CPUT continues its mission to provide one of the most state-of-the-art campus housing offerings in the country.

The university is leading the way in setting a standard of excellence in residence management, and our students are the welcome beneficiaries of the new changes.

Last year ended on a high note with the institution celebrating the completion of the Cape Suites Residence Project. This project will see 400 beds go online and will provide female students with a living and learning environment in one of the most state-of-the-art campus housing offerings in the country. Cape Suites is a few metres from the District Six campus and provides safe and comfortable accommodation to some of our most vulnerable students.

Understanding the sustainability aspects of the university’s properties, the focus in 2024 was on quality enhancement to ensure that CPUT-owned residences remain attractive to our clientele, according to Phillip Chibvuri, Residence Finance Specialist.

This focus area is key for sustenance and the institution invested in the following:

 The Residences Facelift Project

This is an on-going project which focuses on the look and feel of each residence

“We are exploring the benefits of well-designed underutilised areas in each residence and bring them alive as research has shown the interior design of places and productivity are closely linked,” said Chibvuri

Operational Equipment

The Housing team has enhanced a number of residences with brand new microwaves, fridges, smart televisions and stoves.

A new batch of 100 laundry machines is in the pipeline to ensure that malfunctioning machines do not affect utilities such as water and electricity.

All heat pump systems received the necessary attention to ensure hot water in all 26 CPUT-owned residences.

Security

All 26 residences have been set onto the SALTO system, which is fully compatible with local technologies at CPUT.

In addition, the replacement and reconfiguration of all turnstiles at all residences are underway with some already fully functional

“We now have over 200 cameras for the exterior areas installed at strategic angles, functional, and monitored. More are underway in terms of interior and special areas of control in 2025. A facial recognition system (SAMS Project) has been piloted and the results are encouraging, and Campus Protection Services and Housing are working on a sustainable roll out plan in 2025.”

Chibvuri added: “We are optimistic we are going in a particular direction which will require thrifty approaches, sustainable solutions, and forward-thinking”.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Ntuthuzelo Lusithi, a Diploma in Mathematical Sciences student, has achieved another significant milestone by being elected as the Chairperson of the USSA Table Tennis Association.

He was part of the CPUT men’s team, alongside Scelo Mkhetho and Everard Isaacs, which won gold in the team event. Additionally, Ntuthuzelo and Everard secured a second gold in the men’s doubles at the recent USSA Table Tennis Championships held at the Major Sports Hall on the Bellville Campus.

Now, Ntuthuzelo aims to contribute to the development of sports at universities across South Africa. Hailing from Katlehong, Germiston, he takes pride in witnessing the commitment of both players and administrators in supporting youth involvement in table tennis. “I feel entrusted by the players and management to promote our unique sport at the university level and ultimately create an international impact.”

A passionate, driven, and resilient individual, Ntuthuzelo had little reaction when his name was announced as chairperson. Instead, his thoughts quickly turned to his plans for changes and growth in the sport. “My mandate is simple: let’s get to work. I believe that if we want to see change and growth in our sport, we need to put in the effort. This means we will start by improving certain areas so that our neighbouring institutions and the rest of the country can join us.”

During his two-year term, he intends to pursue these goals diligently. Reflecting on the recently concluded championships, he feels he performed exceptionally well, stating, “Some have even said I was their player of the tournament.”

He acknowledges that playing in the Cape Town Table Tennis Premier League was beneficial for his development. “Even though many were against my decision to join the Premier League with my club Duinefontein, I knew it would pay off in the long run.” Ntuthuzelo reached three out of four finals: the team event finals where they defended their gold from the previous year, the doubles finals which they won alongside Everard Isaacs, and the singles final, where he unfortunately lost to Keenen Jooste.

“My performance was inspired by my CPUT team and the effort they put in. I wanted to show them that success is possible.”

He has been playing for about eight years, and during that time, he has achieved quite a bit, especially when he was part of Gauteng Central, where his potential was first recognised. One of his career highlights has been making the USSA national team for two consecutive years and helping to defend their gold medal. "Getting silver at the CUCSA (Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association) Games, where we could have won gold, is a significant accomplishment for me because there’s no greater feeling than representing your country. I made the USSA National Squad again, and I hope we can compete in the World Student Games next year in Germany. That would not only benefit us as players but also promote the sport in our country. I truly hope we can go and compete.”

He adds, “I hope to cause some upsets if we go to Germany because I believe we can make this happen. It’s time for Table Tennis to shine, and that can happen if we are given the opportunity.”

He attributes his achievements to discipline. “There have been days when I didn’t want to train or play, but I still went anyway, and that’s not easy. Having honest friends who keep me grounded and supportive of my goals has helped me, especially when they call me out on my lazy days and keep me in check. My family, friends, and others motivate me because I know that every day, someone out there looks up to me. I want to show that someone from a township can work hard and make waves in the world.”

He draws inspiration from various attributes of different people, including those outside of sports, and combines these lessons to improve himself every day. “Mr [Mohamed] Ally, our Sports Development Officer, has taught me a lot about CPUT sports and high performance, guiding me even behind the scenes.”

He states, “People can expect that I will give my best with whatever resources I’m provided. I have a strong and diverse team working alongside me, and I believe we will all strive for what’s best for the sport.”

