FNB CPUT delivered a statement performance their supporters were hoping for as they ran riot during fulltime to score a comprehensive 76-5 drubbing of FNB Rhodes in their last round-robin match of the 2023 Varsity Shield at the Bellville Sports Stadium last night.

The visitors drew first blood against the home team with a try, leading 5-0 before the third-placed FNB CPUT levelled matters with a 5-5 score line. Before that, Rhodes stunned Alastair Theys' men in the sixth minute when their nippy scrumhalf Nkosinathi Mvelase pinned his ears back and ghosted the defence for the first points. This would however be the visitors' only points for the entire match.

The reply from the two-time Varsity Shield champions was a devastating blow for Rhodes – five tries within 15 minutes through Hugan Engelbrecht, Jo-Neil Baron, Lindisipho Kula, Heinrico Hartogh, and Iwaan Bloys added their names to the try-scoring list. Linton Maritz converted four of his five attempts.

CPUT headed into halftime with a strong 33-5 lead.

A rampant second-half display of skill, speed and precision was a step too far for Rhodes to contain. CPUT ran havoc, scoring twelve tries in total including a brace from Heinrico Hartogh. Maritz scored a try and converted seven of his ten attempts, taking his tally for the match to 19 points.

Speaking after the match, the elated Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, said: “They did well today, after two disappointments they came back, they bounced back like the CPUT that we know. They must actually keep their heads up. Disappointments are always there but you know what, setbacks must always be fulfilled by bounce backs. This was actually a huge comeback.”

Sport Development officer, Bulelani Mlakalaka, said: “The victory confirms a semi-final spot for the team against the [FNB] Madibaz in PE [Gqeberha]. The win gives the good momentum and confidence going into the semi-final.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Head of the Language Unit at Fundani CHED, is one of six language professionals across all South African universities who were offered funding by the Regional English Language Office (RELO) at the United States of America (USA) Embassy in South Africa to attend two conferences in the USA recently.

Dr Kabelo Sebolai attended two annual conferences in Portland, Oregon. The first conference was held by the American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL) and the second by Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Both conferences were aimed at the professional development of language professionals with AAAL being research-oriented and the TESOL, being more teaching-inclined. “The value of these conferences, like any other academic conference, lies in the effort to keep language researchers and teachers up to speed on new developments in the field,” says Sebolai.

Sebolai, who is also an Institutional Language Coordinator at Fundani, was attending the AAAL for the first time. “I was impressed by a wide range of language related topics that the presentations focused on. This was truly enriching. So much was of interest to me that I wished the presentations did not run parallel so that I could attend all of them,” he continues.

“This is not possible, as you can imagine. Otherwise, the conference would take forever.”

This was the fourth time Sebolai attended TESOL, and he says it has always been a fulfilling conference too. “It is much bigger than AAAL probably because of its heavy focus on teaching. It is attended by both university lecturers and high school teachers. This is not the case with AAAL, which is attended by academics only, because of its heavy emphasis on research.”

The six language professionals were selected by RELO, on the “basis of their continued contribution to language education and teacher professional development in South Africa”. To Sebolai’s amazement, a lot of what was presented at AAAL dealt with the very issues “we are facing in South Africa in general and at CPUT specifically in the effort to advance multilingualism and to develop indigenous languages to become languages of teaching and learning”.

“There was a lot to learn from these. My selection for the opportunity is a prestigious recognition also of the work I am employed to do at CPUT.”

A trip to North America is always a great experience for Sebolai. He was once a Master’s student at Northern Arizona University and trips like these are always an opportunity to catch up with his former professors and classmates. “I met several of them at AAAL particularly. I should mention two of my former professors namely, Bill Grabe and Fredricka Stoller in particular who I also met at AAAL and who have always shown a keen interest in my contribution towards language development in South Africa.”

Sebolai adds that the two conferences were a great opportunity for networking.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) recently gave a fond farewell to three exchange students from Hochschule Dusseldorf - University of Applied Sciences (HSD) who spent six months at the Faculty.

