CPUT fuels STEM awareness

Recently, the STEM Club welcomed students from three neighbouring schools and the College of Cape Town for the inspiring 3rd annual CPUT STEM Expo Competition, celebrating the extraordinary National Science Week (NSW) at the Bellville Campus.

The Bellville Campus was lively with the attendance of learners from Delft High School, Langa High School and Symphony High. Jacqueline Scheepers, Manager: Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Unit, highlighted that the annual CPUT NSW, which honours the importance and impact of science and technology in everyday life, is part of one of Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo’s distinguished STEM school initiatives. 

Dr Frikkie George, the CPUT STEM Support Lead, said the aim was to celebrate and increase the awareness of STEM at CPUT and neighbouring schools. In a message of support delivered by Jacqueline Scheepers: Manager of the Service-Learning and Civic Engagement units, Prof Rishidaw Balkaran, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching, stated that this initiative embodies the university’s strategic dedication to excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. CPUT’s vision to influence futures through innovation is vividly demonstrated in this dynamic and motivational event.

“Through the combined efforts of students, educators, researchers, and strategic partners, we are building a vibrant STEM ecosystem,” Balkaran enthused.

He noted: “This Expo is not only a showcase of brilliance but also a bridge for learners to imagine bold futures in STEM fields. We applaud the dedication of Visionary Minds, the Student STEM Club, and the Fundani Centre for Higher Education Development for driving this important work. Your efforts in civic engagement and service-learning bring real value to our communities and the next generation of scholars.”

Dr Faiq Waghid, Head of Department: Academic Staff Development, together with Scheepers, developed and delivered an exciting and interactive STEM quiz where learners could win a variety of prizes. Abdullah Harris from the Sakhikamva Foundation, a partner of the Western Cape Education Department, delivered an informative and insightful presentation, followed by a drone presentation. Harris invited learners from the audience to fly the drone, which showed learners STEM in action. An informative keynote address was delivered by Abongile Mlanjeni, Analyst Programmer, AR/VR Content Creation – Sales and Marketing, University of the Western Cape, Innovation Hub, Immersive Zone and Development Studio.

Scheepers highlighted that the partnership among the CPUT units allowed for a varied group of attendees and participants, including university students, TVET students, school learners, researchers, educators, administrative staff, university leaders, and others. The speakers worked to present STEM concepts to learners in an enjoyable and engaging manner, illustrating the connection between STEM and everyday life. George mentioned that they successfully reached a larger number of school learners and CPUT students compared to the previous year, particularly through the event's livestreaming. The event also showcased a greater number of research project exhibits, and the feedback from learners was positive; George noted that the STEM team plans to expand NSW to involve more schools in the future.

Balkaran noted: “Your presence here today signals the importance of early engagement in STEM pathways and the potential to shape a better future. To our CPUT students, your innovation, creativity, and passion inspire hope and drive transformation. To our valued external partners – including CHEC universities, WCED, the CT Science Centre, and the TVET sector – thank you for your continued collaboration."

Throughout the years, CPUT has organised events in collaboration with different faculties, including a Hackathon, Youth conference, STEM initiatives at rural schools in Central Karoo, Garden Route, Saldanha Bay Municipalities, STEM demonstrations, workshops for students, Quizzes, STEM Career Education, and much more.

The winners of the Student STEM Expo are as follows:

In the Biology and Chemistry category:

• First place went to Amohelang Melato for EcoMycelia.
• The second spot was secured by Prince Shongwe and Mandlenkosi Sindane for their project on the human Capacitor.
• Third place was awarded to Morell Ndhlovu for recycling cigarette butts.

In the Engineering category:

• The winner was Kasongo Muntambwe and Obinna Amadi for their Smart Drain project.
• In second place, we have Simamkele Rala, Onelisa Goya, Siphesihle Koli, and Luyanda Duma for their Pressurised purification system.
• Third place went to Faiyaz Sallie for the Solar engine.

In the Computer and Mathematics category:

• First place was awarded to Dean Khuselo Silaule for a Security system.
• Second place was claimed by Kwanele Shezi and Gundo Tshamano with their Mathematics Learner Management Systems.
• Millicent Sibanda and Zest Luvha took third for their Food Preservation App.

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