Cape Peninsula University of Technology

The Centre for Diversity, Inclusivity, and Social Change (CDISC) recently inspired participants during a two day long transformative Social Inclusion workshop at Bellville Campus, demonstrating its commitment to advance Institutional Transformation Framework.

This commendable effort was recognised by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), who had the honour of facilitating the workshop. CDISC Director Brightness Mangolothi noted that the Institutional Transformation Framework aims to foster a positive institutional culture of equity, dignity, inclusion, and transformation across the institution.

Through the workshop, the key aim was to deepen institutional understanding of DHET policy frameworks aimed at advancing social inclusion. The workshop targeted key university stakeholders who are tasked with advancing and coordinating the transformation agenda of the university,” Mangolothi remarked.

The workshop included heartfelt presentations from the DHET that shed light on various policies and frameworks vital to fostering an inclusive environment. The policies discussed included:

• The Policy Framework for the Realisation of Social Inclusion in the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) System (DHET, 2021)
• The Strategic Disability Policy Framework for the PSET System (DHET, 2018)
• The Policy Framework to Address Gender-Based Violence in the PSET System (DHET, 2020)
• The Gender-Responsive Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Auditing Framework (GRPBMEA-PF)
• The Language Implementation Framework for Higher Education

Additionally, the DHET presented on workplace bullying and harassment. Attendees also heard from the CGE, emphasising how social inclusion initiatives impact our communities. CGE shared their 2023/24 Report on the State of Gender Transformation and Sexual Harassment in Higher Education Institutions, highlighting the ongoing need for our collective support and awareness in creating safer and more equitable spaces for everyone.

Director, Social Inclusion and Equity: DHET, Sesi Mahlobogoane, said the workshop helped to promote and protect the rights of both officials and students, creating a common understanding and interconnectedness. “The goal is to achieve equality, equity, and inclusion in the Post-School Education and Training system.”

The CGE Commissioner Mfundo Nomvungu stated that the ultimate goal was to create a supportive environment for the most vulnerable groups, including students and staff, adding that the key objective was to ensure that higher learning institutions are inclusive regarding gender and disability. Nomvungu also noted the existence of laws and policies from DHET that are not implemented by institutions of higher education. “We also witnessed this from a report presented by DHET, showing compliant institutions and those that are not compliant. We also noted the great work being done by CPUT, as well as areas that need to be strengthened.”

He continued: “I feel happy that CPUT has taken the discussion on gender and disability inclusion to this level, particularly a fight against gender-based violence and Femicide (GBVF) within the community, and I believe this can be taken even higher by including decision makers within the community.”

Zikhona Plaatjie, the CDISC Stream Coordinator, Monitoring and Evaluation, shared that in the post-evaluation questionnaire, most respondents strongly agreed that their understanding of social inclusion has significantly deepened. Plaatjie noted that attendees found the clarification of policies, practical examples, and interactive discussions to be the most impactful elements of the programme. Dr Amanda Ismail, Head of Department for the Disability Unit, stated: “The examples used during presentations were honest, practical and relatable. I feel enriched and empowered. This training should be rolled out to other stakeholders as well.”

“As the CDISC Office, based on the set objectives, the workshop successfully fostered an environment for deepening understanding of social inclusion, sparked conversations and collective learning amongst CPUT delegates. Further, we had an opportunity to critically reflect on the maturity of our social inclusion as a university. We look forward to building on this foundation with further interventions and collaborations within CPUT and with the DHET and CGE. We believe that social inclusion is a continuous journey that requires shared commitment and accountability. Another important highlight was learning that the Pan South African Language Board offers a free one-week course in basic South African Sign Language, an opportunity which we need to leverage on,” Mangolothi stated.

Industry partners who play a key role in CPUT’s success were recently recognised at the Vice-Chancellor’s Business and Industry Engagement, hosted at the Cape Town Hotel School.

Businesses and industry are among the university’s key stakeholders and the event offered an opportunity for these valuable partners to connect with the Executive Management and to strengthen partnerships.

The guests were welcomed by the Executive Director: Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Driekie Hay-Swemmer, who said the industry leaders provide placements for students, mentorship programmes, projects, innovation spaces and often careers afterwards.

