Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Mvemve Mdingi’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Having been born in a squatter camp in Gqeberha, he faced considerable challenges from a young age. During his primary schooling, he sold sweets, chicken heads, and chicken feet just to afford a school uniform. Despite these obstacles, his unwavering spirit has led him to receive a Doctoral degree in Education today.

Growing up in the township of Mdantsane and a rural village in Qoboqobo, Eastern Cape, Mdingi experienced the realities of both worlds. His educational journey was deeply influenced by his mother, a remarkable woman, known in her village for her intelligence, yet she never had the opportunity to pursue further studies due to financial constraints. This legacy of unfulfilled potential motivated Mdingi to prioritise education above all else.

From an early age, he chose not to focus on the material possessions that many children valued. “My focus and pride were always my academic performance and being at the top of my grade,” he reflects. This determination and dedication have now become a beacon of hope for countless children and students who look up to him as a role model.

Mdingi understands that the path to a doctoral degree is paved with sacrifices and challenges. He encourages aspiring PhD candidates to persevere and not to take feedback from supervisors personally. “While it may be difficult to understand their comments, they ultimately serve to improve your writing skills,” he shares, emphasising the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.

His research focuses on “A Framework for the Integration of Computerized Accounting into the High School Accounting Curriculum,” aiming to help the accounting profession embrace technology. He hopes to inspire more learners to consider accounting as a viable career path, recognising that the subject is losing popularity among high school students.

Mdingi completed his undergraduate qualification at the Central University of Technology in Free State, followed by his master’s and doctoral studies at CPUT. Arriving at CPUT in 2009 at the Wellington Campus in the Business Faculty, he later transitioned to the Education Faculty in 2016. Training pre-service teachers is something he cherishes deeply, stating, “Nothing is more fulfilling than seeing someone's life change for the better.” His role as boxing team manager has enriched his experience, allowing him to share his passion for sports with his students.

Boxing and sports hold a special place in his heart, and he approaches his contributions to their development with great enthusiasm. His efforts have led to four CPUT students representing South Africa in the World University Games in Turkey—an unforgettable experience that they will carry with them forever. Through his dedication, Mdingi has also helped elevate the CPUT brand, garnering positive attention in local and national media.

Clement Matasane's journey to earning his Doctoral degree is not only a testament to his academic dedication but also a story of incredible resilience in the face of profound personal loss.

Throughout his studies, he faced the unimaginable challenge of losing five siblings, a tragedy that took a heavy toll on his heart and spirit. During this time, he often found himself wishing fervently that his late father could witness his achievement as he walked across the graduation stage.

Despite these overwhelming circumstances, Matasane triumphed, receiving his Doctor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering during the CPUT Summer Graduation ceremony earlier today. Today, he stands proud—a devoted husband to Marethabile and a loving father to five daughters and one son. He reflects fondly on the words of his late father, who believed that education is truly "a weapon for a black, disadvantaged, and rural child." Achieving a doctoral degree is not just an academic milestone for Matasane it represents his unwavering spirit and profound personal growth. “This journey needed immense dedication and perseverance, along with a strong support system. I’ve now felt a deep sense of accomplishment and a renewed purpose,” he shared.

The path has not been easy. Matasane faced numerous challenges socially, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically. The onset of COVID-19 and the heartbreaking losses in his family were moments that tested him deeply, even forcing him to take a year-long study leave. Throughout this ordeal, his tenacity and commitment to his goals shone against the odds. His heartfelt advice for prospective PhD candidates is robust: find your passion, seek guidance from mentors, and prepare for the inevitable hurdles along the way. He says it’s vital to maintain a healthy work-life balance and to believe in yourself. Embrace opportunities for training and collaboration, and engage with others in your field through workshops, symposiums, conferences, and research exchange programmes.

“It required dedication, perseverance, and a strong support system. I felt a sense of accomplishment, pride, and a renewed sense of purpose. I experienced a lot of challenges in life, socially, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically, as some obstacles came during my time of fieldwork when COVID-19 started, and worse, losing five siblings that caused me to take study leave for a year in 2020.”

Clement's research focus—GIS Decision Support Systems in Rural Renewable Energy Deployment—aimed to shed light on how renewable energy resources can be effectively distributed and their potential for generating electricity. Utilizing multi-criteria evaluation techniques, he crafted a framework to define the distribution possibilities for various energy types. This vital research holds significant promise for the future of renewable energy initiatives, influencing project design, policymaking, and planning while considering the unique economic geography of the districts involved. Furthermore, the methodology developed can be applied to similar contexts, helping communities, designers, and installers assess, estimate, and validate the potential of renewable energy solutions.

Matasane's academic journey began at Lerotholi Polytechnic in Lesotho, where he laid the foundations of his studies, completing his undergraduate diploma in Electrical and Electronics. His pursuit of knowledge brought him back to Peninsula Technikon in 1994 for a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering. He fuelled his passion further, earning a BTech in 1998 and a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering in 2002. His fascination with research took root during the 1997 Logo Robotics Project at the Grahamstown Arts and Culture Festival which is where he became captivated by the potential of technology. This early interest eventually led him to delve deeper into environmental renewable energy and energy efficiency for his PhD.

