Vice-Chancellor deepens engagements with France

His Excellency David Martinon, the new Ambassador of France to South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, recently led a delegation on a visit to CPUT, where they were welcomed by Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Chris Nhlapo.

Nhlapo was accompanied by Dr David Phaho: Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships; Prof Judy Peter: Director: Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships; Prof Joseph Kioko: Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences; Prof Jessy Van Wyk: Indigenous Knowledge Systems Documentation Centre Project Manager in the Department of Food Science and Technology; Dr George Charimba: Acting Head of Department of Food Science and Technology; Prof Suresh Ramsuroop: Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment amongst others.

The visitors included Sophie Bel, Consul General of France in Cape Town, Aurelien Leynet, Attache for science and technology and Dr Paul Cavalier, Attache for cooperation and cultural programme. The objective of the meeting was to have a good vision of the current cooperation between CPUT and French counterparts, as well as the teams in charge of each programme. There are long-standing partnerships in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment and the Department of Food Science and Technology in the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

In his opening, Nhlapo said the relationship between South Africa and France goes a long way, “And is one of the long-standing relationships, not only at a country or national level but at institutions as well, in terms of exchanges and capacity building”.

Nhlapo said there was something special about the relationships that “we have” with a number of universities in France. “It has a tendency of lasting long because the commitment from both sides is unbelievable.”

In his response, Martinon said: “I want to thank you professor and all of you for welcoming us today…I [want] to figure out how things are going between our partnerships and get to know the French expats who are around…”

Before a tour of Food Science labs/ and Agri-Food Technology Station, Van Wyk provided a brief overview of the Department of Food Science and Technology. This was followed by a tour of the French South African Institute of Technology (FSATI) labs, French South African Schneider Electric Education Centre (FSASEC) Labs and Product Lifecycle Management Competency Center (PLMCC) labs.

Reflecting on the events of the day, Dr Tasmeera Singh: Manager: International Relations, said the meeting was highly successful as the main objective of the meeting was met. “CPUT has long-entrenched historical relationships with French institutions and the French Consulate. One of the objectives of the meeting with the new ambassador was to provide an overview of the engagements CPUT has with French institutions.”

For Singh, the highlight of the day, was the visit to the Food Science and Technology labs and the three Engineering labs, where research in action was showcased and discussed. “We continue to welcome the French Ambassador's visits to CPUT to strengthen our partnerships with France and deepen our engagement with the French Embassy and Consul General.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

Email: boyceap@cput.ac.za