“Thank you for joining us and thank you for being part of our journey over these 20 years. We look forward to many more milestones together.”

Prof Marshall Sheldon, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo.

“Today's engagement underscores the role that business and industry play in shaping the higher education landscape. For us as CPUT, you are more than just employers of our students and our graduates – you are co-creators in knowledge, you are partners in innovation.”

Prof Rishidaw Balkaran, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching, spoke on the impact of industry partnerships and their contribution toward UoTs while Thapelo Letswalo, from the Airports Company of South Africa delivered a talk on the future of work, skills development, innovation and the strengthening partnerships.

Reflecting on the event, the Cooperative Education Unit’s David Haarhoff, who served as project lead, said industry partners from 32 organisations attended the event.

“As project lead, I think what stood out for me was the commitment by CPUT’s research units who showcased research endeavours currently embarked upon by our institution. Another interesting segment was that of the work-integrated learning (WIL) success stories. Students were able to provide real life stories and good experiences during their WIL placement period. The latter is critical as it encapsulates the voice of the student. Most importantly during this event, colleagues and industry partners were able to connect and discuss critical issues aligned to curriculum and industry needs.”

He expressed his sincere appreciation to industry partners for accepting CPUT students into their respective WIL programmes, and gratitude to organisations who contribute to the institution’s success in other ways.

The delegates of the Afrocentric Student Affairs International Conference, comprising passionate student affairs practitioners, visionary student leaders, insightful researchers, and dedicated policymakers from universities throughout South Africa, the African continent, and the African diaspora, recently convened at CPUT to champion the advancement of Afrocentric student affairs scholarship.

Nonkosi Tyolwana, the Dean of Student Affairs, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Professor Rishi Balkaran, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning. He set the tone for the 2025 Afrocentric Student Affairs International Conference, which took place at Granger Bay Campus with the theme: "Africanising Student Affairs through Ubuntu: Infusing African Epistemology". During the conference, he presented the "Student Affairs Scholarship and Engagement Model Theory" as an effective framework for achieving academic goals within student affairs.

Understanding the pressing need to decolonise higher education and embrace African epistemologies, the delegates expressed their heartfelt commitment to the principles of Ubuntu, which remind us that "I am because we are." They acknowledged the transformative power of African-centered education in nurturing student access, success, and retention, and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that the conference aims to support all learners on their educational journeys.

The keynote address - Driving agenda 2063 through Afrocentric education to enhance growth and development was delivered by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, who is also a former president of the Student Representative Council at CPUT (Peninsula Technikon then).

The key outcomes of the conference included the following:

• Development of a holistic Afrocentric Student Success framework, in collaboration with Assistant Deans for Learning and Teaching, FUNDANI CHED, the Director of the Centre for Diversity, Inclusivity, and Social Change, Brightness Mangolothi, student leaders, and professional associations such as NASDEV, ACUHO-i-SAC, and SASSAAP.
• Institutionalisation of residences as “Afrocentric Living, Learning, and Listening Communities” (LLLc) within the context of Afrocentric theory and philosophy.
• Harmonisation of Afrocentric Student Leadership Academies across student affairs in higher education.
• Establishment of Peace and Security initiatives through relevant national and international instruments to promote a “Safe and Secure Campus Life.”
• Creation of the Global Afrocentric Student Affairs Scholarship Network (GASAS.net) as a resolution of the conference. A multi-stakeholder Task Team has been established to drive this process.

Looking back on the event, Tyolwana highlighted the key takeaways: "The conference brought together student affairs practitioners, researchers, student leaders, and academics from across the continent to explore 'student affairs scholarship' in higher education. The main outcomes included:

• Analysing how student development theories can be applied within Afrocentric frameworks, which is essential for supporting our diverse student populations.
• Investigating the direct connection between student affairs scholarship and the academic project."

