bit homesick. I did set a goal for myself and that is to pass well this year.”

Coleen Jones will be staying at home while studying education.

Colleen says, “I thoroughly enjoyed today. It was a nice experience and the speeches were good, but I’m actually looking forward for the classes to start. I won’t be staying on residence, which will make it that much easier for me to focus on my studies, instead of being homesick. And I think this is the reason why I chose to study at CPUT.”

Robyn Leigh Marks, the first female chairperson of the Wellington Student Representative Council.

“Language barriers and diversity needs to be prioritised on campus this year, and we’ll be focussing on change in a big way. We’d like to move away from the notion that only English and Afrikaans are spoken on the Wellington campus. Students need to know that we are going into a South African working world with 11 different languages.”

First-building students at the Bellville campus, Nomazizi Rabula and Nkateko Hlungwane say they felt a mixture of emotions during their first few days of orientation.

“I feel very excited to be at this tertiary institution, even though I didn’t really enjoy the first few days of orientation. Although I felt a little lonely at first, I eventually made new friends and I realized that the people are actually very welcoming. Academically, all I desire is to pass all my subjects and of course have some fun!” said Rabula.

While Hlungwane, from Pretoria who’ll be staying in residence says “I feel excited, nervous, happy and scared, I think it’s because I know that this is not going to be like high school. I’m prepared to do a lot of studying and since I’ll be staying in res the prospect of being independent is so exhilarating, even though I already miss home. But I guess it is all part of preparation for the real world.”

Sisonke Cekiso, who will be studying Horticulture says he hasn’t experience any problems during orientation.

“I had no difficulties, everyone was very helpful and I truly enjoyed my first week here. My short-term goal is to improve my mathematics and biology. Long term, I think I just want to finish my course in record time. I’d also like to join some extra mural activities like certain sports codes, as well as become a member of the SRC.”

Compiled by Jan Weintrob, Thando Moiloa, Andiswa Dantile and Mariette Adams.

Written by CPUT News
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“With the 2011 academic year now in full swing, the largest university in the Western Cape is looking forward to a year of continuous improvement in quality.” So said Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Mazwi-Tanga, welcoming new academic and support staff to the CPUT family.  Aimed at giving one of CPUT’s most valuable assets a thorough overview of the university, last week’s induction also spelled out the ways in which it continually seeks to attract and retain the best calibre personnel.

As Human Resources Director, Charles Gilbert, made clear in his address, CPUT has an extensive plan to develop, retain, reward and support staff so that recognition for excellence in education is attained. His words were strongly echoed by Executive Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Nomathamsanqa Tisani, who said, “The revolving door syndrome is not welcome at CPUT – it is our intention to retain our staff and develop them to their full potential. Because staff development is paramount, just one of the exciting ways we invest in staff is our Erasmus Mundus Programme.“  This avails scholarships for studying, research and development at postgraduate level to South African nationals at selected European universities.

Dr Tisani strongly encouraged new staff, and old, to take full advantage of this lucrative and potentially life-changing scholarship, where a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 36 months can be spent at a European university. The application deadlines for this year’s intake has been extended until February 28th and March 7th, and all staff are urged to familiarise themselves with the process of applying.Day one of the induction also saw issues like employer relations, health and safety, conditions of service and performance management explained to the new staffers. CPUT’s Learning and Development Manager, Thelo Wakefield, stressed the high value CPUT places on extending staffers’ knowledge and skills. “We’re dedicated to the presentation of quality training programmes that bring about an improvement in the way daily tasks are performed,” said Thelo. The go-to-guy for staffers keen to up-skill, Thelo’s office in the Administration Building on the Bellville campus is always ready to provide support, advice and ensure that staff development is accessible on an equitable basis.Day two saw academic staff participate in a workshop designed to introduce them to Higher Education in South Africa. Facilitated by Prof Chris Winberg, the day’s proceedings gave more insight into Universities of Technology and the CPUT context.With critical issues like conditions of service, performance management and the ins and outs of being a new lecturer at CPUT addressed, day three of the comprehensive induction was pure fun. New staffers enjoyed a tour of all CPUT’s campuses, including the jewel in CPUT’s crown, Granger Bay, with a sundowner braai on the Wellington campus a fitting conclusion to this comprehensive introduction to life as an employee of CPUT.

