DSA celebrates International Women’s Month
The Division of Student Affairs celebrated International Women’s Month with an inspirational women’s breakfast talk for female staff members.
The event was held at the Cape Town Hotel School, Granger Bay Campus, and included sessions on self-care and balancing your career and personal responsibilities.
Nonkosi Tyolwana, Dean of Students Affairs, welcomed the attendees and said the day was a reminder of our history.
“International Women's Day (IWD) is the story of ordinary women as makers of history. It is rooted in the centuries, the struggle of women that participated in order to ensure equal footing with men.”
She said the theme for this year’s IWD day was: For all Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.
Tyolwana said while progress had been made over the years, challenges still remained.
“Women employees in particular, still face discrimination in every step of their career, be it hiring, be it promotion, be it pay raises, employee benefits or even delegation of responsibilities. Women, in general, are more likely to be perceived by the nature of their appearance and not their skills or talents.
“They are grossly underrepresented in leadership or managerial positions. Additionally, women in employment, like yourselves. also experience what is commonly referred to as double battle - managing both your household duties as well as your professional duties.”
Somatology student Sanele Buthelezi hosted a session on self-care while Dr Melanie Swanson, HIV/Aids Coordinator, hosted a session on balancing your career and personal responsibilities.
Staff also participated in several fun activities and spot prizes were given away.
Discover the new Campus Store at Bellville Campus
The new Campus Store, which launched at the Bellville Campus recently, is the ultimate destination for showcasing university spirit.
The store offers a diverse array of imprinted apparel, including sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, jackets, and clothing for youth, alumni, and family members—united in pride and passion for our institution.
The Campus Store powered by CK Advertising was launched near the Auditorium and is fully operational. CK Advertising Brand and Sales Strategist Natasha Petersen says they offer a host of marketing services, of which promotional clothing, gifts, headwear, and sportswear form part of the offering. They pride themselves in offering a turnkey solution to meet all clients' branding needs.
“The concept of ‘great Brands meeting great brands’ in this instance Cape Peninsula University of Technology and CK Advertising; hence, the branding on the campus store front door, CPUT, Powered by CK refers to a collaboration between two successful brands, resulting in mutual growth and expanding reach and visibility. We have shared values to appeal to students and staff alike.”
The store offers what is called the core range - hoodies, joggers, tees, caps, tumblers and tote bags. At the launch, CK Advertising Chief Executive Officer Corné Krige said the partnership is a new dawn. “We celebrate an important milestone in our partnership with CPUT,” saying his company has been working with CPUT for nine years. “Over these nine years, we've really started to trust each other, and this is a combination of that today that we can open the shop.”
Krige emphasised his strong hope for the store’s success, promising that customers would be captivated by its stunning beauty. “…This isn't just the shop guys; this is a combination of a lot of hard work and our plan is not to make this just a normal shop where people buy, we want this shop to have a personality of what you in CPUT hold as your values.”
Krige also acknowledged the vice-chancellor and some of the executive management members who came to witness the event. “To Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo, thank you very much for trusting us with the shop, thank you for giving us this opportunity. We know you could have chosen many other people, but we thank you for trusting us, and your leadership really inspires us, and we hope that we will make you see beauty brand.”
Nhlapo said: “I'm actually moved that this year we are celebrating our 20 years anniversary of the existence of this majestic institution. There are a number of things planned in the offering, and I think it's important that all of us must celebrate this great milestone.”
The vice-chancellor was even more impressed when he reviewed CK Advertising's job creation efforts, noting that it was actively creating jobs for people. Nhlapo also expressed satisfaction with the quality and design aspects.
“I'm always particular about textile and the fabric and I can tell you I know good fabric when I see it and I was looking at those blazers there [shop], the quality is good and I want to encourage our staff that when you got guests when you got friends from anywhere take them to come and actually buy the CPUT memorabilia here, that memento is so important to some of us when you travel around the world.” Krige also announced that the next step was Wellington.