At this gathering, the students from the German university shared their experiences about the student exchange programme at CPUT and life in South Africa especially in Cape Town. Asst. Dean: Research, Technology, Innovation & Partnerships, Prof Veruscha Fester, opened a question-and-answer session about the students’ exchange programme experience at CPUT. Fester said she wanted to know how their experience was in South Africa. The students responded positively saying that they had always wanted to come to South Africa and experience the culture.

Asked about choosing CPUT, the students said Düsseldorf has built a good relationship with several universities in Cape Town, but they selected CPUT and due to the long standing relationship CPUT has with Düsseldorf. Quizzed about differences between education in Germany and South Africa, they said CPUT allows students to work more independently which provided them opportunity to grow.

The titles of the projects for the three students are:

• Jil Labes - Analysis for drone rescue.
• Julian Hasemann - Development of extruder for the recycling of 3D printing filaments.
• Lanlucas van de Veen - 3D printable structure for the cube-sat standard.

The students also highlighted that they had experienced the kindness and hospitality of the people of South Africa, saying that they “are happy with what they have, and they learned that happiness does not cost a lot. South African people are kind”. They also said they have noticed a gap between rich and poor. The students also expressed some challenges they experienced while in Cape Town.

Fester said in her closing remarks: “Receiving international students allows us to benefit from internationalisation at home which allows interaction between local students and international students and faculty. So, it’s important that we make the internationalisation agreement work for what it is that we want to achieve. That is to develop a multi-cultural community by building capacity in learning and teaching, research and technology innovation and community engagement for students and staff as global citizens in preparation of a global world.”

Prof Jörg Niemann, Claudia Fussenecker and Martin Schlösser, from the "Life Cycle Excellence" research unit at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, together with Dr Monika Katz from the International Office, laid the foundation for this long-term and sustainable partnership that has seen several staff and student exchanges over the past 7 years.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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A Lecturer and Curriculum Officer in the Department of Food Science and Technology is “thrilled” to have been awarded a Thuthuka Grant Award by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Department of Science and Innovation from 2023 to 2025.

The delighted Dr Vusi Mshayisa says this grant is for a study continuation of his PhD project on edible insect proteins. “We aim to use green-extraction methods to optimise the extraction of edible insect proteins with a view to value added food products high in proteins,” Mshayisa enthuses.

This award will not only provide Mshayisa with the necessary financial support to conduct his research, but it will also allow him to grow as a researcher and make significant contributions to the field of Food Science and Technology. The award will contribute significantly to his career by providing Mshayisa with the necessary resources to produce quality publications, thereby enhancing his research profile. Additionally, this funding will enable him to establish collaborations with other researchers in the field, both locally and internationally, and participate in relevant conferences, workshops and symposia.

“All these activities will increase my exposure to the field of Food Science and Technology and build my capacity to become a leading researcher in this field.”

As an emerging researcher in the field of food science and technology, receiving “the prestigious NRF Thuthuka funding award” for a period of three years “is a significant achievement for me personally”.

“It means that my research is recognised as important and valuable, and that I have the support to conduct innovative and high-quality research that can contribute to the development of new food products with edible insect protein.”

This award also reflects positively on the Department of Food Science and Technology at CPUT, “which will benefit from the research outputs and increased visibility that come with the award”. Mshayisa, who is fond of “chasing peaks and waterfalls”, running, and reading and spending time with his loved ones, says the award provides an opportunity for CPUT to establish itself as a leading institution in the field of edible insect protein research, which can attract more funding and collaboration opportunities in the future.

“Overall, receiving the NRF Thuthuka funding award is an exciting and motivating milestone in my academic career, and I am grateful for the support and recognition that this award provides.”

In the previous cycle his application was not successful but the tenacious chairperson of the Local organising committee for the South African Association for Food Science and Technology 25th Biennial International Congress and exhibition, which will be held in Cape Town from 28 to 30 August 2023, had to take the feedback from the reviewers on board and make improvements on the application.

