An Interior Design student has made her mark on the global stage – raking in several awards at the BLT Built Design Awards 2025.

Lisa van Staden claimed two category wins and the coveted title of Emerging Interior Designer of the Year for 2025.

The awards celebrate excellence across architecture, interiors, landscapes and construction products. This year’s programme drew entries from 68 countries and received almost 900 projects, illustrating the event’s global reach and the diversity of its participants.

Lisa won the Interior Design – Spa / Fitness / Wellness category for her project titled Healing Hands Primary Care Clinic as well as the Interior Design – Exhibition/Gallery category for her project titled Symphony – Museum of South African Languages.

Another CPUT entry also took top honours in the category Interior Design – Hospitality: Hotel and Resort category.

Minette Visagie, an alumna who entered the competition as an Advanced Diploma student, won this category for her project titled Shimmer and Shine.

It celebrates South Africa's thriving wine industry through the design development of a heritage building located in the V&A Waterfront.

The brief and mentorship were supported by the Advanced Diploma, year coordinator and senior lecturer, Colleen Cocotos. 

Lisa, an Advanced Diploma student said: “Being announced as the winner in one category would already have been an incredible achievement — but hearing that I won in two categories and was also named Emerging Interior Designer of the Year honestly left me speechless. It reminds me that all the effort, late nights, and challenges were worth it, and that hard work really does pay off”.

Her award-winning project, Symphony – Museum of South African Languages, explored how sound travels as waves, “projected from the mouth and received by the ear”, and translated that movement into architectural form.

“The façade of the building mimics the shape and rhythm of a soundwave, specifically based on the waveform of someone saying the word language. The museum is ultimately about celebrating the diversity of South African languages, a symphony of sound, culture, and identity that unites people through communication.”

She credits her lecturer, Wendy Anne Press for helping her to explore the full potential of her ideas.
 “Her guidance, constructive feedback and motivation constructive feedback helped shape Symphony into the project it is today.”

Lisa hails from Ottery and said she’s always had a natural passion for design.

“I’m passionate about creativity in all forms. I love working with my hands, creating, and bringing ideas to life. I love local design and the way South African creatives use storytelling in their work. I cannot wait to step into the professional world next year, bringing all things great, creative, and inspiring to the design world!”

Cocotos said Lisa is an ambitious and passionate designer who has been enthusiastically mentored by all the interior design staff from her first year through to her advanced diploma.

“Her responsiveness to learning and receptiveness to guidance have made our jobs as lecturing staff a true pleasure."

Head of Department, Rayner Moodley, congratulated Lisa on her outstanding achievement and praised the collective efforts of the department’s academic staff, whose steadfast commitment and support have been instrumental throughout her educational journey.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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The Jewellery Design and Manufacture Programme continues to shine on the national stage, with six of its students named among the top ten finalists in this year’s prestigious PlatAfrica Competition.

They are: Njabulo Khuzwayo, Siphe Demeshile, Nolwazi Linda, Kelebogile Seleka, Wesley Fransman and Siyabonga Retshe.

Adding to the celebration, lecturer Ronel Jordaan has also been recognised as a finalist in the Professional Category.

Jordaan won this category last year.

Now in its 26th year, the PlatAfrica competition provides a platform for professional and emerging designers to showcase the beauty and versatility of platinum in jewellery craftsmanship.

It features three prize categories: professionals, apprentices and students, as well as the People’s Choice Award, where the public can vote for their favourite jewellery piece.

PlatAfrica is hosted annually by Valterra Platinum and this year participants were invited to take inspiration from the theme New Horizons.

“I felt so excited and proud of myself when I heard I was a finalist,” said Wesley, a third-year student.

He and his fellow finalists will be attending the awards ceremony, scheduled to be held in Johannesburg on 24 October.

“Jordaan said the participants were provided with the platinum to make their pieces with.

“It's a big opportunity to work in a different metal for the students”.

Jordaan’s piece was inspired by Moiré interference patterns.

“The design considers the unstoppable movement towards the future and the potential of kinetic energy as a power source.”

Head of Programme Vassiliki Konstandakellis said she was incredibly proud of the students and staff members’ performance in the competition this year and in the past.

