CPUT introduces the CPUTree

On Tuesday evening, members of CPUT’s Council were introduced to the CPUTree and our 20^th anniversary celebration theme of Growing From Greats

This symbolises the University’s homage to its past successes and acknowledges individuals who have contributed to building the legacy.

Executive Director: Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Driekie Hay-Swemmer said: “This year, under the banner “20 Years of Growing from Greats,” we celebrate our history and our journey of transformation, inclusion, academic excellence, and societal impact. Here's the essence of today's message: this celebration belongs to all of us. It is not a centrally driven, one-size-fits-all programme. It’s a platform—a canvas. You are the artists of this celebration: senior managers, deans, directors, and deputy vice-chancellors.”

Hay-Swemmer encouraged those present to personalise the anniversary and infuse their core annual events, signature programmes, faculty milestones, and stakeholder engagements with the energy, spirit, and theme of “20 Years of Growing from Greats”.

In his keynote address, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, said: “We celebrate this growing from greats acknowledging the people who were here before us in terms of the solid foundation that they have laid, I think it's important for me to acknowledge those that are no longer with us, some of which are still with us”

Nhlapo explained that the trunk of the technology tree symbolises growth and support. This strong trunk represents administrative and support services, which ensure that learning, teaching, research and innovation function optimally at the institution. He said it serves as a reminder that people work best when they collaborate. The vice-chancellor said the institution can achieve great things when “we work together”, as no part of community can thrive without the other. He also emphasised the importance of unity at CPUT.

The branches and leaves at the top of the tree represent various fields of study and research. Each field is intelligent and growing in its respective area, yet they are all interconnected. This interconnectedness means that “we are all contributing to the overall success of the institution”.

Jerome Corns, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Operations, stated that reaching 20 years is a truly remarkable milestone for any university. He mentioned that this anniversary resonates with the metaphor of "standing on the shoulders of giants," highlighting how CPUT has made significant progress and advancements by building upon the work of those who came before us. He said everybody now has to “leave a legacy for those who will come after us”.

The event also included the lighting of the CPUTree by Nhlapo and Dr Laurine Platzky, the council chairperson.

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