Guided by passion and perseverance, Noleen Miller’s inspiring career highlights how continuous development and resilience can open doors to new possibilities.

Noleen’s journey with CPUT started as an administrative assistant and about two decades later she stepped into a new role – lecturer in the Department of Business and Information Administration.

She faced many hurdles along the way but her commitment to personal and professional growth drove her to success.

In August 2001 she started her career as an Administrative Assistant in the Science Faculty at Cape Technikon. In 2006 she was promoted to Departmental Secretary and joined the Wellness Sciences Department in the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences.

“My career journey has been driven by continuous learning and a commitment to professional growth. After completing my National Diploma and BTech in Business Administration, I built a strong foundation for a career in administration. I later pursued a Master’s in Business Administration, which I completed in 2014, accompanied by two published research articles.”

In 2020, she was presented with an exciting opportunity.

“I began part-time lecturing in the Business and Information Administration Department. This marked the start of my academic career, and the experience I gained eventually led me to apply for a permanent lecturing position. The combination of academic qualifications, experience and determination shaped the path to my current role.”

Her path was not without obstacles, yet she remained determined to succeed.

“One of the most significant challenges I faced was completing my Master’s qualification while working full-time as administrative and support staff typically do not receive dedicated research time. Much of my research and writing took place outside standard working hours, all whilst juggling parenthood, which also required my undivided attention.

“I also had to prove my worth in the face of multiple rejections for lecturing positions. However, as the saying goes, "what missed you is not meant for you." I believe that these delays and setbacks were part of God’s hand of protection, and that patience was necessary for me to receive the opportunities He had planned. Additionally, transitioning from an administrative to an academic role required me to consistently demonstrate my capabilities and potential in a new professional environment.”

She says her administrative background has been extremely beneficial in her lecturing role.

“The organisational skills I developed, including managing schedules, coordinating activities, and handling administrative processes, support the effective planning and delivery of lectures. Strong communication skills enhance my ability to engage students and convey complex information clearly. My familiarity with institutional policies and academic administration has also helped me navigate academic processes with confidence. Overall, the competencies gained as a departmental secretary continue to strengthen my effectiveness as a lecturer.”

Miller grew up in Grassy Park and says the community played an important role in shaping her values, morals, and overall identity.

“My upbringing taught me that a person’s worth is not defined by where they live or the school they attended, but by the principles they uphold and the character they demonstrate.

“I am married and a mother of two teenage daughters, and my family continues to be my greatest source of support. I also believe it is essential to cultivate interests outside of work. Having personal passions contributes to balance, creativity, and emotional wellbeing, ensuring that life is not centred solely around professional responsibilities. Meaningful interests bring fulfilment, broaden one’s perspective, and offer a healthy outlet for expression and relaxation.”

Her interests include blogging, lifestyle and food content creation, as well as food photography. “These creative pursuits not only allow me to express myself, but it also opened doors to engaging with people and organisations beyond my work environment. Through these activities, I have been able to network, collaborate, and build meaningful connections with individuals and communities who share similar passions. These interactions continue to enrich both my personal and professional life.”

She credits Dr Zelda Vergotine, former Head of the Wellness Sciences Department, for playing an instrumental role in her career development.

“Her commitment to my professional development provided me with valuable opportunities to contribute to key projects and initiatives. Through her mentorship, support, and encouragement, I was able to build confidence, expand my skill set, and prepare for greater responsibilities. Her guidance not only shaped my professional capabilities but also significantly contributed to my successful transition into academia.”

Her advice to other administrative support staff members who would like to pursue a career in academia is as follows: “Continuous upskilling, along with intentional personal development, is essential to advancing your career. Embrace new opportunities as they arise, even when they fall outside your job description. Taking on additional responsibilities may require extra effort, but it builds valuable experience and strengthens your skill set. Achieving your goals requires sacrifice, commitment, and resilience.”

She continues: “I have been fortunate to be inspired by many former administrative staff members who became academics, including Prof Rozenda Hendrickse (my Master’s supervisor), Dr Faeda Mohsam, Dr Courtney Pharoah, and Mr Douglas Dyers. Their journeys reaffirm that growth is always possible when you remain dedicated and proactive.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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*One of Us is a new monthly feature that celebrates the people who bring CPUT’s values to life. Each edition will spotlight a staff member whose work and everyday actions exemplify our shared commitment to oneness and smartness.

For Athenkosi Bucwa, working at CPUT is not just a job — it is a calling.

From his early days as a Residence Student Assistant to his current role as Residence Coordinator, Bucwa’s journey at the university spans more than 12 years.

Along the way he discovered his passion – working with students.

His dedication and commitment were recognised last year when he was announced as the winner of the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Service Excellence delivered by Administrative and Support Staff.

“I was so shocked. When Prof Hay-Swemmer called my name, I was literally shaking. What I love most about my job is interacting with students. I see myself as a mentor to them.”

Born in Cape Town and raised in the Eastern Cape, Bucwa’s path to success was not without obstacles.

“I arrived in CPUT as a walk-in and the following week we were already writing exams. For my first semester, my marks were not good.

“So there was a delay in my academics for about a year which, when I look back, I realised that that delay was created by God because I do not know what I would have become in terms of my career had I passed in time and went out to industry. Maybe I would have not found my passion, which is to work with students.”

Over the years, Bucwa has served the university in many capacities — from Applications Office intern to departmental administrator, to Residence Coordinator.

He now works as Residence Coordinator at City Edge and, importantly to Bucwa, he sees mentorship to students as a crucial part of what he brings on board.

The father of three runs a programme for male students and says it began as a response to something he observed among male students: silence.

“We are taught that men don’t cry,” he explains. “So they bottle up a lot of things. And when you bottle up a lot of things, you end up misbehaving.”

The programme creates a safe space where male students can speak.

“We'll talk about matters affecting men. Often a boy child often feels neglected, so I use that opportunity to influence the men they become, also to influence society.”

This year he is launching a new initiative titled Charity Begins at Home. After asking students who completed their studies last year to donate clothes and shoes they no longer needed, he was overwhelmed by the response.

The plan is to distribute these to first-year students who may be facing financial hardship — but with dignity at the forefront. Students will wear masks during collection to ensure anonymity and protect their pride.

“I don’t want a student to miss class because they’re ashamed of wearing the same shirt every day,” he says. “You can’t solve everything. But the little you can do — do it.”

Bucwa is not only a mentor; he is also a forward-thinker.

He has introduced systems that make residence operations more efficient, including online occupancy lists and is determined to reduce paperwork and improve efficiency. He has championed digital solutions within residences.

Bucwa admits there have been difficult times in his career — moments that tested his resilience. But they have not diminished his commitment.

“Working for CPUT has been a dream,” he says. “I would love to grow in the institution, to influence more students, to continue this work.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*One of Us is a new monthly feature that celebrates the people who bring CPUT’s values to life. Each edition will spotlight a staff member whose work and everyday actions exemplify our shared commitment to oneness and smartness.