Ntuthuzelo, who never backs down from what he believes in, views this as an opportunity to showcase “what I am capable of doing.” He invites everyone to join them, saying, “The more, the merrier! But they should be prepared to have their minds blown; if they are used to ping pong, we will introduce them to Table Tennis.”

Ally commented, “Ntuthuzelo has grown by leaps and bounds since arriving at CPUT. He is multi-talented and never settles for anything less than success.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS) recently hosted its inaugural Hybrid International Week at the Cape Town Hotel School, Granger Bay Campus.

The event, which brought together international and local universities, businesses as well as government representatives, was aimed at strengthening the faculty’s strategic partnerships. The theme of the event was: Re-imagining internationalisation post Covid-19, focusing on the lessons learned, while navigating the new normal.

Prof Paul Green, the Dean of FBMS, opened the event and welcomed the guests, as well as extended sympathies to the Turkish partners who were forced to withdraw their attendance due to the disaster that recently hit their nation. Amongst the attendees were Prof Judy Peter, Director for Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, who delivered a keynote address, Dr Carla Enslin, Head of Postgraduate Studies at Vega School, who spoke about brand resonance, members of the Student Representative Council, President of the CPUT Convocation, Lwandile Socikwa, as well as international visitors from Germany, Slovakia, Finland, Reunion Island and Russia. They all presented an overview of their institutions and countries.

Green commended all attendees for participating in the event, recognising their attendance as a symbol of the shared vision in respect of strengthening collaborations and ending his address with the African Proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. Green said: “I want to wish you a successful event, may the deliberations be invigorating, and provoke your thinking as well as extend your boundaries, I thank you, enkosi.”

Andiswa Mrasi, Acting Manager – Strategic Initiatives and Projects at FBMS, said the positive feedback they received from guests and colleagues was “heart-warming”. “Putting together an event of this magnitude, marking the first of its kind in the entire institution was quite overwhelming. I am beyond humbled that it all went well, and of course I cannot claim the glory alone. We were supported by several individuals and departments within the faculty as well as across the university - we remain grateful,” said Mrasi.

Mrasi said her faculty was committed to producing the policy makers of tomorrow, the game changers of tomorrow, particularly from a developing country and continent such as South Africa and Africa respectively, “where we are still facing inequality and poverty”. “So, we are also at the heart of civil society. We want to ensure that we produce graduates who are not only able to read and wright, but those who will have a broader understanding of the world, and make an impact on those who did not have the opportunity to be a university graduate. ”Reflecting on the event, Acting Head of the Department of Management and Project Management, Nobuhle Luphondo said: “It was very important for us to know what is being offered on the other side so that we can relate that to what we are offering, for us to able to see some areas of collaborations.”

The three-day event also included presentations by international universities and industry partners, excursions and community engagement with township tour to Gugulethu 7 Memorial, Unako Children’s Home, Guga S’thebe Cultural Centre, and a South African lunch at Tee’s Lounge.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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In an effort to champion multilingualism in Higher Education intuitions in South Africa, the Language Unit within Fundani Centre for Higher Education Development (CHED) recently held a one- day South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR) Language Resources Audit at Bellville Campus.

Institutional Language Coordinator, Dr Kabelo Sebolai, said Universities South Africa (USAf), through its Community of Practice for the Teaching and Learning of African Languages (CoPAL), is working with universities towards the implementation of the Department of Higher Education and Training’s New Language Policy Framework for public Higher Education institutions. “The importance of promoting multilingualism and situating African languages at the centre of the academy to drive the sector priorities of institutional transformation, epistemic access and student success is the reason for this effort,” said Sebolai.

The successful audit event was attended by a SADiLaR delegation and different levels of the CPUT community, which included the management, staff members and students. The spectacular run of activities included a first session of data collection from management and staff members which followed a virtual opening and welcoming of guests by Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof Rishidaw Balkaran.

This morning session included an introduction of the language resource audit aims and objectives and the completion of a survey questionnaire and discussion of the different survey categories: institutional information, language services, teaching and learning, language of communication and administration, student life and general language resource matter. Reflecting on the session, Director: Fundani CHED, Dr Xena Cupido, said the university still “has a way to go in terms of the implementation of language policy”. “I think as a university community we certainly have a lot of work that needs to be done. I think that there is a lot that we can learn from today, there is also a lot that we can learn from each other,” Cupido remarked.

The second session also included data collection from the students, which was facilitated by Juan Steyn: Director of Operations at SADiLaR. This also included engagement with the students. Also reflecting on the highlight of the event, Sebolai said the four-member SADiLaR delegation was “reasonably satisfied with the extent of participation by all attendees in the two sessions”. “The extent to which both staff and students engaged with the audit was the highlight for me. All voices were heard!”

Dr Lizel Hudson, Work-Integrated Learning and Language Coordinator in the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences also thanked SADiLaR for involving the students in the Language Resources Audit. “Your voices really helped me to understand what we need or can do to work with you and our students in Health and Wellness Sciences and have opened my eyes to creating content.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Senior lecturer in the Media Department, Dr Sisanda Nkoala, has been announced as one of the winners of the 8th Annual Humanities and Social Sciences Awards.

Nkoala won the category: Best Digital Humanities: Visualisation/Infographics for her project: “Digitising the Early South African Black Press: Towards an Open Education Resource Digital Archive”.

