Cape Peninsula University of Technology

The Human Capital Department recently hosted the inaugural gathering of the People Management Forum — an initiative aimed at enhancing the employment experience for CPUT staff members.

The establishment of the Forum was approved by the Management Committee (MANCOM) to support the People Agenda of the University and as an enabler to the accomplishment of Vision 2030 objectives as articulated in Focus Area 4 of the CPUT Strategy (Vision 2030).

Focus Area 4 is focused on Smart Human Capital and Talent.

The focus of the Forum’s deliberations and initiatives will be on enhancing the employment experience for CPUT employees, by considering and engaging on:

• Human Capital information, data and trends reflecting the employee experience at CPUT
• Feedback on “user” experiences of Human Capital service offerings in relation to line management and staff’s requirements
• Leading and “best” human capital practice information and trends and how these can be customised for the benefit of CPUT’s HCM, HRD and employee experience requirements; and
• Collaborating to consider, propose and initiate HC policies, practices and initiatives that will enhance the value proposition of CPUT as an employer and contribute to positioning CPUT as an “Employer of Choice”.

“I think creating this forum to look at the needs of the people is absolutely critical for the university achieving its Vision 2030,” said Jerome Corns, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Operations, during the launch event, which was held at the Hanover Business Lounge, District Six Campus.

The Human Capital Department recently took another step to welcome newly appointed staff members, assisting them in acclimatising to their roles and integrating into the university’s culture and operations.

In welcoming them, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, said: “A warm welcome to you from management, staff, and students of the University, CPUT.” Nhlapo continued: “Some of you assumed duties this year and others are here since the latter part of last year; all of you, allow me to say thank you. Thank you for choosing CPUT as your place of employment. I sincerely hope that you will be happy here and achieve the professional goals you have set for yourself. To understand where you are coming from, it may be useful to learn a little about the institution you are joining”.

The Executive Director: Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Driekie Hay-Swemmer, presented a brief overview of the university’s history, mission, and values. The Human Capital Department Senior Director, Vuyokazi Dwane, introduced the university officials and leadership team members. The new staff members were also given time to comment and ask questions, which they appreciated, and participated in the question-and-answer session. Nhlapo said: “As we support you in reaching your full potential, we also expect the same in return. The CPUT needs your support to reach its full potential. We need every member of the CPUT community to play their part, whether in an administrative or academic post. Encouraging a positive climate and culture at CPUT is one way you can do your bit. Endeavour to provide good customer service to anyone you encounter.

“The students are our customers, and we must respect them.” He said the staff also expect the same from the students. “Ultimately, valuing people and appreciating your differences is what makes us who we are. We don’t need to look to other institutions and feel compelled to replicate what we see there. Our university is uniquely itself, and I am certain you will also grow to love it, as I have.”

CPUT marked International Tea Day with an insightful event, highlighting the university’s impactful research into Rooibos — the uniquely South African brew.

The event held at the Bellville Campus, saw Prof Jeanine Marnewick, Director of the Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute (AMHBI) and Research Chair: Biotechnology, reflecting on 50 years of Rooibos research and the pioneering work done in the field.

Marnewick was joined by fellow CPUT Rooibos researchers who unpacked the health benefits of the indigenous brew, which is enjoyed all over the world.

The presenters were:

• Dr Maria Hartnick: Cardio Care in a Cup: Rooibos and Heart Health
• Dr Taskeen Docrat: Rooibos in Brain Health and Alzheimer’s Prevention
• Dr Mariska Lilly: Teatime for your tummy: Unveiling the Anti-inflammatory power of rooibos on gut health
• Prof Simeon Davies: The potential of Rooibos as a sport supplement and ergogenic aid

Rooibos is the first African product to receive the status Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)in the European Union.

Marnewick, who has been doing Rooibos research for about 27 years, said there’s been a growing demand for the brew, locally and internationally, over the past few decades.

The event was hosted by the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Directorate and AMHBI and stakeholders present included Cape Natural Tea Products.

Dr Nelisiwe Maleka, Manager: Research Uptake in the SIP Directorate, said the institution was committed to using various approaches to disseminate research findings to ensure that the benefits of CPUT research are known and have an impact on the broader society.

“Thank you so much to the researchers working with Rooibos for providing us an opportunity to learn from your research. We promise that, in turn, we will share the knowledge we gained from your presentations with our families, friends and communities.”

Dr Xena Cupido, the Director of the Fundani Centre for Higher Education Development, (Fundani CHED) has expressed her delight after Bulela Limba, a Master’s student in Food Science and Technology, was selected as one of the prestigious 2025 Siyaphumelela Scholars nationally.

The Siyaphumelela Project is an objective of the larger Kresge Foundation’s Education Programme, which works towards supporting colleges and universities around the world to better understand and support the most vulnerable students along their chosen academic journeys.

Cupido, who is co-chair of the Siyaphumelela Project at CPUT with Prof Muhammad Nakhooda, said this selection follows a highly competitive national process, with 15 nominations from leading universities across South Africa. “Bulela's compelling academic and leadership journey distinguished her among the candidates. She is a recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Award, a testament to her resilience, academic excellence, and transformative leadership in student communities.”