By Jan Weintrob

Written by CPUT News
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Financially disadvantaged students can expect some relief thanks to an exclusive fund raising cocktail evening.

Interested parties have only one day left to RSVP for the event which will be held on Tuesday 19^th June at the Cape Town Hotel School in Granger Bay.

Hosted by Vice-Chancellor Prof Mazwi-Tanga and Council Chair Mbulelo Bikwani, the glittering event will give guests the opportunity to network and reconnect while finding out more about the incredible work being done to help students in need.

Mr Bikwani is himself a grateful recipient of financial aid. His early struggles as a student saw him knocking on many doors to source funding.

“Having experienced first-hand the hardships of financing my studies, when I became Chairman of Council I knew I couldn’t accept such a prestigious role without initiating projects to make a difference to those desperate for an education,” he says.

“With this in mind, and given the challenges facing the University to maintain standards of excellence, your support and engagement, is now, more than ever, critical to the interests of CPUT. “

Those who wish to attend the function on Tuesday 19^th June at the Cape Town Hotel School are advised that seats are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Please RSVP by close of business on Friday 7^th June to Helena Pietersen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The cocktail function begins at 17h00 for 17h30 and the dress code is Smart.

By  Jan Weintrob

Written by CPUT News
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An academic initiative that started 13 years ago is still benefiting CPUT staff and students well over a decade later.

In 1998 Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Prof Anthony Staak helped spearhead an initiative to make engineering textbooks more user-friendly for a disadvantaged South African audience.

Under the auspices of the Tertiary Education Linkages Program (TELP), the initiative saw no fewer than 13 titles being published, many of which are still in use today.

Prof Staak explained the significance of the textbooks at a Juta relaunch of the titles held at the Bellville IT centre recently.

“At the time Engineering was, and still is, one of the scarce skills,” he says.

“We faced tremendous challenges and one of the problems was that textbooks, many of which were published abroad, were inappropriate for our students.”

Prof Staak says SA students needed a simpler option with a South African context to help them understand complicated engineering theories.

After collaborating with five other SA Technikons and four US universities the project got under way and ended up being one of the most successful TELP projects ever.

In a second phase of the project the textbooks were supplemented with 7 CD’s which lecturers could use in the classroom- an early example of multi-media use in classrooms.

Juta’s Mthunzi Nxawe urged the gathering of engineering specialists to consider adding to the body of work by publishing their own titles.

CPUT Chemistry lecturer Andre Spies and former staff member Alphonso Hendricks along with Ronald Engelbrecht were given a special commendation for their work on the Physics for Engineering textbook.

By LAUREN KANSLEY

Written by CPUT News
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At a recent ceremony, CPUT Vice-Chancellor Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga expressed gratitude toward the Abe Bailey Trust.

She thanked the organisation for its consistent support of the institution.

The trust, which was established in terms of the will of the late Sir Abe Bailey, who was a mining magnate and politician in South Africa, has donated R1.3million to the institution over the past several years.

The Vice-Chancellor demonstrated her gratitude at a plaque unveiling ceremony on 25 May 2009, during which she also presented a certificate of appreciation to the Trust.

Prof Mazwi-Tanga said CPUT recognised the generous contribution made to the university and its parent institutions, the Cape and Peninsula Technikons. She said while all universities in South Africa were struggling to improve their throughput rate, support such as that from the Trust was assisting in aiding CPUT in its commitment to improve.

Prof Mazwi-Tanga said the contribution has, among other things, enabled CPUT to roll out programmes that assist students with the development of language and writing skills.

One of these programmes is the Writing Centre situated at both the Bellville and Cape Town campuses.