“I'm humbled and encouraged. Humbled because I really didn't expect that this work would resonate in the way that it has with the Humanities and Social Sciences peers who awarded the prize. Inspired because it is a work in progress and I'm looking forward to taking it to new heights now that it has received a nod of approval from such an esteemed body,” said Nkoala.

In a previous interview she said the digital archive, which is under development, forms part of a longitudinal project to develop a comprehensive multilingual digital archive of journalistic texts for use in teaching, learning and research.

She said these texts are newspapers from the early South African Black Press, published between 1836 and 1960 and were a sector of the print media in South Africa targeting the marginalised black, coloured and Indian communities under colonialism and apartheid.

“Scholars describe it as the oldest, most extensive (in terms of the number and variety of publications) collection of [protest-cum-resistance press] in sub-Saharan Africa. Even though they are journalistic texts, they are relevant for historians, educators, linguists, political and social science, and a host of other fields where the contents of newspapers are used for teaching, learning and research.”

Nkoala said these texts are currently available as hard copies in various libraries in Southern Africa, or if they are available online, they are in an unreadable, often closed-access repository that keeps them from being accessible to the broader public.

“Further, there are different scholars working on different titles, but none have attempted to create a single repository where many of the existing publications can be sourced openly and freely. Thus, my work in digitising them and making them accessible as open education resources is aimed at addressing this gap and ensuring that these multilingual texts can be used for teaching and research at all levels of education and beyond.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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CPUT recently hosted its first Research Indaba on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Higher Education under the theme: Crafting trends, patterns and awareness intervention to combat GBV.

The purpose of the two-day event, which coincided with International Women’s Day, was to share lessons, strategies, interventions, practices and research agendas on:

• Enhancing, integrated, multi-sectoral coordination and collaboration on gender equality and women empowerment to combat GBV in higher education.
• Dealing with changed behaviours, social norms and interventions that drive GBV for students and staff.
• Enhancing sustainable and survivor-centred response, care and support services for students and staff.
• Sustaining, responsive, efficient, safe and responsive campus protection.
• Ensuring evidence-based research and integration of research focus areas; and
• Integrating realist evaluation approaches aimed at developing GBV interventions to existing social problems to bring about social change.

The keynote speakers on the first day were Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Hon. Buti Manamela and Prof Mzikazi Nduna, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Fort Hare, who addressed the topic of Sustainable Development Goals and GBV: Locating the Higher Education Sector.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, welcomed attendees and said that to give effect to the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation’s Policy Framework to address Gender-Based Violence in the Post-School Education and Training System, CPUT has put in place a high-level GBV Committee, which is chaired by the Vice-Chancellor.

He said the institution maintains a zero-tolerance stance on GBV.

Manamela, said that according to the World Health Organisation, over a quarter of women aged between 15 and 49 years, who have been in a relationship, have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner at least once in their lifetime since age 15.

“They also observe that globally as many as 38 percent of all murders of women are committed by intimate partners so this is actually very scary.”

He said the post-school education and training sector has been deeply affected by the scourge of gender-based violence.

“As a department, we regard gender-based violence as a national emergency. Together with our entity, Higher Health, over the years, we’ve made a number of policy, institutional and programmatic interventions, all of which are intended to create a safe and secure environment for students and staff in the PSET sector.

“We are implementing various programmes and support structures for students and frontline staff at institutions of higher learning. The programmes are offered on 420 campuses across the country.”

An emotional candle lighting ceremony in honour of GBV Victims was also held, where CPUT staff member, Flora Buffet shared “HerStory” from the GBV survivor” from her childhood. The guests, which included students, were welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor, who condemned “every act of gender-based violence”, saying: “Not at CPUT.”

“Let’s create an environment where all of us can live in peace and harmony…” Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr David Phaho, provided insight into eradicating GBV through Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships aligned to Vision 2030 - One Smart CPUT. The CPUT Arts Society showcased a gender-based violence short drama just before the candle-lighting moment.

The last session was held on the second day and dealt with multi-sectoral partnerships and collaborations to enhance social, political, and economic consequences of gender inequality and gender-based violence. In his comment, Student Representative Council (SRC) member, Xolani Booi, voiced his “happiness” with CPUT management’s effort in fighting GBV and its decision to host such an event. “We are happy with the response we are receiving [from the management] and today there is this event, and we knew about it before it happened … We are happy that we’re not surprised when things are happening in this university, we’re part of the decision making in this university.”

Xolani also acknowledged the existing “good working relations” between the student leadership and Acting Dean of Student Affairs, Nonkosi Tyolwana who had earlier made a presentation on: Localising response to National Strategic Plan on GBV and Femicide in Higher Education: A CPUT Case Study.

The speakers included Advocate Lizelle Africa from Sexual Offences and Community Affairs: National Prosecuting Authority. Africa provided a presentation on: GBV Reporting protocol and training approaches to enhance the implementation of the GBV Policy: A CPUT Case Study. Director: HERS- SA, Brightness Mangolothi talked about “women academics’ bullying experiences in higher education as a manifestation of GBV”. “It’s harmful, it has a negative impact on you who is in the receiving end.” Mangolothi said GBV is not only about sexual harassment, and she said the abuse of power and workplace bullying is another form of GBV.

