Cape Peninsula University of Technology

The Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS) hosted its inaugural Mother Language Day, bringing together diverse students from various linguistic backgrounds. This significant event aimed to celebrate their heritage and encourage students to take pride in their mother languages/zidle ngolwimi lwakho/ wees trots op jou taal.

The event was organised by FBMS staff and students, including the FBMS Language Committee task team and the Unit for Language and Academic Literacies. It was sponsored by Red Bull. Nobuhle Luphondo-Ncanda, the Acting Language Coordinator of FBMS, stated that the purpose of the event was to celebrate linguistic diversity, appreciate students' respective mother tongues, and encourage participation in the FBMS. “Our ultimate goal was to nurture and promote competencies in languages other than English, ensuring that these do not create barriers for speakers of other languages. This aligns with our commitment to uphold the constitutional values of inclusivity, social cohesion, and equitable access.”

Students were invited to write and submit poems in their mother tongue, with the requirement to also provide translations into English for those who do not understand their first language. This initiative by the faculty aimed to celebrate students' native languages and was a resounding success, receiving over 30 poem submissions. “It was very difficult for us as a team to choose the best 10 poems,” Luphondo-Ncanda shared.

The top 10 poems were selected based on their quality and authenticity. Each submission was checked using AI detection and plagiarism software. Lunga Nanase, one of the participants, expressed: “I'm deeply inspired by today’s event. I would appreciate it if you could keep me in mind for future events or gatherings.”

Luphondo-Ncanda remarked: “As lecturers, we often underestimate our students. It became clear that when they engage in the languages, they are comfortable with, they participate fully and give their best effort.”

She continued: “To me, as an individual, it meant: Celebrating mother tongues is a celebration of identity. It’s about honouring the first language that shaped our earliest thoughts, emotions, and stories. Personally, it feels like reconnecting with the voices of our elders, the lullabies, idioms, and expressions that no other language can quite replicate. It's a moment of pride and remembrance—a way to say, this is where I come from, and it matters.”

For the faculty, this event serves as a beacon of inclusivity, cultural awareness, and linguistic diversity. It fosters a profound sense of belonging among students and staff who speak various mother tongues, encouraging an atmosphere of mutual respect. Moreover, it highlights the pivotal role of language in knowledge creation, expression, and learning, which lies at the heart of any academic mission.

At the institutional level, this event boldly embraces South Africa’s rich multilingual heritage and the broader African context. It aligns seamlessly with the goals of transformation, the decolonization of education, and active community engagement. This commitment demonstrates that CPUT treasures linguistic heritage not just as a cultural artifact, but as an essential and vibrant aspect of its identity and educational philosophy.

Luphondo-Ncanda also encouraged the CPUT community to participate in similar events: “As we gather to honour our mother tongues, we celebrate more than just words—we celebrate identity, heritage, and the unique rhythm of every culture that forms part of the CPUT family.

“Let us continue to appreciate multilingualism and translanguaging as a resource to support our students. Let us leverage our students’ mother tongues to ensure access. Let this event remind us that multilingualism is not a barrier, but a bridge—connecting us, enriching our learning, and deepening our understanding. May we continue to build a CPUT where all languages are respected, where every student and staff member feels seen and heard, and where diversity is celebrated as our greatest strength. Be proud of your mother tongue/ zidle ngolwimi lwakho/ wees trots op jou taal.”

Luphondo-Ncanda expressed gratitude to FUNDANI for their support, which helped them provide prizes and vouchers to the winners.

Winners:

First Prize: R3000 - Akanani Lungani (Graduate Centre for Management, GCM Department) for the poem titled I Choose a Bear / Ndikhetha Ibhere.

Second Prize: R2000 Voucher - Lucille Jacobs (Accounting and Internal Auditing Department) for the poem titled Herfs is amptelik hier /Autumn is officially here.

Third Prize: R1000 Voucher - Neo Lekgeu for the poem titled The Heartbeat of Sekhukhune/ Go Betha ga Pelo ya Sekhukhune.

Special Recognitions:

Best Performer: Xolani Mabuyaze (Event & Tourism Department).

Best Performer:Lucille Jacobs (Accounting and Internal Auditing Department)

Best Dresser: Zama Ncwane (Entrepreneurship Department).

The Department of Ophthalmic Sciences proudly hosted its inaugural oath-taking ceremony earlier this month – marking a significant and symbolic milestone for the department and its graduating class of dispensing opticians.

The event brought together graduates, their proud families, academic staff, and distinguished guests in a celebration of ethical commitment and professional integrity.

What made the occasion especially meaningful was the presence of high-profile stakeholders in eye health.

The Dean of the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, A/Prof Nicole Brooks, the President of the Professional Board for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (PBODO) of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), Yurisa Naidoo, representatives from the South African Optometric Association (SAOA), including its President Nivien Subramany and CEO Harry Rosen, joined the ceremony in support of the Department’s landmark event.