“We are just thrilled to have six out of ten finalists, and I’m absolutely happy with how well we have done. We have an outstanding track record in the competition”, she said.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Industrial Design students have once again made their mark at the prestigious Institute of Packaging SA (IPSA) Student Gold Pack Awards, earning an impressive nine finalist positions in the 2025 competition. The awards ceremony was held recently at The Barnyard Theatre, Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg, and was attended by the students and their lecturer, Craig Finnan.

Leading the pack was Jameel Pietersen, who received silver overall in the Industrial Design category and was named Section Winner for Accessible Packaging for his project, Band-EEZ, an inclusive plaster packaging system designed to simplify opening, reduce waste, and improve accessibility for users with limited dexterity or vision.

Theodorah Skosana earned bronze overall and Second Place in Accessible Packaging for her project "Pure Hold", a hygienic and travel-friendly soap bar holder that prevents sogginess and contamination in shared environments.

Jarod De Villiers and Marseilles Naude claimed third place in Accessible Packaging for their team entry, which looked at providing an improved and eco-friendly cryogenic glue packaging solution, while Julian Bester received the IPSA Sponsor Award and Chiree Bosman was honoured with the Bowler Packaging Sponsor Award. Kamogelo Morare, M. Zaheer Magmoed, and Tsakane Mashele rounded out the list of CPUT finalists.

The project formed part of the third-year Product Graphics subject in the Product & Industrial Design programme, with Julian and Jarod entering independently as Advanced Diploma students; and Marseilles as a second-year student. Notably, this is only the second year that CPUT has participated in the competition after achieving three finalists in 2024, the 2025 results represent a significant leap in national recognition. CPUT also garnered the most finalists in the Industrial Design category out of the three universities represented in this year's competition.

All finalists from the Student Gold Pack Awards automatically progress to the WorldStar Global Packaging Awards, giving CPUT students the opportunity to compete on an international stage.

Reflecting on the achievement, Finnan said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see our students’ creativity and problem-solving recognised at this level. The Student Gold Pack Awards expose them to real-world packaging challenges and give them invaluable experience in professional design contexts. Students were grateful for the opportunity and exposure, and I am proud of how far they’ve come.”

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Senior Lecturer in the Media Department, Dr Blessing Makwambeni, has been elected to the executive committee of the South African Communications Association (SACOMM).

Makwambeni will serve as the Chair of the Communication Science Stream.
SACOMM is the biggest communication association in the country and brings together academics from across the region.

“I feel humbled by the trust reposed on me by fellow academics in the region. I do not take for granted the responsibility given to me by SACOMM to steer the field of Communication Science at a time when the tide brought by new digital technologies and most particularly AI is sweeping across our field,” he said.

“I also see my elevation as a form of recognition for CPUT and the work I have been doing in terms of expanding the frontiers of knowledge in my field through my research.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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The Fashion Design Programme recently hosted its first Spring Market Day, a dynamic event designed to showcase creativity, promote sustainability and encourage collaboration.

Lecturer Siviwe Jack said third-year Fashion Design students led the initiative, which provided a platform for them to showcase and sell their original garments.

In addition, it encouraged sustainability through a clothing swap and aimed to create a collaborative space for various creative disciplines within the university.

“This event also aligns with the broader Fashion Revolution movement, fostering awareness around sustainable fashion and student innovation,” said Jack.

She said the objectives were to:

• Provide fashion students with a real-world platform to showcase and monetise their work.
• Create opportunities for journalism and photography students to document and cover the event, building their portfolios.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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In celebration of Women’s Month, CPUT, in partnership with the City of Cape Town’s Library and Information Services, is proud to announce a Robotics Showcase and Competition taking place at the Langa Community Library on Saturday.

This exciting initiative forms part of the City of Cape Town’s Science Week and reflects a shared commitment to empowering young people, especially girls, through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education.

The showcase will feature 20 matriculants from Langa High School, who have spent the past month developing practical robotics skills under the guidance of Dr Waldon Hendricks, Information Technology Lecturer at CPUT. These learners participated in hands-on training using LEGO education kits and coding tools as part of CPUT’s broader digital literacy community engagement programme.

During the competition, students will be grouped into four teams and presented with a robotics challenge. They will need to build and programme a robot to complete a specific task—demonstrating innovation, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

It’s a winner-takes-all event: the top-performing team will receive prizes including vouchers, and female learners in the winning group will receive additional recognition gifts in honour of Women’s Month.