Research excellence and outstanding innovation were celebrated doing CPUT’s recent three-day Research Festival.

The theme for this year’s event, which was held at the Bellville Campus, was “Celebrating and showcasing relevant, responsive and innovative research”.

Day one of the festival highlighted the world-class research being conducted at the institution through an exciting exhibition of research projects and innovations.

They keynote speakers were Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo and world-renowned researcher and Director of Global Engagement at Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham, Prof Mark Saunders

Nhlapo said the purpose of the festival was three-fold:

To acknowledge excellence in research and innovation at CPUT

To accelerate and honour CPUT researchers’ contribution in the year past

To acknowledge successful ad hominen promotions

“This event is also an expression of the Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships portfolio’s aspiration to embed a research and innovation culture at CPUT.”

Certificates were presented to academics who received ad hominem promotions, the winners of the Conversation Africa Awards and to acknowledge the institution’s NRF-rated researchers. This was followed by the Research Excellence Awards.

Prof Dina Burger, Director of the Research Development Directorate said the institution was very proud of the excellent work carried out by our researchers and one way the institution acknowledged the outstanding achievements of academics was through the Research Excellence Awards.

Dr David Phaho, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, said the awardees had exceeded expectations, despite the challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The winners per category were:

RESEARCH PUBLICATION – FOR DHET 2020 SUBMISSION

• Dr Vipin Balyan Bronze Award
• Dr Sipokazi Mabuwa Silver Award
• Prof Johannes Cronje Gold Award
• Prof Robertson Tengeh Gold Award
• Dr Velaphi Msomi Gold Award
• Prof Tiko Iyamu Platinum Award

POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISION – FOR 2021 GRADUATES

• Prof Johannes Cronjé Bronze Award
• Prof Mohamed Tariq Kahn Silver Award
• Prof Ephias Ruhode Gold Award
• Dr Larry Jowah Gold Award
• Dr Andre de la Harpe Platinum Award

EXTERNAL FUNDING – FOR 2021

• Dr Pamela Welz Bronze Award
• Dr Mariska Lilly Silver Award
• Prof Kenneth Findlay Gold Award
• Prof Tandi Matsha Platinum Award

EXTERNAL FUNDING – FOR 2022

• Prof Tunde Ojumu Silver Award
• Dr Mariska Lilly Gold Award
• Prof Justine Daramola Platinum Award
• Prof Kenneth Findlay Diamond Award

The second day of the festival, the Postgraduate Conference, provided a platform for postgraduate students in all faculties and units to showcase their research activities.

“Our postgraduate cohort is the perfect breeding ground for actualising the university’s vision of becoming Africa’s leading Smart university of technology, globally renowned for innovation, with graduates that shape a better world for humanity,” said Prof Izak van Zyl, Director of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies in his welcoming address.

Postgraduate students were given the opportunity to present their papers and to engage on their research with the audience.

The festival concluded with an Ethics Day, under the theme: “Research Ethics and Community Engagement”.

Phaho welcomed the guests, which included experts from the Centre for Community Engagement and Work Integrated Learning, Research Uptake (SIP) and the faculties of Education and Health and Wellness Sciences who shared their experiences and knowledge. The sessions included Community engagement: Values, social responsibilities and ethics.   This was presented by Prof Lalini Reddy, Director for Community Engagement and Work Integrated Learning (WIL).

A presentation on Ethical considerations in dissemination of findings among communities and policymakers was conducted by Dr Nelisiwe Maleka, Research Uptake, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships.  Language in Education lecturer, Dr Carike Kriel, presented on Ethical codes of conduct in teaching practise: The case of South African universities. Manager: Service -Learning and Civic Engagements Units, centre for Community Engagement WIL, Jacqueline Scheepers, also talked about ethical guidelines for digital storytelling in Higher education.

Speaking at the event, Prof Dina Burger Director: Research Development Directorate, said all research should start in the community and end in the community and “come to us” …It means we do research in the community, and it must find its way back to community,” Burger continued.

“Our conduct on a daily basis is influenced by our moral values which are based on ethics. I really enjoyed the papers delivered today and the discussions. I want to encourage you to find a partner in the community for your research.”

FNB CPUT recorded its first loss in this year’s Varsity Shield tournament, losing against neigbours FNB UWC last night.

The visitors won the Cape derby 31-10 in a packed CPUT Sports Field in Bellville.

The home side managed a single penalty in the first half with UWC running in three tries to head into the break with a comfortable 17-3 lead.

No points were scored in the first 20 minutes. A single penalty via the boot of Oyintando Maseti was the only first-half points for Alastair Theys' men while UWC ran in three tries.

For UWC, the tries came quickly and fast after the strategic break. Hlomla Ncana, Franco Ceasar and Bilaal Moerat all scored.

At the start of the second half, the 2018 Varsity Shield champions picked up where they left off when Almore Kuilders went over for the bonus point try.

For the next 15 minutes, it was all CPUT as the 2022 finalists stretched the UWC defensive lines, but it held. A series of clinical errors by the home side however prevented them from converting any of the pressure into points.

Despite a late surge and a consolation try by Dwayne Atkins, UWC retain their unbeaten record and secured a convincing victory.