Celebrating Teaching Excellence
Outstanding educators were honoured during the 2024 Institutional Teaching Excellence Awards Ceremony, recently held at the Cape Town Hotel School.
Faculty and Institutional Award winners were recognised during the event with Dr Pieter Steenkamp from the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences walking away with the individual award for Established Teacher at Institutional level.
Steenkamp is a Senior Lecturer in the Marketing Department and has more than 20 years of experience as an academic. He obtained a PhD from Stellenbosch University Business School with a specialisation in brand strategy. His research has been published in major academic journals, including the Journal of Brand Management. He is a co-author of the Services Brand Management textbook.
The following award winners were announced:
Faculty Winners
Faculty of Applied Sciences – Dr Sune Henning
Faculty of Business and Management Sciences – Prof Brendon Knott
Faculty of Education - Dr Tanja Coetzer and Dr Cisca de Kock
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment - Dr Gunjan Gupta, Dr Rumbidzai Muvunzi and Prof Asis Patnaik
Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences – Gerhardus Koch and Anthea Pinto-Prins
Faculty of Informatics and Design - Gingirikani Maswanganye, Dr Waldon Hendricks and Dr Belinda Verster
Institutional Winners - Team Teaching
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment – Dennit Adams, Dr Basirat Olayemi Bello, Samantha Daffue, Dr Christélle Ekron, Felicity Harris, Kay Jaffer, Luvuyo Kakaza, Dr Mzukisi Kepe, Naasirah Mohamed, Kajal Singh Nundlal, Ayesha Reiners and Dr Bronwyn Swartz.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching, Prof Rishidaw Balkaran, said the winners’ contributions would go a long way in helping the students to become leaders.
“We are acknowledging you, not only because you have achieved in this space, but because you are a beacon of hope for the university.”
Dr Xena Cupido, Director Fundani CHED congratulated the winners and said the recognition was well deserved.
The guest speaker at the event was Prof Denise Zinn, Programme Leader for the national Women in Leadership Programme under the auspices of Universities South Africa (USAf) and its Higher Education Leadership and Management division (HELM), for the past 5 years.
Education Faculty and community celebrate their shared stories
The Faculty of Education recently held the Sit-Story Culture Walk, a heartfelt collaboration with the Breytenbach Kultuursentrum. This initiative reflects the deep commitment of both the university and the Wellington community to come together, celebrate their shared stories, and foster understanding and connection among them.
This event proudly stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Wellington Advisory Committee, which has successfully united key institutions, businesses, municipal representatives, and private stakeholders.
“At the heart of this initiative is a shared goal: to strengthen the relationship between CPUT and the community through meaningful partnerships. By working together—whether through formal agreements like MOUs or through projects like this cultural walk—we strive to make a real difference in the lives of all Wellington residents. This event is an example of how learning, culture, and heritage can unite people through shared experiences,” said Prof Anna Dippenaar, Assistant Dean: Faculty of Education.
The Executive Director in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Driekie Hay-Swemmer, also attended the event and commended the importance of such events, which bring people together as the university celebrates 20 Years of Growing from Greats.
Before the event, the second-year Education Art and History students had personal conversations with community members, listening to their stories and learning from their experiences. Inspired by these interactions, the students transformed discarded chairs into artistic expressions, with each painted chair serving as a visual and symbolic response to the conversation they had with a community member.
The row of red chairs was situated between the library and the Breytenbach Centre. At the Student Centre, students shared songs and dance performances, while at the Breytenbach Centre, learners from Mbekweni, CPUT students, and community poets presented their poetry, creating a space where words and creativity intersected across generations. In the Cloete Room at the Breytenbach Centre, a video showcased the work of first-year students, capturing moments of Wellington through the Photo Voices project.