“This partnership between the University and the Municipality shows what is possible when education meets community service,” said Hendricks. “We want these learners to see themselves as the next generation of engineers, coders, and innovators.”

The media is invited to attend this vibrant showcase of youth potential, innovation, and empowerment and the event is open to all young people in and around Langa who are interested in robotics and technology.

Event Details

Venue: Langa Community Library
Date: Saturday, 2 August 2025
Time: 10:00 – 12:00

For enquiries contact Dr Waldon Hendricks - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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The Higher Certificate programme in the IT Department is working closely with Fundani CHED as part of the Unfurling Post School Education and Training (UPSET) programme in their effort to make university access available to TVET college students.

As part of this, the HCINCT UPSET student orientation workshop was recently held at the Bellville Campus. The aim is to provide orientation and information to students enrolled for the Higher Certificate in Information Communication Technology (HCINCT), receiving tuition from the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, and who intend to enter the job market or continue to university. Xolani Vanda, the Coordinator for the HCINCT, said the programme was started three years ago and is offered to students coming from the partner TVET colleges like Northlink College, College of Cape Town and False Bay College. “Initially, the idea was to provide information that would help students to be ready for assessments or examinations. This was also to address concerns and complaints received from the students and staff that they did not get all the information shared with Diploma in ICT students.”

The workshop was attended by 196 students and 41 staff members. This was an opportunity to share information with the students about the available student support services that all students can access, including those receiving their tuition at the TVET colleges. The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) and the Finance Department were among the presenters who unpacked the services and processes of their respective departments.

Lecturers from the university and the colleges took time to unpack the programme to the students. The workshop unpacked the HCINCT programme and how it relates to the Diploma in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) programme, giving students the relevant information that would enhance their chances of getting into the Diploma programme, should they wish to do so. The presenters also provided the students with the top 20 criteria as part of the memorandum agreement signed by the university with the TVET colleges, “which says the top 20 best performing students out of 60 students from each college campus will be considered on condition they apply for the Diploma in ICT at [CPUT]”.

Vanda said the workshop gave them an opportunity to unpack the programme expectations and what the students need to aim for to secure their spot in the ICT Diploma programme for the year 2026, “The presenters from Fundani, Finance Department, CPUT Libraries, DSA and the subject lecturers provided valuable information to the students which in a way served as a cheat code for the students to be successful for the year.”

Vanda added that the primary beneficiaries are the students in the HCINCT programme, as they have been given access to information they would normally be away from. “This allowed them to feel and know they are part of the CPUT community and have a right to access the university resources.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Head of the Architectural Technology and Interior Design (ATID) Department, Rayner Moodley, was recognised with two prestigious awards during the recent Planning Africa 2024 Conference.

Moodley, who has been with CPUT since 2012, was honoured with the Outstanding Planner in South Africa award (one of five winners ) while the Western Cape region, which he chairs, was awarded most promising region.

The conference, initiated by the South African Planning Institute, was held in Durban and this year’s theme was Sustainable Futures: from Theory to Practice. He also served as programme director for the conference and chaired the closing plenary.

Moodley’s career at CPUT began as a Town Planning Technician, later advancing to junior lecturer , lecturer and becoming the Head of ATID in 2021. Along the way he completed his Master’s degree at the University of Cape Town and is currently pursuing a PhD at CPUT. He attributes his professional growth to the development opportunities provided by the university and the supportive leadership within his department and faculty.

Moodley said winning the awards was an honour and marked a significant milestone in his career.

"Being recognised as one of the top five outstanding planners in South Africa reinforces the importance of focus, hard work, and dedication, supported by a strong network both at home and within my workplace. This accolade is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the collective effort and support from my family and mentors within and outside of CPUT."

The awards come just two years after he scooped the 2022 South African Council of Planners award for Top Young planner in South Africa in the academic category.

To maintain relevance in the ever-evolving field of planning while managing his responsibilities as Head of Department, Moodley remains actively engaged with professional associations, including SAPI. Serving as Chair of the Western Cape and a member of the SAPI National Executive Committee (EXCO), he stays informed about the latest trends and advancements in the field.

“Balancing these responsibilities involves effective time management and leveraging the support of my team at CPUT. By integrating insights gained from these roles into my work at ATID, I ensure that both my academic and professional contributions remain current and impactful," he explained.