FNB CPUT 10 (3) – Try: Dwayne Atkins. Conversion: Oyintando Maseti Penalty: Maseti

FNB UWC 31 (17) – Tries: Hlomla Ncana, Franco Ceasar, Bilaal Moerat, Almore Kuilders, Louan De Lange. Conversions: Conwill Conradie (3)

FNB Player That Rocks: Conwill Conradie (UWC)

FNB CPUT Rugby fans can look forward to an epic clash this evening when FNB CPUT face neighbours FNB UWC at the CPUT Sports Fields in Bellville.

Both teams are former champions and are unbeaten this year, with FNB UWC currently at the top of the log with 20 points and FNB CPUT in second place with 19 points.

At the end of the 2023 season, the team that finishes at the top of the Varsity Shield log will automatically be promoted to the Varsity Cup.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 19:00 and tickets are available online via Howler and cost R20 each.

The match is expected to be sold out and fans are encouraged to buy tickets in advance.

Howler will be available at the gate to assist with ticket purchases on a first come first served basis (no cash allowed).

Gates will open from 16:00.

The match will also be broadcast live on SuperSport (DStv)

Written by CPUT News
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The Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering recently hosted a welcoming and orientation event for the best 2022 Grade 12 learners who are sponsored by Toyota South Africa Motors (Pty) Ltd (TSAM).

The students have enrolled to study Mechatronic Engineering at CPUT. The Head of the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Simphiwe Nqabisa, said this was the outcome of the newly established relationship between Toyota South Africa Motors and the department in an endeavour to produce future-ready graduates for the forever evolving world of work.

The delegation from Toyota was led by General Manager: Human Resources Planning, Tania Hughes and Senior Manager: Manpower Planning and People Efficiency, Ponatshego Mothusi. The delegation came with the top eight students from the Future of Manufacturing [FOM] Programme, a bursary programme focussing on Maths and Science for Grade 12s in Durban South Basin, along with their parents.

Director for Community Engagement and Work Integrated Learning (WIL), Prof Lallini Reddy, Nqabisa and WIL Coordinator, Mechatronic Engineering, Zimisele Mlumiso were present to welcome the guests. “The excitement was written on the faces of the now students of CPUT and their parents as they planted a footing on our great university of technology. The parents expressed great gratitude for the opportunity given to their children by both Toyota South Africa Motors and CPUT," said Nqabisa. In the words of one of the parents: "Because of our disadvantaged background we never thought that our children would be here today,’” said Celiwe Mtiyane.

Currently, TSAM has absorbed CPUT Mechatronic engineering graduates onto its graduate programme and have sponsored eight of its best FOM Bursars to be enrolled for the Mechatronic Engineering programme. The two partners have committed to working together on monitoring the progress made by both intakes.

Both TSAM and CPUT are committed to collaborating further in the development of skills in STEM in response to improving manufacturing in South Africa.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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CPUT’s Student Accommodation Management System (SAMS) will aim to deliver a one-stop centre for all information and operations of residence management, with quality service at the heart of it all.

The project will range from maintenance logs, student/client experience, client complaints, client history , payments patterns and a number of other client-centric features to improve the residence experience, not only for the client but for the institution to get to know its clients better as well.

“The system will also aid in managing the billing, placement tracking and analyses and will be an ideal business analysis tool for CPUT. We are talking of a system that will give you a 3D space view for each building, inform the authorised user of the assets, dimensions and usage of utilities of each building loaded,” said Phillip Chibvuri, finance specialist and project leader of CPUT’s SAMS.

SAMS will be unique to CPUT and will be able to interface with any existing systems.

The project will also feature a student mobile app option for residence users which will enhance the communication and linkage with the client.

“This is a bold move towards a more tech-savvy operational model that will achieve the best required results and opportunities to provide a quality service to the clients. It is an interesting undertaking, which was birthed out of operational challenges and a vision/outlook that we could do better, always,” Chibvuri added.

“There is a need to accelerate our approach to achieve more in-time deliverables than we have been capable of but had not activated yet. We have got to align operations in a more efficient angle of doing things and create a measurable, sustainable and favourable service/product to all clients. SAMS will certainly take us into the future and to make strides towards achieving Vision2030,” says Business Manager, Johnny Basson.

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The Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS) Faculty Achiever Awards ceremony was recently held at the Cape Town Hotel School to recognise excellence in research, teaching and learning, and administration within the faculty.

The Achiever Awards function is an annual event and is held to recognize and acknowledge staff for their research achievements, innovative teaching methods and consistent and exceptional administrative skills. A structured and accountable process was ensured by which individuals were selected for their prowess in research, teaching and learning and administration in the faculty.

The Faculty Achiever Awards is an annual event and has been held over the past two years.

FBMS Dean, Prof Paul Green opened the event with a warm welcome to all guests, who included Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships Dr David Phaho (Guest Speaker) and DVC of Teaching and Learning, Prof Rishi Balkaran, Assistant Deans, Heads of Departments and awardees.

The guest of honour, Dr David Phaho, DVC RTIP, spoke of the importance of excellence and its value within an institution and acknowledged individuals who produced and showcased excellent work. The DVC Teaching and Learning, Prof Rishi Balkaran also acknowledged those present at the event and congratulated the award recipients.