In his welcoming address, Acting Head of Department, Prasidh Ramson reflected on the historical significance of the occasion.

"This moment connects our graduates to a centuries-old tradition shared by healthcare professionals around the world. Taking an oath is a public declaration of their responsibility to deliver eye care with ethics, competency, and compassion."

Brooks highlighted the importance of maintaining strong professional and educational ties beyond graduation, encouraging graduates to continue engaging with CPUT in lifelong learning.

Naidoo, in her keynote, urged the graduates to let the words of the oath serve as their moral compass throughout their careers, grounding them in integrity and care as they navigate the healthcare landscape.

Subramany reinforced the essential role of dispensing opticians in the broader eye care ecosystem, emphasising their contributions as equal and vital partners in promoting visual health in South Africa.

The ceremonial reading of the oath was led by Rosen, who guided the graduates in reciting the solemn pledge. At the conclusion, each graduate received a printed copy of the oath—a keepsake and reminder of the professional values they vowed to uphold.

The Department of Ophthalmic Sciences celebrates this inaugural oath-taking ceremony, not only as a tribute to its graduates, but also as a reaffirmation of its mission: to train ethical, competent, and compassionate eye care professionals who are ready to serve with clarity of purpose and vision.

The CPUT Netball team has cultivated a culture of holistic empowerment, culminating in the remarkable achievement of three members being selected for the Western Cape franchise, the Tornadoes, to compete in the upcoming 2025 Telkom Netball League.

This league begins this weekend at Sun City, showcasing the dedication and talent of CPUT players and technical staff as they embark on this exciting journey.

Ziyanda Mwezo, a 22-year-old third-year student: Bachelor of Education in the Intermediate Phase, has been chosen for goal defence and goalkeeping roles, showcasing her talent and determination. This selection reflects her hard work and passion, inspiring others to strive for their own goals.

CPUT Netball Ladies coach Babalwa Madikane has been appointed as the assistant coach of the Tornadoes. Meanwhile, CPUT Netball Ladies General Manager and assistant coach for both men’s and women’s teams, Aviwe Mgudu, was selected as the team manager. Ziyanda, who has been playing since Grade 4, “was fortunate to have a coach, Frank Xaba, who recognised my potential and encouraged me to try out for the defensive position. I am forever grateful for his guidance, as it has allowed me to develop my skills and grow as a player”.

Throughout her high school years, she had the opportunity to participate in the South African School Netball (SASN) tournaments, which helped her to hone her skills and gain valuable experience in competitive netball. Ziyanda, who tends to be shy around people she doesn't know well, began her university career in 2023 and was thrilled to be selected to play for the CPUT Netball A team. “This opportunity allowed me to take my game to the next level and compete against top-level opponents. I also met Babalwa Madikane, affectionately known as Coach Babes, who sharpened my defensive skills and served as my U21 Coach. Her guidance and mentorship have been instrumental in my growth as a player.”

She took part in the 2023 USSA tournament, which offered her a valuable opportunity to showcase her impressive skills and learn from other talented players. A highlight of her netball career was her selection for the Western Province U21 A team, allowing her to compete in the Spar National Championships. “This experience not only allowed me to represent my province but also gave me the opportunity to compete against the best young players in the country.”

In 2024, Ziyanda had an outstanding season with the Western Province Ladies Senior team, winning gold in both the Interprovincial tournament and the Spar National Championships. She was also selected to play for USSA and had the honour of serving as the captain of the CPUT ladies' team, which she described as both a privilege and a significant responsibility. In 2025, after two unsuccessful trials, “I was overjoyed to be selected for the Western Cape Tornadoes”. “This achievement is a testament to my hard work, dedication, and perseverance.”

Ziyanda, who is “somewhere between being an introvert and an extrovert”, says: “I'm still learning to navigate different social situations. Overall, I am thrilled to have achieved these milestones and look forward to continuing my growth and development as a netball player. I am excited to see what the future holds for me and [I] am committed to working hard to achieve my goals.”

Being informed that she was selected as the team manager for Western Cape Tornadoes “is truly a humbling and emotional moment for Mgudu. “It’s more than just an appointment, it's a proud milestone that takes me back to where it all began: the small villages of Matatiele, where I grew up”. She says this achievement represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering belief not just in herself, “but in the young people I’ve had the privilege to lead”.

Through her journey with CPUT Netball and in the Western Province high-performance environment, she came to understand the value of discipline, teamwork, and building systems that elevate both athletes and support staff. She attributes her growth and achievements to the principles she learned at CPUT: resilience, humility, and never giving up. “The path hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has shaped me into the manager and leader I am today. At CPUT Netball, we’ve built a culture that believes in empowering players holistically, and I bring that same vision to Western Cape Netball.”