The Writing Centre provides academic literacy support to students, assisting them with the development of academic reading, writing, communication and language skills.

Prof Mazwi-Tanga said by assisting students in these vital areas, they can improve the throughput rate.

Trust Chairman Brian Robinson said the trust originally focused on leadership development, but over the years has expanded its areas of support.

Robinson said the partnership between the trust and CPUT may see more support in the future.

By Noloyiso Mchunu

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From publishing research papers to embarking on innovative studies, CPUT researchers have made the institution proud.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed by the university, who recently celebrated their activities at the annual Research Day, which was held at the Mowbray Campus.

Vice-Chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu, commended the researcher and says the university has surpassed its own research targets, with 23% of staff holding doctoral qualifications and 35 holding ratings from the National Research Foundation.

He says research activities were important as the university had embarked on a drive to go from a good to a great institution.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo, highlighted the university’s Research and Innovation Blueprint, an innovative document that plots to the way forward for research and innovation activities at CPUT.

Nhlapo emphasised the concept of research uptake, a process which sees the results of research turned into a patent, product or service, through innovation and technology.

CPUT also awarded the university’s top researchers, supervisors and industry funding recipients for 2013.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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My School is celebrating their 17th birthday at the end of September, and for the 17 days leading up to their big day, from 14 - 30 September 2014, for every new card issued with CPUT as the beneficiary, they'll give the university’s Bursary Fund R17 cash.

That means if we sign up 10 new users in the next ten days until the end of the month, we'll receive R170, 100 new cardholders translates into R1 700 and should we sign up 1000 new cardholders, our Bursary Fund will receive a whopping R17 000.

Vice-Chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu has led the campaign to get as many CPUT staff, students and supporters as possible to buy-in to the My School Card Campaign.

It is one of South Africa's biggest community support programmes which raises funds to improve education and social development.

“This is one of the initiatives introduced by CPUT’s Advancement Department to bolster our Bursary Fund”, says Nevhutalu.

“It’s a simple and effective way to ensure that many more bright and deserving students denied an education due to financial constraints are given the opportunity to shine.”

If you don’t already have a My School card;

1. Apply for a free card at www.myschool.co.za or call 0860 100 445. You can also get a card at any Woolworths store.
2. Nominate CPUT as your beneficiary
3. If you already have a My School card, please nominate CPUT as your beneficiary. To do this log onto www.myschool.co.za/supporter/update/

When one swipes one’s card at any participating retailer, the partner donates a percentage of your purchase to the CPUT Bursary Fund.

Written by Janyce Weintrob
Tel: +27 21 460 3514
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CPUT recently hosted the 2^nd International Conference of the Leadership & Management in Projects Driven Industries in South Africa (Lamipisa) at the Cape Town Campus.

Some of the topics discussed by academics included the management of mega projects focusing on social development such as South Africa’s National Development Plan, non-governmental development organizations, community participation and entrepreneurship.

The four-day conference was organized by the Department of Management and Project Management and saw scores of academics in management and leadership presenting research papers.

Addressing the conference CPUT Vice-chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu, encouraged the delegates to invite industry role players to their future conferences in order to become more attuned to world trends adding that as a career-focused institution, CPUT should continuously build rapport with industry leaders.

He emphasized the importance of research outputs stressing that the conference resonated with the university’s goal of becoming a great university.

“Research is fundamental to our journey towards greatness,” he said.

About 50 papers was presented by academics from Germany, India, Uganda, Nigeria, Zimbabwe as well as various parts of South Africa.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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CPUT recently welcomed members of its new council at a gala dinner at the Cape Town Hotel School Restaurant.

During the dinner Vice-Chancellor Dr Prins Nevhutalu presented the university’s profile, history and organogram as well as its strategic imperatives stressing that council’s role is integral in taking the university from good to great.

His plan includes boosting the current 17% of staff members with doctorates to around 30% in five years’ time. He also outlined the university’s seven Research Focus Areas and announced that five more research chairs have been approved by the previous council.