The Conference Declaration emphasizes the ongoing historical demands of students for decolonized education, in line with various texts adopted by African States that promote African cultures and languages. Key documents include:

• The Pan-African Cultural Manifesto of Algiers (1969)
• The Cultural Charter for Africa (1976)
• The Declaration on the Cultural Aspects in the Lagos Plan of Action (1985)
• The draft Charter for the Promotion of African Languages in Education developed in Accra (1996)
• The Harare Declaration (1997)
• The Nairobi Plan of Action for Cultural Industries in Africa (2005)
• The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (2003)
• The Language Plan of Action for Africa (2006)
• The Charter for African Cultural Renaissance (2006)

Additionally, the delegates acknowledge the relevance of Agenda 2063, which calls for:

• Revising African higher education to align with the ideals of African-centeredness and values, as well as the educational aspirations of Pan-African universities.
• Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 on “Inclusive Education,” which intersects with all 17 Goals.
• Given the necessity to promote Afrocentric scholarship within student affairs and to affirm a student-centered African identity, the conference urges higher education institutions across the continent to take concerted and concrete measures to strengthen the integration of Afrocentricity within the academic and social frameworks of universities.

Researchers in Focus

For Prof Zayd Waghid it’s a deeply meaningful and humbling experience to receive his NRF rating alongside his brother and the achievement is not just a personal milestone but a shared family moment that underscores their parallel academic journeys.

Waghid who has received his C3 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF) alongside his brother, Dr Faiq Waghid, said it was rare to walk such similar paths at the same time, and it brings with it a profound sense of pride, gratitude, and mutual respect.

The Acting Director of the Global Institute for Teacher Education and Society (GITES) and an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education continued: “We were raised in a family that values education, critical thinking, and social responsibility. There was always encouragement to question, to read, to reflect and to use our knowledge in the service of others. Our parents instilled in us a strong sense of purpose and discipline, and that ethos has shaped how we approach our academic work.”

Reflecting on his brother’s achievement, Zayd said: “I am proud of my brother for reaching this milestone and [I] believe that he will continue to grow professionally and personally. Remain humble and dedicated to the communities we serve.”

The NRF uses a rating system to assess the quality and impact of researchers’ outputs. The prestigious national recognition serves as a useful benchmark to gauge whether researchers are emerging or established in their respective disciplines.

This national recognition is a vital benchmark for determining whether researchers are emerging talents or established leaders in their fields. Waghid’s C3 rating unequivocally highlights him as an established researcher. His case is noteworthy because he proactively requested a re-rating through the Designated Authority at CPUT before his previous rating—a Y-2—was set to expire in 2026. It’s important to emphasise that a Y-rating is exclusively awarded to individuals under the age of 40, making Waghid’s achievement particularly exceptional. “Given my age of 39, receiving a C-rating is a significant achievement.”

His rating underscores his established position in the field of social justice through educational technology within the context of teacher education. He holds the interim position of SARCHi Chair in Teacher Education, where he is involved in several projects aligned with the Chair’s objectives. Notably, one project, which has recently concluded, is dedicated to a book on Initial Teacher Education in South Africa, scheduled for publication later this year by Africa Sun Media. In addition, a project specifically related to my research rating focuses on Global Citizenship Education, which is funded by the NRF for three years with a funding allocation of R1.4 million.

“It’s a significant achievement for me as it shows that my research has been recognised by experts as both advancing my research area and having an impact… And one that I am immensely proud of, despite being in higher education for just over 10 years. It means that the teaching excellence awards I received at CPUT and at the national level, with the CHE-HELTASA Award in 2019, being a Future Professors Programme Alumnus and a Fulbright Scholar, contributed towards the achievement of my rating.”

Waghid who is inspired by his father, Prof Yusef Waghid, an emeritus professor at Stellenbosch University, has notable highlights, including obtaining a Fulbright Scholarship, where he spent time at Cornell University in 2024, and completing the DHET Future Professors Programme in 2023.

He wants to continue to mentor the next generation of academics, and this means creating spaces for them to grow. “I believe that I can only grow through my interactions with others. I aspire to be an internationally acclaimed researcher, something that can only happen with time and continued commitment.”

The father who enjoys spending time with his kid says CPUT has offered him opportunities that he could not have acquired from more developed traditional institutions. “I would not have imagined being an acting SARChI Chair during my career. The previous DVC: RTIP, Dr David Phaho, was instrumental in enabling this to happen.”

