Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Staff and students at the Cape Town Hotel School (CTHS) are brimming with pride after three of its students were among the prize winners of the prestigious Reaching for Young Stars 2025 competition – with two of them securing internships in the United States (US).

Hosted at the prestigious Cape Grace Hotel, the competition celebrates creativity, excellence, and innovation in food and hospitality. CPUT’s young stars made quite the impression, showcasing their talent across multiple categories.

Phillip Masotha, who entered the Hot Chef category, walked away with the Rio Largo Young Achiever prize, while Tidimalo Manhique, who entered the Pastry Chef category, clinched the Früt Jam prize. Valencia May also made her mark, earning third place in the Beverage category.

Along with Slindile Ngema (Baker category) and Litha Boloti (Barista category), they made up the five-member CTHS team who entered the competition.

Phillip and Tidimalo will soon be packing their bags for Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where they’ll take part in an internship programme, thanks to the Reaching for Young Stars initiative.

“I’m very excited about the internship and going to America”, said Phillip.

Tidimalo said the competition was a wonderful learning opportunity.

“I learned that you have to challenge yourself. Don’t limit yourself,” she said.

“We are very proud of our students,” said Executive Sous Chef at the CTHS, Danielle Barkhuizen, adding that the internship in the US will provide “great exposure” for the two students.

CTHS students also made quite the impression during the 2024 competition and are currently participating in internships in the US.

“Our 2024 winners, Musa Ntantiso and Tshwanelo Sekharume, are currently in Cape Cod with Chuma Cetywayo and Nkosikhona Sandi to further their careers and participate in the mentorship programme offered by Reaching for Young Stars,” said Barkhuizen.

Western Cape boxing enthusiasts should prepare for an action-packed Saturday as the CPUT Boxing Club hosts the third Annual Mandela Boxing Challenge at the Major Sports Hall on Bellville Campus.

The event will feature a total of 20 bouts, including five women’s matches on Saturday, 19 July 2025. This tournament honours the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela and aims to promote boxing within the university community. “The event is designed to celebrate the life of Mandela as a boxer and an educated individual,” says Dr Mdingi Mvemve, the manager of the CPUT Boxing Club.

Past tournaments have showcased boxers who have since made a name for themselves in the professional arena, such as Likho Nxele. She had a successful professional debut in April 2025, winning her first fight by technical knockout. A few days later, she graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree from CPUT. “She currently holds an unbeaten professional boxing record and is a qualified teacher. She was both our student and boxer,” Mvemve adds.

Mvemve, who also serves as a Lecturer in Economics and Management Science and Accounting, anticipates a maximum attendance of 500 people at the Major Sports Hall. Among the highlights of this event is Bukelwa Zantsi, a CPUT student who recently won a Silver Medal at the National Boxing Championships in Pretoria. She will be facing Lukhangele Ngcaza, the Western Cape Female Champion, in what is expected to be an explosive grudge match.

The doors will open to the crowd at 11:00 AM, and, as with all campus events, no alcohol is permitted. Free tickets will be available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, contact Dr Mdingi Mvemve: 071 955 4833, WhatsApp: 062 044 6084, or email: mdingim@cput.ac.za.

The InsectPlus Conference, known for its emphasis on innovative and sustainable food and feed systems utilising insects, attracted leading scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from around the world. In this context, Dr Vusi Mshayisa's work stood out, positioning South African science at the forefront of food innovation.

Mshayisa, Senior Lecturer and NRF Y2-rated researcher from the Department of Food Science and Technology, recently represented the institution at the prestigious conference, held in Cloppenburg, Germany. He presented two cutting-edge research papers that sparked meaningful discussions among international delegates.

Firstly, there was a breakthrough in Black Soldier Fly Protein. The first study explored how the Maillard reaction conjugation enhances the antioxidant and techno-functional properties of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) protein. This scientific advancement lays the groundwork for developing smarter and more sustainable food formulations that incorporate insect-derived proteins as reliable alternatives to traditional sources.