He said the university’s priorities for the future will be addressing academic challenges, improving the quality of service to staff and students as well as devising more focused fundraising initiatives.

NEW COUNCIL: Outgoing council chairman Mbulelo Bikwani with some members of the new council attended a welcoming dinner at the Cape Town Hotel School Restaurant  

He said the university should reduce its utility bill, student debt and student drop-out rates, but increase pass and throughput rates.

Registrar Nikile Ntsababa presented an overview of the university’s governance structures and explained their respective functions.

Ntsababa emphasized that the council is the highest decision-making body in the university, while the Senate is the highest decision-making body on academic issues and that the Institutional Forum advises council on issues affecting the institution.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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Two CPUT students have been featured in a ‘Movers and Shakers’ segment for youth reality television show, Hectic nine-9.

Ntsikelelo Magwaca and Luxolo Ganca were selected for their inspirational story of working against the odds to get Ntsikelelo registered and admitted for the Graphic Design Course earlier this year. 

Their story started more than six months ago when Luxolo met Ntsikelelo at the Waterfront and complimented him on the realistic self-portrait he was sketching.

The conversation between the strangers led to a promise from Luxolo that he would assist his new friend in attempting to register for Graphic Design at CPUT.

They met a day later and despite being over six months late Ntsikelelo’s portfolio blew lecturers away and he was accepted for a place in the Extra Curriculum Programme from Graphic Design.

Together the 20-year-old’s overcame a number of smaller hurdles along the way like getting the registration money paid and getting a starter stationery kit for Ntsikelelo to complete assignments.

The positive story reached Vice-Chancellor Prins Nevhutalu who shared it with the CPUT Council during a meeting.

Council member Meko Magida who works for Golden Arrow Bus services pledged support and Ntsikelelo will soon be awarded a full bursary for the duration of his studies.

Nevhutalu says both Luxolo and Ntsikelelo are examples of the socially responsible student that he wants CPUT to produce.

“I want a CPUT student to be different from other graduates because they care. That spirit will infuse everything we do here at the university and seep out into the rest of the country. I would be very satisfied if I had a university full of Luxolo’s and Ntsikelelo’s,” he says.

Written by Lauren Kansley
Tel: +27 21 953 8646
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Liaises with the media and writes press releases about interesting developments at CPUT.

You have to work hard and remain disciplined in order to achieve your dreams, says CPUT’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu.

The Vice-Chancellor recently addressed the Grade 12 class at the Bellville South Secondary School who, along with their counterparts across the country, are set to start their June matric exams this week.

The motivational talk formed part of a series of events that marked the school’s 50th birthday celebrations, says Cyril Klein, a member of the school’s governing body.

Bellville South Secondary is one of the most well-known schools in the Northern Suburbs and shares a long history with CPUT. A large number of past learners are alumni of the institution and a number of former and current staff members, including several CPUT directors, matriculated at the school.

During the talk, Nevhutalu reflected on his own upbringing, which saw him rise above his impoverished circumstances to complete his schooling and tertiary education.

Nevhutalu attributes his success to discipline and says that whilst studying at the then University of the North, now known as the University of Limpopo, he followed a stringent study pattern, which included studying in the library each evening from 7 pm till 9:30 pm.

“If you do not study, then you cannot expect to get good results,” he says.

He encouraged the Grade 12 class to put extra effort into their remaining months at school and reminded them that because they reached matric, they have already overcome difficulties in life.

“The moral of the story is that the future is yours and the direction your future takes depends on you.”

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

CPUT and Queens College in New York have much in common.

Both institutions place a high priority on ensuring students have access to affordable and exceptional education and that they produce graduates who are socially responsive.

These similarities and other areas of common ground were recently discussed when a delegation from Queens College met with Vice-Chancellor Dr Prins Nevhutalu and the university’s Executive Management, to discuss possible areas of collaboration.

The visit to CPUT is in preparation for the institution’s year of South African celebrations that will take place next year.

Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr Elizabeth Hendry, says each year Queens College identifies one country and during that period focuses on establishing research collaborations as well as staff and student exchange programmes with institutions in the identified country.

“We are here in advance to establish relationships that will last for a long time,” says Hendry.

Director of the CPUT International Office, Merle Hodges, says there is a lot of synergy between the institutions and that they are looking at setting up concrete collaborations in a number of areas.

The areas that have been identified include education, design, water and sanitation and environmental sustainability.

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

CPUT Vice-Chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu, is leading the bid to get as many CPUT staff, students and supporters as possible to buy in to the My School Card Campaign.

My School /My Village /My Planet is South Africa's biggest community support programme which raises funds to improve education and social development.

The programme partners are South Africa’s favourite retailers, including Woolworths, Waltons, Reggies, Toys R Us, Engen, SupaQuick and Kalahari.com.

As an added bonus, cardholders get exclusive discounts and special offers such as WRewards at Woolworths. They also receive monthly statements via email showing transactions and how much has been raised for the Fund, simply by swiping the card when shopping.

“This is one of the initiatives introduced by CPUT’s Advancement Department to boost our Bursary Fund”, says Nevhutalu.

“When the Department approached me to lead this campaign, I jumped at the chance. It’s absolutely critical that our Bursary Fund strengthens and grows in the months and years to come, so that many more academically-deserving students denied an education due to financial constraints are given the opportunity to shine.”

To boost the CPUT Bursary Fund swipe your card when you shop at any partner store.

If you don’t already have a My School card;

1. Apply for a free card at www.myschool.co.za or call 0860 100 445. You can also get a card at any Woolworths store.
2. Nominate CPUT as your beneficiary
3. If you already have a My School card, please nominate the CPUT as your beneficiary. To do this log onto www.myschool.co.za/supporter/update/

The partner donates a percentage of your purchase to the CPUT Bursary Fund.

Written by Janyce Weintrob
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CPUT’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu, planted a Wild Olive tree at the Granger Bay Campus yesterday as the university celebrated Arbor Day.

South Africa celebrates Arbor Week from 1-7 September every year as an opportune time to call on all South Africans to plant indigenous trees as a practical and symbolic gesture of sustainable environmental management.

The tree-planting ceremony was an initiative of the CPUT Green Team and the Department of Student Affairs to show the university's commitment to Arbor Week as well as the greening of its campuses.

The Green Team will soon change its name to the Greener Campus Initiative.

CPUT has over the past four years planted at least 30 trees on various campuses as well as in a number of townships and informal settlements around Cape Town.

Two weeks ago the Green Team joined hands with the Amy Biehl Foundation and planted nine Wild Olive trees at the Vukukhanye Primary School in Gugulethu.

“Today we will be planting one more tree symbolising the CPUT’s commitment to greening our campuses and immediate environment,” said Nevhutalu during the ceremony.

“With this we would like to urge staff and students to each plant only one tree during this week and become more aware of the impact we have on our environment.”

To encourage staff and students to support the philosophy of loving others before thinking about themselves he cited an English proverb that says, “He who plants a tree loves others beside himself”.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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The Bellville Campus is the administrative hub of CPUT, housing the university’s Council and Senate Chambers as well as the office of the Vice-Chancellor.

The campus is also home to some of the country’s leading research centres such as F’SATI, which was responsible for the development and launch of Africa’s first nanosatellite, Tshepiso.

Other internationally recognized research centres that are located at the campus include the Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre, as well as the Centre for Substation Automation and Energy Management Systems.

The campus is home to the institution’s most cutting-edge facilities such as the Food Technology Building, which is the only educational and training facility of its kind on the African continent.

Students also have access to a range of sporting facilities, including an athletics track, squash courts, gym, swimming pool, and the Major Sports Hall that facilitates a variety of sports.

During the next year, a number of new facilities will be constructed at the campus, such as a new Electrical Engineering Building and the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre that will be a national center for renewable energy training and education.

Maps and contact details for the Bellville Campus

Written by CPUT News
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