There are pivotal moments in academic life that serve as milestones not only for the students involved but also for the progression of research excellence within a department.

One such moment recently occurred in the Department of Food Science and Technology, where a group of final-year students, guided by Dr Vusi Mshayisa, received the exciting news that they had been awarded the highly competitive National Research Foundation (NRF) Honours scholarships to fund their studies in 2025.

For many students, the funding is not merely financial support. It serves as a powerful affirmation that their dreams are valid and achievable. “This is a moment of joy and relief,” said Mshayisa, an NRF-rated researcher and academic mentor to the cohort. “These students are more than deserving. I remember our late afternoon sessions and our lunchtime catch-ups; we did everything possible to ensure their applications met the highest standards.”

He emphasised that the success of the students was not a coincidence but rather the result of a deliberate initiative started by Mshayisa in early 2024 with the assistance of Centre for Postgraduate Studies.

This programme was designed to guide third-year students through the entire NRF application process. Each step, from setting up profiles to preparing documentation and motivation letters, was approached with care and thoroughness.

“The process was intense,” recalls Mshayisa. “But it was necessary. I believe in a high-performance model of student supervision, one where structure, discipline, and vision guide the academic journey. Now that the financial barrier has been addressed, we can zero in on what matters most: research.”

Among the NRF recipients are three students currently involved in Mshayisa’s Edible Insect Research group, an innovative team at the forefront of food security, sustainability, and novel protein sources. All seven students in Bachelor of Food Science and Technology under Mshayisa’s supervision have expressed a strong commitment to continue enrolling for Master’s in 2027, focusing on the potential of edible insects as functional ingredients in future food systems. “We are now building critical mass and are excited about the prospects of increasing the group.

“The hunger for success I see in this cohort is rare,” says Mshayisa. “They are committed, intellectually curious, and deeply passionate about scientific inquiry. I’m confident that within the next six to 18 months, we will see groundbreaking outputs from this group.”

One of the recipients of the scholarship, Philasande Ngxishe, shared a heartfelt note that reflects the ethos of the mentorship model: “I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for helping us apply for the NRF, most of us have been accepted. Your guidance, encouragement, and belief in us mean a lot. You’ve not only supported me academically but have also been a role model.”

The following students have reported that they have received successful outcomes for the NRF Honours scholarship for the academic year 2025: Philasande Ngxishe, Phathutshedzo Netsianda, Thabile Biyela, Thembisile Nkosi, Neo Mchunu, Jabulile Tinzi, Lebogang Manyoga, and Nombulelo Nyamayaro Madzimbamuto.

Mshayisa’s work is a testament to the outcomes when academic leadership, targeted mentorship, and strategic national priorities align. The NRF Honours scholarship is not merely a funding mechanism; it serves as a pipeline for excellence. Through initiatives like the Edible Insect Research Group, it is emerging as a catalyst for the future of sustainable food systems in South Africa and beyond.

“We are not just supervising students. We are shaping researchers, scientists, and leaders of tomorrow,” he reflected.

A talented student and entrepreneur is earning recognition through his artistic skill.

Tourism and Events Management student and self-taught visual artist, Prismond Mokakola, was selected by the City of Cape Town as one of 10 emerging artists to participate in a four-week workshop where they designed merchandise and created art pieces that were showcased at Comic Con Cape Town.

“The exhibition provided a platform for us to display our work, engage with attendees and explore potential sales opportunities.”

He was also selected as one of 15 emerging artists to participate in the Foundation of Creative Entrepreneurship Masterclass. The masterclass focused on developing creative entrepreneurship skills and innovative thinking to create businesses that address real-world problems.

“This experience equipped me with valuable knowledge and insights to enhance my artistic practice and entrepreneurial endeavours.”

Prismond, who hails from Rustenburg in the North West province, said his love for art started in childhood.

Oil painting is his favourite medium but he also specialises in bespoke designs, mural art and tattoo artistry and also does commissioned projects.

He serves on the executive committee of the CPUT Arts Club, as marketing and events coordinator.

“I'm motivated to connect with larger audiences and share my vision, using art as a medium to convey gripping tales and make an impact.”