One Residence, One Garden bears fruit
From green spinach to vine-ripe beetroot, the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) in partnership with the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Nautical Company and Convocation are celebrating the success of their joint Green Campus Initiative (GCI) initiative called One Residence, One Garden at the Catsville Residence.
Earlier this year, the Student Services Council Committee (SSCC) led by its Chairperson, Dr William Mapena, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Operations, Prof Gilingwe Mayende and Dean of Student Affairs, Nonkosi Tyolwana planted the first seedlings at Catsville to mark’ the 2024 Mandela Day and his passion for ending hunger.
Tyolwana says the Catsville Residence was identified as the first case study for this project. “Staff and students worked tirelessly to make this project a resounding success,” Tyolwana enthuses.
Nikhanye Sitoza, a Marine Engineering student residing at Catsville feels “incredibly proud and happy” about the success of the GCI project. “As a member of the team, I've seen firsthand the impact that this project has had on our community. From providing fresh produce to students in need to promote sustainability and community development, this project has exceeded our expectations,” she boasts.
Nikhanye is also grateful that the Catsville residence was chosen as the first case study in District 6 for this project. “It's shown that even in a residence with reputation issues, we can make a positive impact and create change.”
It took a lot of hard work, dedication, and teamwork to get the project to where it is now. The team faced several challenges along the way, including logistical issues, funding constraints, and initial scepticism from some stakeholders. However, they persevered and worked together to overcome those obstacles.
“Our team has been amazing, and everyone has brought their unique skills and perspectives to the table. We've also had incredible support from our dean and Deputy Dean of Student Affairs [Njabulo Maphumulo], residence coordinators, Convex, and [Faculty of] Applied Science, who have provided guidance and resources whenever we needed them,” Nikhanye remarks.
The project has been a game-changer for this community as it has not only provided a sustainable source of fresh produce but also created “a sense of community and cooperation among those who reside in Catsville”.
“One of the biggest challenges we faced was the initial scepticism from some stakeholders. Some people didn't think that the project would work or that we would be able to sustain it. However, we proved them wrong, and the project has been a huge success.
“Another challenge we faced was the reputation of Catsville Residence. Some people had preconceived notions about our residence and its residents, but we've shown that we're capable of great things,” Nikhanye says.
Residence Coordinator Xolani Jafta adds that the success of the GCI project means a lot to the residence and CPUT at large. “It shows that we're committed to innovation, sustainability, and community development. It also provides a model for other residences and institutions to follow,” Jafta continues.
“For our residence, it's a chance to change the narrative and show that we're more than just a residence with a reputation for behavioural issues. We're a community that's committed to making a positive impact.”
Jafta who is the advocate and great champion of One Res, One Garden across residences also urges the CPUT community to strive to make a positive impact on the environment. He says the GCI project shows that even small actions can add up to make a big difference. “I encourage everyone to get involved, think creatively, and work together to create a more sustainable, innovative, and compassionate community.
“As members of the GCI project, I've seen firsthand the impact that we can have when we work together towards a common goal. Let's continue to strive for greatness and make CPUT a better place for everyone.”
FID acknowledges outstanding students
The outstanding achievements of more than 100 students were acknowledged and celebrated during the recent Faculty of Informatics and Design Student Awards.
Prof Tembisa Ngqondi, Dean of the Faculty, said the awards acknowledged excellence and were informed by the CPUT graduate attributes.
The guest speaker was Dean of Student Affairs, Nonkosi Tyolwana, who encouraged students to always have a spirit of gratitude and to always remember those who had supported them along the way. She thanked the lecturers for their contribution to the students’ success.
Awards were made in several categories ranging from best student volunteer to student ambassador in the media space while several students who had excelled in competitions were also acknowledged.
The ceremony culminated with the announcement of the five trophy winners. The awards and winners were as follow:
Resilience, Determination, and Achiever Award – Christelle Dreyer (Applied Design Department) - For managing to continue her Master’s studies in the face of multiple health challenges.
Entrepreneurial and Innovation Award – Ryan Shafer (Applied Design Department) - The Product Design Advanced Diploma students ran a coffee stall in the Design building, which in the absence of a cafeteria, has provided great joy to the staff and students. Ryan is a trained barista and the students raised a considerable amount of money towards their end-of-year exhibition.
Academic Achievement – Phumelela Mkapeni (Architectural Technology and Interior Design) - The student faced many adversities this year and still managed to achieve “more than well in all subjects”.
Innovation and Community Engagement Award – Goentse Mmekwa (Media and Communication Department) - Goentse has served as a student volunteer for the NGO, Village of Hope, and uses his skills as a student filmmaker to write social media content and scripts and produces and directs videos for the organisation for publicity, promotions and fundraising.
Design Innovation & FID Ambassador Award - Logan Daniels (Applied Design) - In recognition of the extracurricular activities that have contributed to the promotion of the Department of Applied Design, Fashion programme brand. He was a top 10 finalist in the All Fashion-Source Africa competition.
Student set to spread his wings after receiving Japan scholarship
Studying abroad introduces students to new experiences, perspectives, and cultures, providing an invaluable opportunity for personal and professional growth, and for some, these opportunities can feel out of reach.
However, Ndjate Katambwe has been fortunate as he was recently awarded the MEXT Scholarship 2024. The MEXT is a scholarship given by the Japanese government under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology to international students who wish to study in graduate courses at a Japanese university. Ndjate has now enrolled in a doctorate course at Tohoku University.