SAPI President, Dr Johannes Mulaudzi, conveyed his congratulations to Moodley, adding that he was deserving of winning these awards. He stated that SAPI appreciates his commitments towards promoting the planning profession.

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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

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

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

The learning areas explored throughout the project included:

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

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

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

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

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

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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CPUT’s first December Graduation kicked off today with the capping of Faculty of Informatics and Design students in the Major Sports Hall on Bellville campus.

In total some 5 220 graduands from six faculties will be capped at 12 ceremonies, which will include the conferring of 49 Masters and 10 Doctoral degrees over four days.

“Graduation is a major highlight of the academic year and we are very pleased to end off this rather challenging year with such a big celebration of our students’ achievements and our institution,” says Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr Chris Nhlapo.

Nhlapo will be present at all 12 ceremonies, some of which will be presided over by CPUT’s new Chancellor Thandi Modise.

He looks forward to sharing in the joy of the graduands and their families. “I am greatly honoured to witness our students reaching the pinnacle of their academic journeys so far. It is indeed a great cause for celebration and I feel really privileged to have a front-row seat,” Nhlapo adds.

The Faculties of Business and Management Sciences, Informatics and Design as well as Education will award Dean’s Medals to their outstanding students.

There will be three ceremonies per day at 09:00, 14:00 and 19:00 and all ceremonies will take place on Bellville campus.

Each ceremony will be live streamed.

Use the hashtags #WeAreCPUT and #CPUTsummerGrad2017 when posting memories on social media.

Written by Abigail Calata

Trainees of the ||Kabbo Academy based at !Khwa ttu, a San education and culture centre near Yzerfontein, were in high spirits recently when they celebrated their graduation.

Spearheaded by the Research, Innovation and Partnership Department within the Faculty of Informatics and Design, CPUT’s involvement in this training programme extends to workshops in, among others, print-making and digital storytelling.

Trainee Sanna Kuiper (27) attributes her coming out of her shell to the eight months she spent at the ||Kabbo Academy. “I was very self-conscious because my English wasn’t that good. What I’ve learnt here means a lot to me. I’ve enrolled for the tracker academy and will be staying here for another year,” says Sanna, who’s from a community based in the Kalahari in the Northern Cape.

According to Michelle van Wyk from the Research, Innovation and Partnership Department the university was more involved in the Academy this year than before. “The partnership with !Kwa ttu started three years ago with a research project. It has now developed into an equal platform where our students learn from them as much as they [the trainees] learn from our students.”

Michelle goes on to say that the graduation is a culmination of the trainees’ achievement over their eight months of training. “They are able to showcase what they have learnt. Furthermore they can take what they have learnt into their communities, not only in South Africa, but also Namibia and Botswana, where some of the trainees are from.”

The skill Sanna will be teaching other youths in her community is the body stress release techniques she learnt at !Kwa ttu, which is also a hotspot for visitors to the Western Cape. Trainees get exposure to the tourism sector, but more importantly they learn about the San culture and heritage. Sanna aspires to be a tour guide one day.

Shaun Dunn, training manager at !Kwa ttu, sees the Academy as a good vehicle to build young people’s self-esteem. “The experience opens them up to new experiences and they acquire skills that can be used in sectors other than tourism,” he explains.

Visit the !Kwa ttu website for more information about the ||Kabbo Academy.

For more pictures of the graduation go to our Facebook page.

Written by Abigail Calata

It’s one of the highlights of the Faculty of Informatics and Design‘s calendar, and a showcase filled with spectacular designs and concepts, tongue-in-cheek innovations and practical, functional fashion. The annual FID Year End Exhibition last week played host to upcoming designers, industry members and hundreds of interested Capetonians on CPUT’s Cape Town campus.

Themed “Come See my Work”, the exhibition saw students from the 15 different design courses, including Architectural Technology, Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Film and Video Technology departments, showcasing work completed in 2010, and work that won prestigious prizes or was highly commended in external competitions.

Kaleidoscopic in nature and almost overwhelming in scope, the exhibition was an incredible platform for these future design-leaders to introduce themselves, and their creativity, to Cape Town at large. Here are a few of the highlights.

B tech Graphic Design student, Orli Setton.