All awardees received a certificate and a monetary grant to be used for work-related purposes. The categories and award winners were:

Research Awards:

• Miria Claude Eulalie Oukouwadela, Master’s Student of the Year 2022
• Lance Barbier, Doctoral Student of the Year 2022
• Prof Brendon Knott, Researcher of the Year 2022
• Dr Hilary Bama, Emerging Researcher of the Year 2022
• Prof Robertson Tengeh, Supervisor of the Year 2022
• Public Administration & Governance, Research Department of the Year 2022

Administration Awards:

• Jonathan Solomons, Administrative Assistant of the Year 2022
• Daphne Morrison, Secretary of the Year 2022
• Amiena Sallie, Secretary of the Year 2022
• Teaching Excellence Awards:
• Nizaam Peck, Departmental Teaching Excellence Award 2022
• Faraaz Omar, Departmental Teaching Excellence Award 2022
• Dr Janice Hemmonsbey-Lodewyk, Faculty Teaching Excellence Award 2022
• Dr Liiza Gie, Faculty Teaching Excellence Award 2022

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, recently delivered his state of the university address to hundreds of staff members at the Bellville Sports Fields.

Nhlapo welcomed the staff members, who were dressed in blue and white, and travelled from the various campuses to attend the event and said that while the institution had had its teething problems, CPUT was now a young adult at the precipice of great opportunity.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted some of the progress made in 2022 and how it aligns to the institution’s Vision 2030 aspirations.

These successes included:

CPUT played a pivotal role in launching Africa’s first constellation of satellites. These satellites ensure that South Africa’s marine and coastal resources are secured and puts CPUT at the forefront of Africa’s space ambitions.

CPUT has partnered with Eskom to play its part in solving the country’s crippling energy crisis. Our South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre is working with Eskom to reskill its workers from decommissioned power stations to be retrained in critical renewable energy sectors.

CPUT was the first institution, through our Faculty of Education, to develop the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education which is scheduled for application in the year 2024.

The institution has also rolled out a suite of new qualifications, like the Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematical Sciences, which has a strong foundation in Data Science.

Nhlapo said CPUT is the university of choice for the people of South Africa, The university has space for 18 500 students in campus accommodation with a plethora of alternatives like accredited and unaccredited options.

“No other university can boast housing 43% of its student body in residence the way we can. And while it may not be perfect, I believe our student-centric approach to housing has been a game changer. Today I commend the staff members who are at the coalface of this challenge, the ones who work late into the night and through weekends to vet and place these walk-ins. We see your hard work and we appreciate it.”

He added that CPUT received over 450 000 applications for study in 2023.

“My reflections on 2022 were done so that we can see the value of planning appropriately and sowing seeds today, that can reap benefits later. It is said that effective people do not start with their tasks, they start with their time available, and plan accordingly.

There is always a choice on how to best to use our limited time, I hope I have sparked an idea in you on what your future self can look like when we meet here again in 2024.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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CPUT recently hosted the National School of Government (NSG) for benchmarking best practices and to engage on matters relating to quality assurance, the organisational structure for the overall management and administration of the Institution and the extent to which the University comply with the DHET/CHE requirements to be a public higher education institution.

The one-day event was held at Bellville campus. The benchmarking procedure also reviews the roles and responsibilities of the various departments within the Institution, with specific reference to quality assurance, accreditation and administration, recognition of prior learning, assessment, certification and establishing a working relationship that will be beneficial to both institutions. The successful event was attended by 11 delegates from the NSG and about 18 delegates from CPUT, including the Executive Director: Office of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Driekie Hay-Swemmer, executive management, Quality Management Directorate and members of the Students’ Quality Desk.

Hay-Swemmer also presented an organisational structure for the overall management and administration of the Institution to comply with the Department of Higher Education (DHET) and Training/Council on Higher Education requirements.

The event also involved a tour of the institution’s registration and certification facilities - the set-up area and requirements for security registration and assessment processes and to showcase security features, how data is processed and the allocation of resources.

Reflecting on the event, Director: Quality Management Directorate, Dr Siyanda Makaula, said NSG appreciated how CPUT has managed to “have good systems in place that are working”. NSG representative, Faith Nyaka, said CPUT is known to be organised and has good (quality) management systems in place. “That is why they [CPUT] chose us. Nyaka mentioned that it is the "only higher education institution they will conduct benchmarking with".

Makaula added: “CPUT staff and students that were present received rich information. A lot of information was shared within that space and time.”

He said there would be a follow up meeting where CPUT and NSG will further engage on questions of clarity and potential collaborations. “Engagements especially with QMD and CPPD [Centre for Professional and Personal Development] will continue, there is potential for partnership with NSG on short course offerings and some QCTO qualifications.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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History was recently made as the Department of Management and Project Management capped its first cohort of students, graduating under the new programme which is named the Management Development Programme (MDP).

The Department of Management and Project Management designed a short course programme as a third-stream income with the assistance of the Centre for Professional and Personal Development (CPPD). Acting Head of the Department of Management and Project Management, Nobuhle Luphondo, says the programme has been designed according to Council on Higher Education (CHE) guidelines, to allow candidates who completed the programme successfully to articulate into Diploma in Management via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Luphondo says the programme has been aligned with the mainstream Diploma in Management outcomes so that candidates can apply for credits via RPL when applying to articulate into the mainstream programme. The programme is administered through the SCOE of the Graduate Centre for Management, the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences’ (FBMS) short course entity.

