CPUT celebrates reaching a pinnacle of higher education

The Office of the Vice-Chancellor hosted the first institutional Vice-Chancellor’s Doctorandi Dinner for 19 doctoral graduates from all faculties to celebrate their accomplishments and give the graduates the recognition they deserve.

“Obtaining a doctorate is a fantastic achievement. It takes dedication, hard work and perseverance, Director of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies,” said Prof Izak Van Zyl, Director of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies. Van Zyl said the graduates should be immensely proud of what they have achieved and that they should enjoy the occasion. “It is important to celebrate it and take some time to reflect on the journey.”

He said some of the faculties have hosted similar events but “to my knowledge, this is the first one involving all faculties”. “I certainly regard this event as a celebration of reaching a pinnacle of higher education. This is ultimately what defines us as an institution: we (aspire to) advance both knowledge and human development through education. It therefore means a lot to us as individuals but also as an organisation.”

Van Zyl continued: “To the class of 2023, I want to say: embrace this joyous moment. You have worked hard, and you are being recognised for that. But: this is not the end of the journey. In fact, it is the beginning of a new one. Obtaining a doctorate opens the door to new opportunities and adventures. We look forward to seeing you grow and thrive, and we hope that CPUT will remain close to your heart as you navigate life. Congratulations again, and all the best!”

The doctoral graduates included, Michael Agenbag, who obtained Doctor of Philosophy: Environmental Health; Phitlelelo Mokoen, DTech: Tourism and Hospitality Management; Mario Da Costa, DTech: Office Management and Technology; Warren Charles, Doctor of Human Resource Management; Lumnka Ntwanambi, Doctor of Public Administration; Martha Grewe, Doctor of Human Resource Management; Maryna De Lange, Wendy Smidt, Kabeya Tshimanika all obtained Doctor of Education. Leo Folifac obtained Doctor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering and Howard Fawkes with Doctor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering.

Tabisa Ncubukazi was conferred with Doctor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering, Olukayode Ayodele, Doctor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering; Gareth Holtman, Doctor of Engineering in Civil Engineering. Mohamed Almihat and Gedeon Joubert were capped with Doctor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering. Faeda Mohsam obtained DTech: Informatics and Monica Nehemia obtained PhD Informatics.

Van Zyl said: "I really enjoyed the event and appreciated the fact that CPUT celebrated its doctoral graduates to such an extent. The VC, DVCs, Chair of Council and Chancellor were also present, indicating how deeply the university values its senior graduates, and how grateful and supportive it is of their achievements. Again, a doctorate is a remarkable accomplishment and the institution certainly honoured each of the 19 'new doctors' last night."

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: boyceap@cput.ac.za