Since joining CPUT in 2017 as a Research Manager under the Directorate Research Development (DRD), Matasane has continued to flourish. His career has been marked by impressive achievements, including five international peer-reviewed conference presentations across Nigeria, Uganda, India, the United Arab Emirates, and Scotland, alongside seven authored peer-reviewed publications with supervisors and collaborators. He has also garnered external funding for a critically important research project on the Wetland Assessment and Monitoring Platform for Transboundary River Basins in Southern Africa, illustrating his commitment to making a difference in his field and his community.

Poverty has been a powerful source of motivation for Lebohang Mahlo, driving him to strive for success despite a myriad of challenges.

Today he is celebrating his journey from struggle to triumph after being conferred with the degree Doctor of Education during this morning’s Summer Graduation ceremony.

His journey started in Sterkspruit, a small town in the Eastern Cape, and at the age of six he moved to Khayelitsha to be with his mother.

“One of the greatest challenges was growing up without a father, compounded by the peer pressure from friends and the realities of poverty. Life became especially difficult after my mother lost her job as a cook at a restaurant.

“I have vivid memories of walking barefoot on cold winter mornings to visit my aunt, whom I affectionately referred to as Granny because she was older than my mother. She lived in another part of Khayelitsha and would always welcome me with tea and bread. Despite these hardships, these experiences instilled resilience and shaped my determination to overcome adversity.”

Education transformed Lebohang’s life.

After completing his schooling at the False Bay TVET College, he enrolled for a National Diploma in Tourism Management at CPUT.

“My journey began when I volunteered as a teacher at a night school, where I taught Business Studies and Tourism. Reflecting on it now, I can’t quite recall what motivated me to volunteer at the night school, but it turned out to be a transformative experience. At the time, this teaching role was one of three jobs I held while completing my National Diploma in Tourism Management.

“The other two jobs included working as a housekeeper at a guesthouse in Parow a few times a week, usually in the mornings before attending classes at noon, and working as a gardener for the same guesthouse on Saturdays. Balancing these responsibilities was challenging but necessary.”

While volunteering at the night school in Khayelitsha, his colleagues, who were teachers, encouraged him to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) teaching qualification and he followed their advice.

“This marked the beginning of my career in education, which has since become a deeply fulfilling path.”

He obtained his Master’s in Education at CPUT in 2020 and proceeded to pursue his doctorate.

Reflecting on his life journey, Lebohang said it feels “almost surreal” to graduate with his doctorate today, describing it as a defining experience in his life.

“Coming from a very poor family, I chose to transform my circumstances into a tool for inspiration, rather than a limitation, I dreamed daily of achieving success and worked tirelessly to make those dreams a reality.”

He said he owed much of his success to the unwavering support of his late stepfather, whose encouragement and belief in his potential provided the emotional and financial foundation needed to stay focused on his goals.

“Additionally, one significant influence on my mindset was James Allen's book, As a Man Thinketh. This transformative work emphasises the power of thought in shaping one’s life. Allen’s words deeply resonated with me, particularly his assertion that, “Good thoughts bear good fruit; bad thoughts bear bad fruit.”

He expressed his gratitude to his supervisor, Prof Zayd Waghid and his co-supervisor, Prof Agnes Chigona.

Lebohang now works as a lecturer at Sol Plaatje University, he teaches third-year undergraduate students and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) students within the Faculty of Education.

Recently, educators gathered at the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre for the Institutional Teaching Development Programme (TDP) ceremony 2024.

This event highlighted the unwavering dedication of academic staff to excellence in education. The TDP at CPUT resonates with key national and institutional priorities, including the National Framework for Enhancing Academics as University Teachers, the National University Teaching Awards (NUTA), and CPUT’s Vision 2030. The programme is designed to empower transformative university teachers who are equipped to face challenges, embrace inclusive teaching practices, and ultimately support student success.

The TDP curriculum thoughtfully addresses vital themes such as decolonising the curriculum, multilingual pedagogies, and the thoughtful integration of technology in teaching. By focusing on Oneness and Smartness, it aims to prepare educators for the unique challenges present in a university of technology context. The ceremony celebrated not just the completion of this developmental journey but also the incredible contributions that participating academics have made toward nurturing educational excellence at CPUT.

Head of Department for Academic Staff Development in Fundani CHED, Faiq Waghid, said: “This achievement serves as a reminder of the collective effort required to build an innovative and inclusive educational environment that ensures student success and contributes meaningfully to society.”

The atmosphere during the event was one of joy and fulfillment, featuring three inspiring speakers. Dr Xena Cupido shared insights on the TDP's impact at CPUT, while Waghid reflected on the programme’s evolution since its launch earlier this year. Dr Ntando Sindane from the University of the Western Cape served as the keynote speaker. Two TDP candidates also courageously shared their personal experiences, allowing the guests to connect deeply with their journeys. As candidates received their certificates, the room was filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment, celebrating their hard work and commitment.