Setton is involved in an NGO working with high-school youths in the Western Cape, focusing on leadership and inter-cultural dialogue. “I’d like to use design for social development – and believe we can do more than just design logos or a “pretty something”. In Europe and the US, people use design to change health-care, education systems and politics. As designers we have a strong influential power. If we can convince people to buy things they don’t necessarily need, we can certainly convince them to do the right thing as well – it’s all about seduction!”

3^rd year Graphic design student Sandi Mvandaba says CPUT’s graphic design department is extremely hands-on from first-year. “Lecturers really take care of students, are very good at what they do and groom students to their full potential.”

Sandi Mvandaba

“Nested Light” by Anri Vercuiel of the Surface Design Department.

“The Tree of Knowledge Bookshelf” Megan Aitken (shown above), Surface Design.

“I am a bird” Hammock Nest by Juanne Groenewald.

BTech Fashion Design student Eileen Booysen designed a versatile and sustainable range of bridal wear for men and women. All the garments are simple and flexible enough to re-wear post-wedding as well.

Final year Btech Fashion Design student, Nabeela Moosa. “Autism is in my family and I saw first-hand the difficulties parents are faced with each morning. Getting the children dressed is a struggle and stressful for families. So I decided to design a range specifically for children with autism. This incorporates Velcro and elasticated shoulders, making it easier for kids to dress themselves.”

Springbokkies – The collected designs of 2^nd year Jewellery Design students.

Cacti Rings – Each cactus ring individually designed by 3^rd year Jewellery Design students.

Belt with Skulls. Jewellery Design student, Kyle Berry.

The stunning creation of Kim Nel, overall BTech winner of Top Student award in the Jewellery Design Department.

By Jan Weintrob

Written by CPUT News

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The Design Indaba is a highlight on the South African Design calendar, and for CPUT’s Informatics and Design Faculty (FID) it is no different.

Set to take place this weekend at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the Design Indaba is the premier gathering of creatives in the country, as well as internationally.

CPUT is actively involved in this annual event and to date has won numerous awards for their innovative stands.

This year, the faculty has decided to feature all CPUT courses at the exhibition, as opposed to exclusively featuring information on FID courses.

“In light of the fact that CPUT’s World Design Capital 2014 office is housed within FID, we decided to showcase the entire institution as oppose to just one faculty. Design exists to some degree in all six faculties at CPUT,” says FID’s Munira Allie.

Dedicated to broadening the creative mind, Allie along with Graphic Design lecturer Leigh Desai will also conduct workshop entitled ‘Custom Crazy Clay Flash Drives’ at the Design Indaba’s Youth Workshops.

The Design Indaba will run from 1-3 March and promises to inspire.

By Nurahn Ryklief

Written by CPUT News

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CPUT is taking a giant leap towards disability inclusivity and will soon be unveiling a prototype of a car adapted for people living with disabilities.

The car was designed by a group of students from the Faculties of Informatics and Design and Engineering and will be unveiled at the Nicky’s Drive Expo on Thursday, 7 March at the Bellville Campus.

This pioneering project is headed by Professors Mugendi M’Rithaa and Oscar Philander, who have been working closely with CPUT’s Disability Unit and Nicky's Drive, a non-profit organisation that funds car adaptations for people with disabilities.

Mugendi says the university subscribes to the concept of universal design which is about designing for everyone, including people with disabilities.

The CPUT students have been working with Nicky Abdinor to develop the sophisticated technology she uses to drive. Her physical limitations only allow her to drive using a joystick hydraulic steering system with her right shoulder.

Luminaries who will attend the expo include Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and his wife, Leah, guests from the United States, leaders in the disability sector as well as Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande.

The expo will showcase what driving opportunities are available for people with disabilities within South Africa. There will also be stands for various organisations within the disability sector and a "car museum" displaying various adapted vehicles.

The expo will take place in the Major Sports Hall and is open to members of the public at no cost.

By Kwanele Butana

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How do you encourage Design students to get beyond their own self-interest and to care for others in greater need than them?

According to Veronica Barnes, a 3D Design lecturer at CPUT, you come up with a holiday project in which they must knit toy bunnies, which are then given to a children’s home. This year saw first-year 3D Design students take on the challenge.

The beneficiary was St Joseph’s Home for chronically ill children in Montana. “I would like it to become a tradition among our students. This project shows students how something small can make a big difference in another person’s life,” says Barnes.