Madikane wouldn't have been chosen as the Tornadoes Assistant Coach if she weren't resilient or if she didn't push harder and stronger to achieve her goals, work hard, and if she weren't disciplined. “These few personal qualities brought me to this stage. I grabbed the opportunity with both hands and never stopped showing up, so that makes me realise that our hard work doesn't go unnoticed. This is giving me hope that CPUT can produce more players who can participate in that platform.”

CPUT and North-West University are set to co-host the World Association for Sport Management (WASM) 2026 conference in March next year - marking a significant milestone for the Sport Management Department.

The event will take place at the iconic Newlands Cricket Ground from 3 to 6 March 2026 under the theme: Global Visions, Local Actions: Innovation and Sustainability in Sport Management.

The conference theme resonates with current industry trends that shape the practices and perspectives of sport management professionals and academics alike.

“It is an honour for the Sport Management Department at CPUT to co-host this prestigious global event. It is an opportunity to showcase the efforts of the department, as well as the new CPUT satellite campus at Newlands,” said A/Prof Brendon Knott, Acting Head of the Sport Management Department and conference co-chair.

“It is the most significant event ever to be hosted by the Sport Management Department, as it will certainly position the department at the forefront of African and global sport management academia.”

Knott said at least 300 delegates from sport management academia and industry were expected to attend the event.

“We welcome inter-disciplinary research papers and practitioner presentations or workshop proposals related to sport management.”

The call for abstracts is currently open and can be found on the conference website.

The Department of Accounting Sciences recently celebrated the graduation of the first cohort to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Taxation (NQF8), marking the beginning of new opportunities.

The group is immensely proud and grateful to have reached a milestone, which not only represents their academic achievement but also their resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. Dr Aletta Neethling, Acting Head of the Department of Accounting Sciences, said this qualification is fully accredited by the South African Institute of Taxation (SAIT) and pertains to the knowledge component required for the occupational certificate for tax professionals. “This allows students to obtain, after doing their practical and workplace experience and writing the final professional evaluation, the designation tax advisor.”

How many students graduated?

The goal of this course is to deliver advanced professional training by providing intensive, focused, and practical knowledge in taxation. This qualification prepares students with the essential knowledge, skills, attributes, and ethical awareness needed to perform effectively and become competent tax professionals, adhering to the professional and ethical standards established by the South African Institute of Taxation (SAIT) and the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA).

“The qualification will thus bridge the gap in knowledge of aspiring accountants and tax professionals to gain professional accreditation. The qualification offers a career path for students leading to professional accreditation in the respective fields of taxation.”

Students require a minimum average of 60% in the Advanced Diploma in Accountancy, which includes the elective course in Advanced Taxation. This programme spans two years and follows a block release format, requiring at least three months of practical experience during the second year.

“We worked so hard to develop this qualification in collaboration with SAIT, and I am so proud of this first cohort of students. They are really the pioneering batch of this programme. They worked hard and truly deserve their qualifications. I also want to thank the lecturers working on this programme. They developed each subject according to the vision we had. It is just a wonderful feeling to be part of this team,” Neethling enthused.

The students also reflected on their academic journey. Asanda Sabata said: "Being part of the first group to graduate from this programme has been both an unexpected honour and a big responsibility. My journey through the taxation specialisation has truly been transformative.” Mihle Magwaza said: “The challenges, the late nights, the tears -they were all part of the process that shaped me into the person I am now. I leave this programme not only with knowledge, but with growth, clarity, and a deep sense of purpose in pursuing a career in tax."

Mpholose Ponya said being the very first students to pursue the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Taxation felt almost “unreal, like standing on top of the cream”. “In a place few have dared to reach, it felt abnormal, even intimidating, to carve out a path where there was none.”

Neethling emphasises that this course is quite challenging and requires significant persistence and dedication from students. “However, the opportunity to eventually qualify as a tax advisor through SAIT will open a lot of doors for your future tax career.”

The CPUT Cheerleaders kicked off their season by winning the first prize in their category at the Western province Majorettes and Cheerleaders Association (WPMCA) 1st Regional Competition.

The team of 11 cheerleaders took the top spot in the Tertiary: Performance Cheer: Hip Hop Teams category.

Team Leader Tumi Matlala expressed her joy over the team’s outstanding performance.

“It feels like a powerful glimpse of what’s ahead. My team has been putting in the extra hours, and it’s clear that the hard work is already paying off.

“Our preparation consisted of a lot of dedication and hard work. We had other cheer commitments for CPUT sports events that we could not neglect so that meant putting more hours in our practices. It was difficult, having to stay until late on campus but it was definitely worth it in the end.”

Cherice Mangiagalli, Student Development Officer: Sport, Arts and Culture, also expressed her pride.

"Congratulations to the CPUT Titans on achieving first place in their first WPMCA competition. I believe that this is a great start, and I look forward to seeing how they continue to progress throughout the remainder of the competitions. All the best, Titans!"