The TDP is more than just a programme; it equips educators with the tools to create meaningful and inclusive educational experiences, ultimately benefiting students who will go on to make a positive impact in society. Within the departments, it encourages collaboration and embracing innovative teaching practices, enhancing the quality of education they provide. On an institutional level, the TDP strengthens its reputation as the leader in educational excellence, in harmony with its Vision 2030 goals.

Many candidates expressed that the programme was transformative, helping them grow into inclusive university teachers, even in the absence of a formal educational background. They emphasised the significance of incorporating student and peer feedback, which they are eager to weave into their teaching practices. Candidates reflected on how the TDP has shaped them into more thoughtful practitioners, better prepared to support both underprepared and exceptional students.

The CPUT men's table tennis team achieved remarkable success at the University Sports South Africa (USSA) Table Tennis Championships, winning two gold medals. After five days of intense competition at the Major Sports Hall on the Bellville Campus, the team showcased outstanding sportsmanship and commitment.

The USSA Table Tennis Championships, held annually, aim to identify South Africa's best student players across various categories. This year's edition saw a total of 12 tertiary institutions competing. CPUT hosted the championships after a successful event the previous year in Bloemfontein. The tournament also serves as a platform for players to be selected for international competitions.

The men's team made it to the medal playoffs in all tournament categories, including singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and team competition. The women's team qualified for three out of the five medal playoffs.

Mohamed Ally, a Sports Development Officer, commented on the team's performance, highlighting the growing talent and dedication within the university’s sports programme. "This year's tournament was highly contested, with players displaying exceptional skill and close competition, featuring major upsets and a new wave of emerging talent in both the men's and women's events."

The CPUT team secured two gold medals in the men's team event and men's doubles, along with three silver medals in mixed doubles, women's doubles, and men's singles. The men's team, consisting of Scelo Mkhetho, Ntuthuzelo Lusithi, and Everard Isaacs, won gold in the team event, while Ntuthuzelo and Everard claimed a second gold in the men's doubles.

In the women's division, Anande Kuse and Zizipho Ntlali earned silver in the women's doubles. The mixed doubles pair of Anande and Everard also finished with silver, while Ntuthuzelo took silver in the men's singles final.

As the tournament convenor, Ally expressed satisfaction with the event's execution. "The CPUT community came together once again to demonstrate our excellent organisational skills and hospitality. The volunteer support from other departments and the overall impression CPUT sports made on our guests was fantastic, and we all enjoyed top-quality table tennis."

The Digital Literacy Skills for the Future Project recently celebrated a momentous occasion at the BankSETA Digital Literacy Skills for Future Awards Ceremony, honouring the graduation of 51 matriculants who completed their digital literacy training in 2024.

This heartfelt ceremony took place at the Bellville Campus and symbolised a significant step in empowering young learners through the transformative power of technology and digital education.

The participants in this project hailed from Langa and Lotus High Schools. Many of these learners started with little to no digital literacy skills, often feeling unsure of themselves in the digital realm. However, with dedicated support from CPUT facilitators and the encouragement of their peers, the Advancement Department has witnessed remarkable growth in their technical abilities and self-confidence. Their journeys were not just about acquiring skills; they discovered a sense of belonging and possibility.

The learning areas explored throughout the project included:

• Introduction to Computer Hardware and Software
• Introduction to Microsoft Office Programs
• Cybersecurity and Digital Citizenship
• Internet and Email Usage
• Introduction to Information Technology (IT)
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
• Introduction to Programming Basics

Mandla Maseko, director of the Advancement Department, spoke from the heart about the importance of these skills as the learners prepare for their next steps in higher education. During the ceremony, the learners proudly demonstrated their new skills by building robots and competing in an exciting robot race. Lotus High School was celebrated as the winning school and received well-deserved prizes. Additionally, the learners were awarded certificates and gifted the tablets they used throughout their training—tools that will continue to support their education.

Waldon Hendricks, a compassionate lecturer in the Information Technology Department, emphasised the significance of integrating STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—into their learning experiences. He shared an inspiring message: “As they move forward, these learners carry with them not just knowledge, but the confidence and courage to pursue whatever career path they choose.”

Inga Dlephu, a learner from Langa High School, expressed her heartfelt gratitude: “I would like to thank BankSETA and CPUT for believing in us and teaching us valuable skills. We’ve learned so much—from things we didn’t know much about to discovering new interests. This programme didn’t just teach us; it opened doors and created a community where we felt supported.”

Maseko concluded with words of appreciation for BankSETA's vital support, saying: “Thank you for standing by us. We hope to continue this meaningful journey together next year. And to all our incredible learners—thank you for your dedication and resilience, even when faced with challenges. Your hard work truly inspires change.”