Born in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a French-speaking country, Ndjate had to learn English first after he was accepted to study Chemical Engineering at CPUT in 2014. From there he went on to graduate with a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering Summa Cum Laude under the supervision of Prof Tunde Ojumu and Prof Leslie Petrik in 2022.
Reflecting on his successful academic career, Ndjate says: “I really did have a great supporting system from family to friends, colleagues, peers and church. They all play a major role in my academic journey. It keeps the fire burning in me to be surrounded by people who believe in me and push me to strive for greatness and never stop believing in my dreams.”
He continues: “I really am grateful to receive this scholarship because I know that it is not easy to be selected and awarded the scholarship with so many people taking part. I am happy and look forward to this new chapter in my life and academic journey.”
The firstborn of a family of five always watches his hard-working father providing “for us and that is so inspiring to be there for your loved ones”. To do research, the football fanatic was inspired by Petrik. “Oh man, just how dedicated she is to research work and her students. The way she treats other people with compassion, empathy, and kindness.
“She will forever be my greatest inspiration. Firstly, we are human, and then all the others follow.”
The scholarship that he received shows that whenever “we decide to work together we can achieve big and great things”. “It also shows that we are able and have the capacity to go international by seeking more collaborations which exposes students and the university to so many opportunities like the one I received. I am a proud ambassador of CPUT in general and of the Department of Chemical Engineering in particular.”
His research focuses on carbon capture and utilisation; however, he says there is not an official title yet, “but we are looking into direct ocean capture (DOC). Trying to capture CO2 directly from the ocean”.
Predicting the future is not always easy but Ndjate, who likes hiking, would like to have a career as a researcher. “Because this is what really pushed me to come this far to PhD level.”
When he was a lecturer at CPUT he tried to find a balance between his busy schedule and family and keep it in check. “Because research can really consume you and you forget about other priorities in life. Like Jim Rohn once said, ‘When you work, work. When you play, play. Don't play at work. Don't work at play. Make the best use of your time. When you are working pour it on and when you are playing - have a good time, but don't play at work.’ It is so easy to mix the two.”
Hiking helps his mind to relax and think about other things other than work. “I do my best to spend some quality time with friends and family.”
He also revealed that that CPUT had alleviated his financial burden and for that, “I will forever be grateful. The support is immeasurable because, behind every student who graduates, there are thousands of people working behind the scenes. And for that, I extend my gratitude to every single one of them [staff] for the role that they are playing in our journey as students.”
Students convert old chairs into vibrant public artworks
As part of the Make Campus Beautiful (MCB) initiative, the Visual Redress Chair Project, led by Education students majoring in art, has been successfully completed.
The old campus chairs, retrieved from “the gat” beneath the CP Hall stage, were upcycled into public artworks and installed in the previously underutilised H-Block passage. Inspired by well-known artists, each chair was creatively transformed into a unique piece, accompanied by carefully selected quotes addressing key educational issues relevant to the student community.
The project has successfully contributed to the aesthetic and intellectual enrichment of the Wellington Campus says Dr Kobie Meiring, the art lecturer. Meiring adds that through sustainable upcycling, creative artistry, and the integration of thought-provoking educational texts, the project has brought new life to the passage in the H-block, “aligning with the objectives of the Make Campus Beautiful initiative”. Meiring continues: “The installations now serve as a permanent reminder of the power of art to give a visual voice to our students about what matters to them.”
Fourth-year art students showcase their talent
The annual exhibition of the 4th-year Art Education students was recently held at Wellington Campus Library.
This event showcased the students' creative work as part of their training to become future art educators. The high standard of creative work produced was particularly commendable, especially considering that art is only one of their major subjects. The exhibition also featured an installation of upcycled chairs, marking the first permanent public art installation on campus.
These pieces reflected the students’ values, concerns, and perspectives on pressing global issues, including the ongoing conflict in the Gaza region and challenges related to education. Visual Art Lecturer, Dr Jacoba Meiring said the programme for the evening was stimulating and engaging, contributing to the overall success of the event. The serenade group from Val de Charon student accommodation, along with the Wellington Campus Choir under the directorship of Dr Devandré Boonzaaier, provided captivating performances.
Meiring said: “The exhibition not only demonstrated the students' artistic talents but also reinforced the value of cultivating and nurturing creativity in education. The event was well-attended by parents, friends, and lecturers, and the collaboration and participation of all involved truly reflected the spirit of our One Smart CPUT.”
Student Art Exhibition showcases talent and creativity
The Faculty of Education recently celebrated the opening of a vibrant student art exhibition at the Mowbray Campus.
The exhibition features more than 100 unique art works created by Foundation phase (year 1 to 3) and Intermediate Phase (year 1 to 4) students in 2023 and 2024, showcasing their creativity and vision.
From colourful dreamcatchers and thought-provoking portraits to collaged fruits juxtaposed against pastel backgrounds and 3D sculptures crafted from recyclable materials, the students’ work demonstrates a wide variety of artistic techniques.
Lecturer Siphesihle Biyela, who played a central role in the exhibition, spoke with pride: “We have taken the ordinary and made it extraordinary.”
The exhibition opening attracted attention from students and staff members, sparking conversations and appreciation for the diverse artistic talents of the student body.
Fourth-year student Jamey Jasson said it was exciting to be part of the art exhibition, adding that the students had grown tremendously on the journey.
Her classmate Eurania Mokwa thanked Biyela and said she had pushed her out of her comfort zone.
“There were days when I felt like I couldn't do it, like I wasn't good enough to do art, but she always used to push me and said: ‘Eurania, you can do this’.”