Secondly, the researcher presented a novel biscuit formulation enriched with Macrotermes subhyalinus, a termite species native to Southern Africa. This study involved nutritional analysis, sensory profiling, and consumer acceptance testing, showcasing the potential of insects in creating everyday, appealing food products. In addition to his research contributions, Mshayisa also chaired a high-level session titled "Alternative Biomass in Human and Animal Nutrition," highlighting his growing influence in the global discourse on edible insects.

The Mpumalanga native noted: “InsectPlus is not just a platform to present research—it’s where scientific ideas converge, partnerships are forged, and collaborative futures are shaped. I’m proud that our team at CPUT is contributing meaningfully to this dialogue.”

He also emphasised the broader vision behind his work: “At CPUT, particularly in our department, we are pioneering research that aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 2—ending poverty and hunger. I believe we are on the brink of a revolution in how we nourish the world sustainably through insect-based proteins.” He credited the success of his research programme to his team and institutional support. “Our students are the heartbeat of this research. Their creativity, discipline, and drive to tackle food security challenges inspire me daily. I am truly grateful to my Head of Department, Dr [George] Charimba, and our Dean, Prof Joseph Kioko, for their unwavering support and belief in our vision.” The edible insect research group (EIRG) is growing and we are staking a claim not only locally but also internationally.”

While Europe is making regulatory strides with four insect species already approved for human consumption and BSFL currently under review, Mshayisa says South Africa has yet to formalise a framework, despite indigenous communities traditionally consuming nutrient-rich species like Mopane worms, Thongolifha, and Madzhulu.

“We aim to generate robust scientific evidence that informs policy, supports innovation, and ensures the safe, culturally sensitive integration of edible insects into the global food system.”

With growing interest in sustainable proteins, Mshayisa’s work at CPUT is poised to leave a lasting impact on both local and international food security strategies.

Read up more on the edible insects research group here

The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) has launched a food and sanitary collection drive to raise awareness about food insecurity and encourage staff and students to donate non-perishable food items and toiletries.

Louisa Brits, Head of Student Counselling, expressed that this initiative aims to promote the spirit of Ubuntu and inspire a united response to a vital national challenge that affects CPUT students. Brits highlighted that the DSA recognises that CPUT students are integral to a larger community, embodying the resilience needed to address the psychosocial and socioeconomic challenges faced by many South Africans.

“These trends and challenges are thereby also affecting the development and success of the student at CPUT. It is through the work of DSA that we seek to address various challenges through different interventions that may impede the health, wellness, and success of the student at CPUT. One such challenge is food insecurity,” she remarks.

Some of the objectives are as follows:

• To raise awareness and sensitise the CPUT community about food insecurity and period poverty.
• To mobilise various internal and external stakeholders to contribute food, toiletries, and sanitary products to support students in need.
• To strengthen the institution's commitment and establish a unified approach toward promoting student wellness and success.

“We encourage all staff and students to form a unified stance and demonstrate the values of Ubuntu and come out to support our 2025 Mandela Day drive as a call to action under the theme: 'It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”

Donations of various non-perishable food items and sanitary products can be made at multiple locations across all campuses. The designated donation points include:

• Student Counselling Offices
• Campus Health Clinics
• HIV Unit Offices
• Disability Unit Offices
• Library Circulation Desks
• Student Centres (District Six and Bellville) and the Student Housing Reception
• All Residence coordinators’ offices at their respective student residences

In addition, faculties, departments, and units can bring their donations on July 18 and July 31 at the following locations, Bellville Campus: Sports Hall and Student Centre from 10 am to 2 PM.

Brits said the students are facing significant challenges related to food security and sanitary needs, which affect their academic and personal success. While there are several food security initiatives in place at CPUT, there is a continued need for supplies and resources to empower service departments to assist students discreetly with various health and psychosocial issues. These departments require non-perishable items to maintain ongoing support for our CPUT students.

“We therefore call to action the CPUT student and staff community to join DSA in a joint food and sanitary drive to contribute to and promote student wellbeing and success, by donating towards our Mandela Month drive.

“We challenge all faculties, departments, units, and residences to participate in the donation drive and compete to “Out-donate, out-give, outshine!” on 18 July, during which we will have 67 minutes for the Mandela Day event to receive donations, and together pack and sort donations. The drive will conclude on the 30th of July with a final donation sorting and packing initiative.”

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.