Most of the students in her class this year were male and some learnt to knit from YouTube videos, Barnes adds bemusedly. They knitted a total of 59 bunnies. One student had even knitted finger-puppets, which were earmarked to be used by the occupational therapy team at St Joseph’s home.

A few students went along to the home, and handed out the bunnies to the kids there, and it had real impact on them. Barnes says: “They asked a lot of questions on the trip back to campus, and were thinking of other projects that could benefit others less fortunate than themselves”.

She introduced this project in 2015 for the first time. That year the bunnies were given to young orphans, as well as elderly people at Nazareth House.

While there is an educational angle - in that one knits a flat square, which, with clever folding becomes a 3 dimensional rabbit – the project is really more about the heart. Initiatives like these show that the studio is a space in which students can learn a lot more than just a vocation.

Written by Abigail Calata

Big data refers to the use of data analytics to extract relevant information out of large-scale data sets which have become available due to advancements in data transmission and sensor technology.

To find out what big data can do, Prof Thomas Thurner, Research Chair: Innovation in Society at CPUT, started the Big Data and Digital Innovation Research Focus Group which was officially launched at CPUT recently.

During the launch, Thurner presented a big data approach to identify new trends in food technologies.

“With a rising population, new food sources are urgently needed, and new technologies in agriculture and food production open promising new ways,” he says.

Hjalmar Mulder, an experienced IT consultant, outlined the many opportunities big data offers for businesses.

Prof. Ken Findlay, CPUT’s Research Chair: Oceans Economy, spoke about the use of big data in remote sensing different aspects of the ocean ecosystems. Remote sensing is the scanning of the earth by satellite or high-flying aircraft in order to obtain information about it.

Oceans economies are critically dependent on ocean health and identifying impacts to ocean systems as early as possible is vital in the good governance of ocean space.

Big data applications have influenced decision-making in manufacturing, health care, government policy making and – of course – the discovery processes in science. Thurner says the possibilities for big data, though, go way beyond these fields

“The research focus group should serve mainly as a platform for big data-related research throughout CPUT,” says Thurner. “Furthermore, it provides a point of contact for like-minded researchers and students from outside the institution.”

For further information on the research, please contact Thurner on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Written by Kwanele Butana

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Professor Johannes Cronjé, Dean of Informatics and Design at CPUT was recently named the top ICT educator in Africa.

The announcement was made at the 10th Annual African ICT Achievers Awards, which was held in Johannesburg on 28 November 2008. The awards recognise companies and individuals who have had a significant impact on the ICT industry in Africa.

Prof Cronjé’s passion for ICT in education along with his ground-breaking work in this field ensured that he clinched this prestigious award.

His interest in this field developed more than 15 years ago, when he was lecturing at the then Technikon Pretoria.

“I just believed that there must be better ways of getting high quality learning to take place than putting a talking head in front of a class,” he said.

This determination to impact on teaching and learning saw Prof Cronjé become a pioneer in ICT in education, with many of his innovations becoming standard practice in classrooms across the globe. In 1997 he ran one of the first Internet-based classrooms in the world and was also a pioneer of “peer teaching” in the field of ICT, where learners would sit two to a computer and assist one another.

“I further developed methods of teaching students outside regular contact time by using social software sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtude and Del.icio.us,” he said.

Prof Cronjé has also developed a popular website, Research Methods Online where students can access resources for their postgraduate studies. During the past few years he has also used his skills and knowledge to impact on the broader community.

“I regularly meet on a one-on-one basis with schools and provinces who invite me,” he said.

He was awarded a C rating by the NRF, has conducted extensive research in ICT, published extensively and presented papers at hundreds of national and international conferences.

He has also acted as a consultant in the area of using computers to reach out to various African countries.

Prof Cronjé said he is honoured by the award and “believes that it is an affirmation of the work” that his students have completed under his leadership. To date 150 of his students have been awarded master’s degrees, 35 have been awarded doctorates, while four have gone on to become professors.

Prof Cronjé plans to continue his work in ICT in education.

“My plans are to continue investigating, specifically the use of mobile devices and web 2.0 applications – that is cellular phones and Facebook – in education,” he said.

By Candes Keating. Marketing and Communication Department

Photograph: Prof Johannes Cronjé, Dean of Informatics and Design, displays his African ICT Achiever award.