As a Siyaphumelela Scholar, Bulela is now eligible for the international Achieving the Dream (ATD) DREAM Scholar Award in 2026 — an opportunity that offers global exposure to student success strategies and thought leadership in higher education. Bulela responded to the nomination by saying: “To be nominated is a deeply emotional milestone, it’s not just my win but a win for every young person who dares to dream.”

When asked what she is most looking forward to, she said: “as a Siyaphumelela scholar, I’m looking forward to learning alongside passionate changemakers and using this platform to amplify student voices and reimagine what’s possible for the next generation”.

In the next phase of the programme, Bulela and her fellow scholars will be supported in crafting a reflective “I Am” poem, drawing on their lived experiences and personal journeys. These powerful narratives will be showcased on national platforms, amplifying student voices and deepening the impact of student-led change.

“Congratulations, Bulela — your journey is a beacon of hope and possibility. We are proud to walk beside you as you continue to rise and inspire,” Cupido remarked.

As part of its commitment to ethics, good governance and accountability, CPUT is rolling out POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) training sessions for staff across the institution.

This training seeks to embed a culture of data privacy and protection throughout the university and empower all staff members to play their part in upholding these principles.

POPIA is a critical piece of legislation that governs how personal information is collected, processed, stored, and shared,” said Compliance Manager Sibusiso Mtatase.

“At CPUT, we recognise the centrality of ethical conduct, accountability and good governance - all of which are embedded in the university’s values. POPIA compliance is therefore not only a legal obligation but also a reflection of our institutional commitment to integrity, transparency, and the protection of all our stakeholders’ personal information. This includes our students, staff, service providers, Council members etc.”

The training covers the following key areas:

An overview of POPIA and its purpose

The eight conditions for the lawful processing of personal information

Roles and responsibilities of staff as custodians of information

Risks associated with non-compliance, including breaches and penalties

Practical steps for managing information securely within the university setting

The training reiterates a key message – The protection of personal information is a priority for CPUT and everyone has a role to play in the protection of personal information.

Mtatase said the training sessions are interactive and practical, often tailored to the operational context of each department.

“Where needed, additional support materials and one-on-one guidance are provided. These sessions also serve as a platform for staff to ask questions, raise concerns, and reflect on how data protection intersects with their day-to-day functions,” said Mtatase.

“We are encouraged by the level of participation thus far and continue to urge departments to prioritise this engagement to ensure CPUT remains a compliant and ethically sound institution.”

The training will be conducted by the Ethics and Compliance Management Function. The duration of each session depends on the number of attendees; however, a minimum of two hours is required to ensure proper engagement with the material.

To uphold the dignity of students, the Office of the Vice-Chancellor is continuing the distribution of sanitary dignity packs for female students.

Previously, the Office of the Vice-Chancellor transferred funds to the Student Affairs Department solely for the purpose of providing sanitary towels to students. However, this project has now evolved into a comprehensive initiative known as “Female Student Dignity Packs,” containing sanitary pads, soap, roll-on, toothpaste paste and brush and washing rag. This initiative addresses all essential needs of female students and is part of the Vice-Chancellor’s flagship projects, accompanied by the tagline “Her Dignity Matters.”

This year, the project has benefited 300 students, a larger number than ever before, and has improved both its reach and quality. The primary aim of the project is to ensure that female students receive the dignity they deserve and the essential support they need, allowing them to focus on their main goal: academics. The office expressed its gratitude to the Mauerberger Foundation, stating that without their donation, projects like this would not be possible.

In its official launch, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, said he was hoping that the project grows from strength to strength and be able to assist more female students in the institution.

This is not the only student project in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor; there is also a Student Hunger Relief Initiative with an allocation of R700 000 in food vouchers for this year. “Also aiming to ensure no student goes to class hungry.”

Nhlapo said: “So you [students] are not alone, as Africans we help each other, whatever you have we share no matter how small we share, that's the spirit that we wanted to prevail across the entire institution to say we are one, leading this one smart CPUT.”

The Office of the Vice-Chancellor also revealed that the demand is very high compared to the supply. “We need all hands on deck to assist, especially with donations. With more donations coming through, we can be able to extend these projects.”

The Dean of Student Affairs, Nonkosi Tyolwana, stated that the project was a tremendous success, restoring the dignity and self-esteem of our young women students. Tyolwana mentioned that the project enhances access to education for female students. “It boosts their self-esteem and confidence. It also addresses period poverty caused by affordability, access to menstrual products, health and sanitation.” She said the project shows the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to supporting women's empowerment and gender equality.

“It also affirms the university’s commitments in protecting and prioritising the interests of our young women students - an often-marginalised subject of our student communities.”

Tyolwana stated that the project focuses on the menstrual health and sexual reproductive health rights of female students. By providing these essential products, CPUT enables the girls to reach their full potential at the university, just like their male counterparts, and she said the Female Student Dignity programme aims to ensure equal educational opportunities for all genders at CPUT. “It surely helps to de-stigmatise the issue of menstruation and break the silence associated with female sexual and reproductive health issues. We would also like to encourage our student leaders and management to join us in our quest to make a difference in the lives of young women on campus who are deprived and cannot afford a sanitary dignity pack.”