At the library, the Living Room Stories: Remember, Reflect and Reconnect session created a warm and welcoming environment where Wellington legends opened their hearts to share powerful personal stories that inspired reflection and connection. “The atmosphere was further uplifted by performances from two choirs—CPUT’s student choir and a local community choir—whose harmonies filled the library with a sense of unity and celebration,” Lecturer: History Education, Dr Adrienne Van As, observed.
The evening included a vibrant tribute to the minstrel tradition, combining storytelling, cultural reflection, and an energetic performance by the Wellington Minstrels.
“This evening is a testament to what is possible when a community comes together to share, learn, and celebrate its cultural heritage through the stories that remind us of the power of human connection.” Dippenaar remarked.
The event was also attended by Drakenstein Municipality representatives, the Wellington Museum, and many more special guests.
Health and Wellness Sciences welcome new Dean
The new Dean of the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences began her journey at CPUT more than two decades ago and brings a wealth of experience and insight to her new role.
Assoc Prof Nicole Brooks joined CPUT in 2002 as a Junior Lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and was later promoted to Lecturer and then to Senior Lecturer.
She took over the role of Head of Department: Wellness Sciences in 2010 and in 2019 was appointed as Assistant Dean in the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences. In September 2022 she took on the role of Acting Dean of the Faculty.
As she starts her term as Dean, Brooks has the following message to staff and students: “The field of health sciences is an ever-evolving field, and we, the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, are dedicated to excellence in education, research, and the well-being of our society. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to academic excellence, education, innovation in health research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal well-being.
“In a world increasingly shaped by complex health challenges, from emerging diseases to health inequities, we have a profound responsibility and extraordinary opportunities to make a lasting impact. Together, we can cultivate the next generation of health professionals, researchers, and leaders who will shape the future of healthcare locally and globally.”
Outside of work Brooks is a proud mother to two boys, aged 11 and nine. A dedicated runner, she has participated in numerous half marathons, marathons, and even a few ultra-marathons. When time allows, she enjoys working out at the gym, traveling to new countries, and experiencing diverse cultures.
Empowering students through enhanced food security
The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) announced a new partnership with Nurture Brands, which aims to elevate the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals while fostering student wellness in meaningful ways.
This is part of the "One Residence, One Garden" initiative at CPUT, a project by the DSA in partnership with the Faculty of Applied Sciences, which aims to promote sustainability and community engagement through student-managed gardens within university residences.
Dr Melanie Swanson, the Head of the HIV/AIDS Unit within DSA, shared that this collaboration goes beyond just donations; it offers valuable support for good health and well-being, as well as internship opportunities for CPUT students. During a heartfelt ceremony, the staff and students planted the donated seedlings at Catsville Residence, and the Division can’t wait to witness the growth and harvest in the coming months. “We are excited to see the produce that will eventually be harvested in a few months. We are also thankful for the dedication of students and staff at Catsville to support this initiative,” the thrilled Swanson enthused.
“I'm really excited to also because it's about sustainability and it's about development and it's about food security”
In her welcoming address, the Dean of Student Affairs, Nonkosi Tyolwana, acknowledged the support of Ziyanda Watani, a CPUT alumna and staff member of Nurture Brands, for her efforts in giving back to the community. Tyolwana also recognized the crucial roles played by the students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences, the Green Campus Initiative (GCI), and the CPUT Convocation. “I'm quite excited colleagues the issue of student hunger or food security is a critical issue,” she remarked.”
During his speech on sustainable development and food security, Prof Joseph Kioko, the Dean of Applied Sciences, emphasised the strong connection between food and science. He also highlighted that his faculty possesses technologies that help teach students how to enhance food products sourced from the garden. “They make biscuits and other items that can be stored and consumed, which means we are teaching some of our nutritional science students to utilise and benefit from the garden's produce.”
He continued: “My gratitude to Nurture Brands is really big because you help us, [you] really make a difference I thought I just mentioned that the issue of food insecurity is not unique to us, it's very widespread among universities in the country, so we're not sort of an island we are part of a bigger hole.”