Written by CPUT News
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The Headspace exhibition brought together the work of students of Photography, Fashion, Graphic Design, Surface Design and Industrial Design in an explosion of colours, textures and shapes.

The exhibition, which was spread across three floors of the Design Building on the Cape Town Campus and two floors of the adjacent Student Centre, opened on 18 November 2008.

The title ‘Headspace’ alludes to the idea that, regardless of the discipline in which a student works, the creative process starts in the same place – the mind.

Dean of Informatics and Design Prof Johannes Cronjé opened the exhibition with a reminder that for the local design industry to flourish, South Africans should make a concerted effort to purchase the work local students. “It is part of our mission not just to be doers of jobs but to be creators of jobs,” he said.

The Industrial Design display exemplified the importance of students being able to both express their creativity and produce work that is functional and marketable. Vikki du Preez, who teaches History of Design, referred to two third-year projects – a prototype of an alarm clock and a model of a gaming console – to illustrate this point.

For the console, students were encouraged to come up with the most unusual concept they could imagine, and did not need to fit the device with working parts. For the clock, however, they had to work within the constraints of actual technology, and bring creative energy to a fully functioning object.

At the Graphic Design exhibition, artwork was not only on display but also being created. Third year student Kyle “Van Eck” Pase, whose interest lies in finding connections between graphic design and graffiti, was at the opening to paint his interpretation of the Headspace concept. Fellow third year Justin Poulter, who designed the poster used to promote the exhibition, created a dynamic accompanying mural on the opposite wall.

One of the primary features of the Fashion exhibition was the focus on providing a sound theoretical underpinning to commercially viable work. BTech student Nadia Lemmer created a sensuous range of garments for the fuller figure, influenced by the writings of Naomi Wolf. Also responding to the needs of contemporary women was Saara Jappie. Her vibrant Eastern summer clothes were conceptualised so that young Muslim women could wear stylish designs without compromising their values.

The Surface Design exhibition demonstrated the path that a student takes to developing a personal style. The first and second year displays saw students exploring the basic elements of design such as contrast and movement. The third year work brought the focus back to the designer as an individual. Students placed drawings of birds in an environment that represented the space in which saw themselves, and printed the results onto fabric. The material was stretched over three-dimensional frames resembling Herero figures. The overall effect was that of an African Village of surface designs.

The Photography exhibition also presented the results of individual creative journeys. In many cases, students travelled to remote locations in the country to capture the atmosphere of a place or a sense of the people who live there. The displays covered a variety of genres, including documentary, portrait and fine art photography.

“Each student has a body of work that speaks of personal development,” said Photography Lecturer Colin Adonis.

Jewellery Design opened its exhibition on 17 November 2008, prior to the Headspace launch.

Many of the students who exhibited at Headspace are in their final year of study and will enter the industry in upcoming months. The exhibition provided a taste of the exciting work that can be expected from this new generation of young designers.

By Ilana Abratt

Written by CPUT News
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Two designers who completed the Three-Dimensional and Industrial Design diploma at CPUT scooped coveted awards at the Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd METAL New Designer Search.

The ceremony took place at Carrol Boyes headquarters in Cape Town in October last year and is an important item in the art and design calendar.

Johan du Toit, an industrial engineer and CPUT alumnus, took first place winning R50 000.

Shritha Gungaya, who recently completed her diploma in Three-Dimensional Design took the third place, pocketing R15 000

CPUT is one of only two universities in the country that offers the Three-Dimensional Design course.

Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd is one of South Africa ’s premier commercial product design companies and specialises in manufacturing one-of-a-kind pewter, aluminum, stainless steel, chrome plated zinc, leather and wood items in flatware, tabletop, homeware and accessories.

The Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd METAL New Designer Search takes place annually. Last year’s competition centred on the theme of the frame, which was defined as a bordered structure containing a mirror, artwork, image or jewellery.

Du Toit’s entry was titled “Tree” and was inspired by the concept of the family tree, where family photos and mementos can be attached to the frame.

As he wanted the images to be movable, Du Toit opted for magnets as a placement tool.

This design was developed to ensure it could be constructed at any direction.

Du Toit said: “I was ecstatic about winning the prize and for me it is not the first time to win this competition, so it really means a lot.”

“I am grateful that many years ago I studied at CPUT as that played a big role and gave me a valuable experience. As a result I have been fortunate to be doing exactly what I have studied for.”