“The MDP aims to equip practicing managers and supervisors with knowledge and applied competencies in the fields of: Management; Financial Management; Project Management & Industrial Relations and Labour Law,” she remarks. The first cohort of 20 candidates was funded by Education, Training and Development Practices (ETDP) SETA. This group started with classes in January 2022 and completed last exams in November 2022.

Addressing the graduates, motivational speaker and Learning and Development Manager, Shahieda Hendricks said: “You’re the first group to complete this programme, with all the hard work and sacrifices, you didn’t give up. That gives us joy to do our job. And I am very proud that you came this far… And you can be proud that you actually pulled through. You need to say to yourself, well done. Don’t stop here, never stop learning. You will achieve great things in life.”

Luphondo says the event was the certificate ceremony to celebrate the successful completion of the programme for the candidates. “They had to sacrifice three hours to four days a week, for 10 months to complete the programme. It was not easy; the programme is very comprehensive, but the candidates were resilient until the end.”

She says the highlights of the event was to see the candidates so excited to receive the certificates, and that their partners attended to celebrate this success with them.

“They could see that the three hours was worth it after all.”

She also mentions that programme had its challenges since it was the first cohort. “We had teething issues, but these candidates were committed and dedicated to completing the programme. Some may be applying for Diploma in Management via RPL. We are looking forward to mentor them until they complete the Diploma,” she continues.

“It was the first of its kind, and we hope to sign up more candidates for the programme. We are now completing the Printing SA cohort group as well; and they will graduate in July 2023. The department is working hard to get more requests from industries.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Senior lecturer in the Media Department, Dr Sisanda Nkoala, has been shortlisted for the 8th Annual Humanities and Social Sciences Book, Creative Collection, and Digital Contribution Awards 2023.

According to the National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences, the awards honour outstanding, innovative, and socially responsive scholarship, creative as well as digital contributions that enhance and advance fields in the humanities and social sciences. 

The winners will be announced on 16 March.

Nkoala said the project she entered is an imitative, which she calls “Digitising the Early South African Black Press: Towards an Open Education Resource Digital Archive”.

“It is a digital humanities project that I have been working on since 2019 when I was first awarded seed funding by the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research Afridig project. Since then, I’ve received financial support from CPUT’s RIFTAL fund, the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR), and Idelette McVicker’s Restitution Fund for the work.

“This digital archive, which is under development, forms part of a longitudinal project to develop a comprehensive multilingual digital archive of journalistic texts for use in teaching, learning and research,” said Nkoala.

She said these texts are newspapers from the early South African Black Press, published between 1836 and 1960, and were a sector of the print media in South Africa targeting the marginalised black, coloured and Indian communities under colonialism and apartheid.

“Scholars describe it as the oldest, most extensive (in terms of the number and variety of publications) collection of [protest-cum-resistance press] in sub Saharan Africa. Even though they are journalistic texts, they are relevant for historians, educators, linguists, political and social science, and a host of other fields where the contents of newspapers are used for teaching, learning and research.”

Nkoala said these texts are currently available as hard copies in various libraries in Southern Africa, or if they are available online, they are in an unreadable, often closed-access repository that keeps them from being accessible to the broader public.

“Further, there are different scholars working on different titles, but none have attempted to create a single repository where many of the existing publications can be sourced openly and freely. Thus, my work in digitising them and making them accessible as open education resources is aimed at addressing this gap and ensuring that these multilingual texts can be used for teaching and research at all levels of education and beyond.”

With limited resources, she has scanned four issues of sixteen titles. These are housed on an open Google Site.

“I have also created a teaching tool that is open as part of the Revolutionary Paper's project, where I exhibit two of the publications (https://revolutionarypapers.org/teaching-tool/early-south-african-black-press/). In the project's second phase, the titles scanned to date will be made readable through software and transcriptions so that those wanting to search for particular terms are better able to do so."

Nkoala said she was grateful to be shortlisted.

“I am very humbled and grateful to be shortlisted. When the call was brought to my attention, I submitted the project for consideration because I think, even though it is still under development, it is a novel and important digital humanities initiative. My hope in participating in this is to rally around support, and foster collaborations that will take this work forward.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Staff members of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, along with five SRC members, recently attended the screening of a new documentary on the life of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Titled A Tree Has Fallen – Remembering Desmond Tutu, the documentary was directed by Marika Griehsel and features conversations with people who were close to the Arch.

Andiswa Mrasi, Acting Manager: Unit for Strategic Initiatives and Projects, Mandisa Silo, Head of the Department of Tourism and Events Management and District Six SRC members Ongeziwe Jeke, Xolani Booi, Thaler Mbaba, Nwabisa Sotyingwa and Xolisile Dingilizwe attended the event.

“In line with Vision 2030's focus areas 6 and 7 of smart student engagements and linkages with quintuple helix partners, The Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, through its unit for Strategic Initiatives and Projects (SIP) has been intentional in all its collaborations. One such strategic partnership is with the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, hence the exclusive invitation to the screening of the documentary "A Tree has fallen, Remembering Archbishop Desmond Tutu,” said Mrasi.

She said it was a great honour to have been invited to the event and to have been accompanied by “our SRC members”.

