National recognition for CPUT research driving societal change

CPUT’s contribution towards addressing societal challenges has received national recognition – highlighting the impact and quality of research at the institution.

In 2025 Universities South Africa (USAf) launched an open call for impact case studies demonstrating the societal impact of academic work carried out by South African universities.

Two societal impact case studies submitted by CPUT were selected by USAf for publication on its website.

They are:

• Rooted in science, growing worldwide – the measured impact of rooibos health research (led by Prof Jeanine Marnewick). Marnewick has been one of the most visible scientists globally in building the evidence base for rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) as a health-promoting beverage. Her more than two-decade programme on rooibos and its health benefits has progressed from mechanistic antioxidant/ anti-inflammatory/ antimutagenic studies to the first controlled human trials, demonstrating significant enhancement of the body’s antioxidant defence system and improvements in cholesterol profiles after the consumption of six cups daily for six weeks. Outcomes from these studies have been acknowledged by the South African Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Cancer Association of South Africa’s (CANSA) “Smart Choice’’ labelling, collectively reaching many of our citizens.
• Circumfort: Supporting Post-Circumcision Healing to Improve Public Health Outcomes. Circumfort is a patented medical device that accelerates healing after male circumcision, reducing infection risks and discomfort while encouraging higher uptake of medical male circumcision (MMC). Developed at CPUT, the technology addresses a major public health concern in South Africa, where MMC reduces the risk of HIV acquisition by 60%. Since commercialisation, Circumfort has generated measurable health, social, and economic impact: over 57 500 units sold to public health partners, improved community-based manufacturing, and employment opportunities for township-based groups, contributing both to HIV prevention and social upliftment.

Prof Marshall Sheldon, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships (RTIP), said this recognition is deeply affirming for the RTIP portfolio, as it highlights how CPUT researchers and students are turning ideas into tangible solutions that address critical public health and public benefit challenges in real communities.

 “There is a strong sense of pride that both Circumfort and the Rooibos health research were selected by USAf from a highly competitive national field, underscoring the quality and relevance of CPUT’s research and innovation ecosystem. It is also encouraging to see long-term institutional investments paying off: from early-stage research and clinical trials through to commercialisation, policy influence and measurable social impact, these case studies show the full innovation pipeline in action at CPUT.”

She said that a national level inclusion in USAf’s RISG impact series positions CPUT as a leading university of technology that delivers research with clear health and societal impact, whether through a patented medical device like Circumfort or sustained rooibos health trials led by Prof Marnewick’s team.

“The documented outcomes, including tens of thousands of Circumfort units supplied to the public health system, reduced HIV risk through higher MMC uptake, township-based manufacturing and jobs, and rooibos research that informs cardiovascular health while promoting a uniquely South African commodity, strengthen CPUT’s credibility as a key partner in addressing national development priorities,” said Sheldon.

“This recognition also signals that CPUT’s research strategy is aligned with the national science, technology and innovation agenda: producing contextually grounded solutions for resource-limited settings, advancing public health, and supporting inclusive economic participation through innovation-driven enterprises.”

Marnewick, who is the Director of the Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute (AMHBI) and Research Chair: Biotechnology, said: “Being featured by USAf for societal impact is really encouraging to our team and a validation of research that serves the public good. It highlights the critical journey of taking Rooibos from a favourite national beverage to a scientifically validated health intervention. Investigating the health properties of Rooibos has allowed us to translate complex biochemical findings into actionable health insights for the consumer.

“My gratitude goes to the team and funders who made this possible. As we look to the future, we remain committed to unravelling the full preventative potential of this proudly South African plant. Our goal is to strengthen the role of Rooibos in the fight against lifestyle diseases, proving that homegrown South African science can solve global health challenges.”

Jayde Barends, Senior Technology Transfer Officer: Commercialisation, in the Technology Transfer Office, said: “CPUT is pleased at the recognition of Circumfort’s innovation and real impact on society. To date, thousands of men have benefitted, showing how practical, forward-thinking solutions can improve health outcomes and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: Frederickskennediji@cput.ac.za