Gungaya’s entry was a ‘moisi’ frame, which is contemporary in design and organically inspired by the mould one might find growing on a piece of bread and when viewed under a microscope.

Each moisi frame embodies part of the user’s personality, thereby allowing the user to become part of the art-making process.

At least 250 entrants sent in their unique frame prototypes to be judged. About 10 registered students from CPUT, including one lecturer, submitted their entries for the competition in February last year. Gungaya was placed as the overall winner from the institution.

“We submitted our entries in February and our lecturers were very helpful and professional, as they know what is expected out there. Winning this prize was very exciting and rewarding for me,” said Gungaya.

The theme for METAL 2009 is 'Fruitfull: design beyond the bowl' and entries open 1 March 2009 .

The purpose of the annual METAL New Designer Search is to “unearth, nurture and develop new product design talent, from planting the seed of inspiration to witnessing a design idea come to fruition”.

Gungaya is encouraging other students to enter the competition for this year “because it is a worthwhile opportunity. Even if you do not win, you get lot of exposure as Carrol Boyes is very popular.”

By Andiswa Dantile, Marketing and Communication Department

Photographs: Third prize winner Shritha Gungaya signs a contract that gives Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd permission to use her design as part of its product range; CPUT alumnus Johan du Toit, who won first prize, and Carrol Boyes of Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd ; a detail from Shritha Gungaya’s design.

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Prof Shaun Pather of the Faculty of Informatics and Design is set to participate in an international research project after receiving a Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award.

The Fulbright Scholarship is one of the most prestigious exchange programmes in the world. It provides students with the opportunity to undertake postgraduate studies and academics and professionals with the chance to perform research or lecture at top universities in the US.

Since its inception more than fifty years ago, Fulbright alumni have included heads of state, prime ministers, Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, ambassadors, artists, professors, scientists, astronauts, journalists, Supreme Court Judges, and corporate directors.

Prof Pather, who is head of Contract Research and Partnerships at the Faculty said: “It’s an honour to be joining the ranks of Fulbright scholars around the world.”

In March this year, the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board in the US selected Prof Pather as a recipient of the scholarship, after he had submitted a research proposal in response to a call for applications in 2008.

He will travel to the US in September, where he will spend 10 months at the University of Washington in Seattle , furthering his research activities in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

Prof Pather said he will work alongside a group of international researchers at the institution’s Center for Information and Society.

“My proposal concerns developing a framework for evaluating socio economic effectiveness of community based ICTs,” he said.

Prof Pather, who is also one of the NRF grant holders for the Niche research area ICT in e-Business, e-Government and Community Engagement for Shared Growth, has also been involved in various research projects around ICTs in businesses.

However, Prof Pather said that over the past two years, given his passion to support post-apartheid transformation objectives, his research focus has now evolved towards ICTs in communities and the advancement of the South African Information Society agenda.

“My research is now also focused on how decades of research in business information systems can be meaningfully applied in a developmental context,” he added.

Currently, South Africa has a number of interventions in place with regards to attaining the goals set at the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS).

However, Prof Pather said: “Even though million of rands have been spent by donor and government agencies in South Africa on ICTs for development, we still do not have sufficient insight into appropriate methods for evaluating the effectiveness of these technologies on socio-economic development.”

Prof Pather said that at the University of Washington , researchers are involved in a five year study on exactly this issue. Through the scholarship, Prof Pather will bring his expertise to the table, as well as add a South African perspective to the study.

“This is a phenomenal opportunity to have an uninterrupted research-focused period of time to work on an international project of importance,” he said.

“I have a clear programme for producing research outputs during the 10 months, including journal articles and conference papers,” he added.

DVC for Research, Technology Innovation and Partnership Dr Chris Nhlapo said to be selected to participate in the Fulbright programme is an “achievement” for both Prof Pather and CPUT.

Dr Nhlapo said that amongst the varied research programmes at CPUT, the university is supportive of ICT research projects which facilitate the advancement of underserved South African communities.

He said Prof Pather’s achievement is an indication that CPUT is actively involved in research which supports its mission to create and apply knowledge that is contributing to development in various areas, locally and internationally.

Photo: Prof Shaun Pather will work alongside top researchers on an international ICT research project at the University of Washington in the United States.

By Candes Keating

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