“Seeing them network with some of the international guests present, including the Swedish Ambassador to South Africa was heart-warming. Lastly, what stood out the most was how appreciative they were of such an experience, claiming that it was indeed an eye opener in terms of leadership and values.”

Written by CPUT News
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It was sweet revenge on Thursday evening for the hosts, FNB CPUT, as they beat the reigning Varsity Shield champions 36- 21 at Bellville Sports Field, in what was lauded as a top class rugby match between the champions and former champions.

The home team's captain, Keanan Solomons and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo attributed the victory to the players’ hard work and attitude, saying the players believed they could turn things around and beat the monstrous Luma Ke Blues, as UFH rugby team is affectionately known.

“I am very much happy because for us as the team who lost in the final last year [against UFH], so it’s very difficult for us to face them but we did put in all the hard work and at the end of the day we got the results that we wanted,” said Keanan after the final whistle.

CPUT came back from behind as the defending champions led 13-10 during the half time. Reflecting on the performance of his team, Keanan said: “I am very satisfied because we worked very hard during the week, we take each game as one step to the next game.” Despite the convincing victory, Keanan cautioned his teammates against complacency in the next fixtures. “Never stop working hard, the work is not done yet, so just step by step, we take everything game by game, ja, let’s go.”

Nhlapo, who was amongst the throng of supporters, lauded the team’s consistency. “ I think the boys have shown [consistency]with the fourth game. You can see the level of performance and consistency that it was not a fluke that we won. These are the defending champions, and remember that we are also former champions, so it was champions against champions. But I think now, it has shown who are the real champions,” Nhlapo continued.

“We are really looking for the promotion because this year is for promotion to the next level.”

In his message to the players, the thrilled vice-chancellor said: “They must just keep up the good work and keep on focusing and I think the rest will actually happen on itself.”

FNB CPUT 36 (10) – Tries: Penalty Try, Anenceba Salman, Keanan Solomons, Dwayne Atkins, Oyitando Maseti. Conversions: Ryan George (3) Penalty: George (1).

FNB UFH Blues 21 (13) – Tries: Bantu Simani, Mziyabulela Bathu. Conversion: Merlin du Plessis (1). Penalties: Du Plessis (3)

FNB Player That Rocks: Oyitando Maseti (FNB CPUT)

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Faculty of Health and Wellness and Sciences recently celebrated extraordinary staff members during its annual Faculty Excellence Awards.

At the event, held at the Cape Town Hotel School, Acting Assistant Dean, Lloyd Christopher, said there were many staff members “that go beyond what is expected of them” and excel despite challenges.

“I think today is really a celebration of the work we have achieved in the last year,” he said.

The winners per category were as follows:

• Departmental Teaching Excellence Award - Rizqa Siebritz-Williams (Biomedical Sciences)
• Departmental Teaching Excellence Award - Judy Sheahan (Emergency Medical Sciences)
• Recognition of exceptional contribution to the Faculty Administration: Siyabonga Mntanywa
• Two awards for excellent service of over 30 years upon retirement - Dental administrators Maureen Anthony and Stephanie Isaacs.
• Recognition of outstanding service and contribution in the fields of mathematics, physical science and chemistry in the Faculty - Michael Smith (Ophthalmic Sciences)
• Research Award - Dr Kathleen Naidoo (Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences)

Faculty awardee for Teaching Excellence in 2021, Nkosikho Sogwagwa also received his trophy at the event.

A number of staff members were also recognised for completed Service-Learning projects for 2021/22. They are:

• Llizane McDonald (Emergency Medical Sciences)
• Roxanne Maritz (Emergency Medical Sciences)
• Gerhardus Koch (Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences)
• Heather Hendrickse (Biomedical Sciences)
• Nomfundo Mkhombe (Ophthalmic Sciences)
  Moeneeba Jacobs (Wellness Sciences)

Assoc Prof Kareemah Najaar (Emergency Medical Sciences) was awarded the Faculty Prestigious Achiever's Award for convening the Life Science tutoring project across the faculty.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Journalism students celebrated World Radio Day at the Western Cape offices of SA’s public broadcaster, where they gained valuable insight into the world of radio.

The event was a collaboration between the Journalism Programme, the SABC and the SA National Editors’ Forum and included a thought-provoking panel discussion led by senior lecturer and organiser, Dr Sisanda Nkoala.

The panellists were political commentator and former lecturer in the journalism programme Asanda Ngoasheng, Bush Radio managing director Brenda Leonard, Good Hope FM presenters Tamara Snow and Lorenzo Darries, journalism lecturer John Bulani and journalism alumnus Lulama Klassen, who shared their experiences with the group of second and third-year students.

Students were given an opportunity to interact with the panellists before taking a tour of the studios. Two students were also interviewed on Umhlobo Wenene FM.

World Radio Day is celebrated on 13 February each year, following a proclamation in 2011 by the member states of UNESCO, which the United Nations General Assembly later endorsed on 14 January 2013 as an international day.

This year’s theme was Radio and Peace.

Nkoala said 2023 also marks 100 years since the first experimental radio broadcasts aired in Johannesburg in December 1923.

She said the event aimed to celebrate this momentous occasion and presented an opportunity for aspiring journalists to gain valuable exposure. At the same time, students were also required to complete an assignment.

Student Namhla Monakali described the event as a wonderful experience for students, adding that she learned a lot about the radio and peace.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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