During the event, the Nurture Brands handed over the following items:
Seedlings:
- Spinach X200
- Cabbage X200
- Beetroot X200
- Onion X200
- Green Pepper X200
They also provided personal protective equipment for students working in the vegetable garden, which included 30 pairs of safety boots and 30 overalls.
Swanson took a moment to reflect on the event, expressing heartfelt thoughts: “It was a huge success. With an existing garden that is already well maintained by students including those studying horticulture, the additional seedlings and PPE gave students an additional drive to promote sustainable development and food security.”
Watani also recognised the incredible effort and dedication that everyone has put forth: “Thank you so much to everyone for the hospitality and reception we received at CPUT. It was indeed a successful day. The business is equally excited and looks forward to working with the institution. When I returned to work on the day of the handover, the chief executive officer and managing director were already talking about the event. My executive couldn’t contain her excitement and had sent out the pictures to senior management.”
Besides the seedlings donation other support and benefits for CPUT students are in Good Health and Well-being (UN SDG 3):
- Student audiometric testing at Nautilus Pharma.
- Random donations of vitamins to the campus clinic.
- Participation in CPUT wellness days.
Quality Education (UN SDG 4).
- Internship programmes and Apprentices.
Swanson added that the partnership Nurture will assist in the placement of CPUT-qualifying students at Nautilus Pharma and Vital Health Foods. “Their generous donation not only reflects a commitment to our cause for sustainable development and food security but also inspires others to contribute and get involved.”
FNB CPUT hungry to achieve more
In a spine-chilling fixture between longtime adversaries, FNB CPUT and FNB UWC, the home side edged a nerve-wracking match 28-27. For this historic victory, FNB CPUT relied on their game drivers to make the correct calls and on the day, it proved to benefit them.
“We find ourselves adding one percent more effort collectively to achieve our objectives in the tournament,” says team captain, Kieran Naidoo. Kieran says the team is feeling hungry to achieve more, after a tough rebuilding phase last year. “It was very tough to shake off the negativity but through actions and the backing of our coaching staff we were very determined to put CPUT rugby back on the pedestal we found it. It’s a great feeling making history being the first CPUT team to beat UWC, however, we remain humble and grounded as we have not achieved what we want to yet.”
CPUT went into the match with an underdog tag but Kieran says: “We are an isolated camp that is not fazed by labels or titles as we know how distracting it can be. Going into the derby we pulled tighter to each other, after a disappointing performance against Varsity College.”
The modest third-year Sport Management student says the team is not carried away by this victory and they don’t want to think or talk about the final or play offs. We have not thought as far as a play off as yet, we take one game at a time as we know how costly looking too far ahead can be.”
The team has a tough encounter against FNB Madibaz away in Gqeberha on Friday, 28 March and that’s where the team’s focus shall remain says Kieran. “It is incredible working under the coaching staff of coach, Alistair Theys, Ramone Samuels, Jongi Nokwe and Johan Pedro as they have a wealth of experience but allow us as the team to make decisions not controlling our every move, allowing us to grow and develop experience for big game.”
Scorers
FNB CPUT: 28 (18)
Tries: Noah Pekeur, Jacquin Jacobus, Iwaan Bloys.
FNB UWC: 27 (17)
Tries: Conwill Conradie, Bevan Simons, Hlomla Ncana.
FNB Player That Rocks: Denley Krid Adams
The full FNB CPUT were: Nkosephayo Ngema, Kyle Ahrendse, Kieran Delaan Naidoo, Keanan Benjamin Odwa Rolosi, Simphiwe Gift Thabede, Nqaba Nkonyeni, Philasande Ngcobo, Denley Krid Adams, Jason January, Oyintando Honour Maseti, Iwaan Bloys, Carick Ethan Kustoor, Jacquin Farrol Jacobus, Noah Matthew Pakeur, Keewan Titus.
