Lance Witten a CPUT alumnus who is making his mark in the media industry returned to CPUT to encourage graduates to “build their brands”.

Witten, a sports anchor for eNews, told graduates that companies spend years building reputations and brands, which are their most valuable assets.

Referring to pop stars and celebrities, Witten says people too can be brands.

“As a graduate, each of you are your own brand.”

Witten encouraged graduates to go out into the working world and set out what they would like to stand for. He urged the class of 2011 to embrace qualities such as loyalty, integrity and to work hard in whatever industry they may find themselves in.

Whether graduates were making films, taking photographs or putting together garments, Witten says the quality of the product, will reflect your brand.

“At the end of the day it is your name that is attached to your brand.”

Witten says it will not always be easy build and grow your brand, but that graduates will reap the rewards.

“Go out there and establish your brand.”

CPUT Vice Chancellor Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga also encouraged graduates to play a meaningful role in the South African economy.

The fourth Business Faculty graduation ceremony continues in Cape Town today.

Tonight, the Faculty of Health and Wellness will confer diplomas and degrees on graduates at the Bellville Campus.

By Candes Keating

Picture by CLIVE GALANT

Written by CPUT News
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One of CPUT’s finest returned to the institution this week to encourage young graduates to reach for the top.

In his back-to-basics speech Gavin Mageni reminded the hall of the importance of small courtesies like greeting and looking neat at work.

Mageni, who is part of Executive Management at the Absa Group, graduated with his Human Resources BTech and Masters Cum Laude from CPUT and is currently completing his Doctorate through the institution as well.

The former teacher told graduates they needed to fall in love with their jobs regardless of how much it paid.

“As you venture into the job market find the sweet spot and make sure you never work a day in your life,” he says.

“Passion must overtake you. Be proud of your job. Earn it.”

Mageni also concentrated on the realities of entering an overpopulated job market.

“That piece of paper (diploma) will contribute 10% to your career,” he says.

Mageni told graduates that they needed to concentrate the other 90% of their efforts on things like appearance, interviewing skills and broadening their horizons by keeping up to date with current affairs.

“People make up their minds in the first 40 seconds about you so look decent and have an idea of what’s going on around you,” he says.

CPUT Vice Chancellor Prof L V Mazwi-Tanga encouraged the graduates to uphold the proud name of CPUT.

“Be our ambassadors and put in a good word for this university,” she says.

The third Business Faculty graduation ceremony continues in Cape Town on Tuesday morning and moves to Bellville that evening.

By LAUREN KANSLEY

Picture by CLIVE GALANT

Written by CPUT News
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In a historic collaboration between CPUT and PetroSA, fifteen academically deserving students with a range of disabilities have been offered full bursaries and guaranteed work contracts on the successful completion of their studies.

Darrin Arendse, Vice President of Human Capital at the national oil and gas company, is confident that this will promote a more diverse and inclusive university. Speaking at the launch of the Bursary Partnership last week, Arendse dubbed the initiative “a landmark agreement” which would help build an institution, workplace and country where everyone has a place in the sun.

His sentiments were echoed by Vice Chancellor Mazwi-Tanga, who emphasized that the partnership gives true meaning to equal opportunity. “No potential should be left undeveloped, and the fact that students from the engineering, IT and other scarce skills disciplines were selected makes this doubly important. “

The Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged Dr Nina du Toit’s role, not only in this partnership but for her ground-breaking work in leading CPUT’s fledgling Disability Unit.

“I suspect we are the envy of our partner universities. Through the unit’s sterling work, we can boast that we truly strive to give our students, both able-bodied and disabled, real access to education”

Dr du Toit’s seminal role and influence was further acknowledged by the students’ themselves. Calling du Toit “a mother, mentor and angel all in one”, they also agree that the unit is like a second home to many of them. Students with a range of disabilities – from dyslexia, stuttering, epilepsy , visual and hearing impairment, to impaired mobility, quad and paraplegics are all catered for here.

In conjunction with these critical services offered by the unit, Arendse reiterated PetroSA’s commitment to the Bursary Partnership.

“In our fast-paced society characterised by the pursuit of convenience, it’s easy to ignore the challenges and difficulties faced by disabled people. But our own mindsets can be the biggest disability, by closing ourselves off to the possibilities that a diverse world offers. This collaboration is another example of how we are proudly shattering that tired paradigm, and making real inroads to a more inclusive society for all.”

By: Jan Weintrob

Written by CPUT News
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The RSVP’s are flying in thick and fast to the events planned for CPUT’s alumni in Gauteng, Namibia and Cape Town in the next few weeks. All graduates (alumni) of CPUT and the former Cape and Peninsula Technikons based in these areas are invited to attend.

Vice Chancellor Dr Prins Nevhutalu is jetting in specially to attend the Gauteng and Windhoek events. He’ll be using the opportunity to share both his vision for the university and CPUT successes and garner alumni input on taking the CPUT from good to great. Both the Gauteng (October 31) and Namibian (November 14) events cost R50 , with cocktail snacks, canapes and a cash bar included.

While the VC is unable to attend the Cape Town event scheduled for December 5^th, it promises to be a fantastically festive affair where all our Cape-based graduates can reconnect and network. Alumni  Officer Val Deelman says alumni can expect good food, good company, light entertainment and lovely prizes to be raffled to boost the CPUT Bursary Fund.

It’ll be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside hotel in Woodstock, with tickets costing R220 per person. To RSVP to this event, please email Helena Pietersen or call +27 21 460 3389/3786.

Written by Janyce Weintrob
Tel: +27 21 460 3514
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