“I consulted senior researchers and previous recipients such as Dr [Mushe] Basitere and Lusani Vhangani and Dr Anthony Obilana for guidance, which proved to be fruitful. I am grateful to these colleagues for their assistance, encouragement and motivation,” he continued.

“I am extremely grateful for this award, and it has given me the motivation to work even harder towards achieving my research goals. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication I have put into my academic journey thus far, and I am honoured to have been recognised for my efforts.”

Mshayisa also acknowledged the support from Prof Jessy Van Wyk, Head of Department: Food Science and Technology, the entire staff, CPUT Academic Research Group and Research Directorate Office.

Mshayisa is an nGap scholar and has successfully concluded the programme. He has published more than 11 peer reviewed papers in Food Science and Technology and Food Science Education. He was awarded the Faculty of Applied Sciences Teaching and learning Excellence award in 2021. Moreover, in 2022, He was awarded the Faculty of applied Sciences Research Award for most publications for the year 2021.

“I attribute my academic success to my passion for research, determination, and hard work. I have always been driven to succeed and I have always had a keen interest in the field of food science and technology. I have also been fortunate to have had supportive mentors and colleagues who have guided me throughout my academic journey. I have learned that success is not just about working hard but also about being disciplined, setting achievable goals and prioritising my time effectively.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Department of Mathematics and Physics recently held its Mathematical Sciences Assembly with the aim of creating a stronger sense of identity among students and staff of the Mathematical Sciences programmes at Bellville campus.

Thomas Farrar, Acting Head, Department of Mathematics and Physics said the department previously held student assemblies many years ago, but it had not been held since 2015. Farrar said they wanted to resurrect and expand this tradition “to inspire students to excel, and to give students a glimpse of the ‘bigger picture’ in terms of career opportunities, planned postgraduate offerings, etc”.

Pepkor, which was represented by Simone Felix, and Shoprite represented by Chris Steyn, are two of the industry partners of the department who host final-year students for their Work Integrated Learning. “Their sponsorship of and attendance at our assembly shows the value that they see in our programme and the potential that they see in our students,” enthused Farrar.

The event was a great success, “thanks to the generous support of our partners and the enthusiastic spirit shown by our students and staff”. The programme included speeches from alumni and industry partners and the presentation of academic achievement awards. The top three achievers at each year level received an official CPUT testimonial certificate and a retail voucher.

Farrar said in the past they had seen some Mathematical Sciences students leaving the department’s programme after first-year and switching to other courses like Engineering. “Our research has shown that some of these students leave because they are unaware of what career opportunities await a Mathematical Sciences graduate. By handing out academic achievement awards, we are signalling to our top achieving students that our department and its industry partners value excellence and that their talents are not wasted on our programme.”

By inviting industry guest speakers including CPUT alumni, the department is inspiring students with confidence that a Mathematical Sciences qualification from CPUT has currency in the labour economy and can launch them toward their career goals.

The department intends to make the Mathematical Sciences Assembly an annual tradition. Farrar believes that word will spread among students that this is an event not to be missed, resulting in higher attendance next year. “We are also hopeful that the prestige of the academic achievement awards will increase friendly competition among our students and result in more students achieving distinctions. Recognising student excellence also motivates lecturers to do their best.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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To prepare students for an emergency evacuation or egression in the event of a crash landing on water, the Survival Centre recently collaborated with the Department of Emergency Medical Sciences (EMS) to host a Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) for 19 EMS students.

HUET is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to survive and escape from a helicopter that has ditched into the water. The primary aim is to ensure that students from the EMS programmes are prepared for real-life emergency scenarios involving helicopters, enhancing their overall emergency response capabilities. “This is essential training as EMS practitioners could be required to proceed to an emergency in a helicopter. Aeromedical rescue module is part of their curriculum, and thus Survival Centre and EMS collaborate to complete the outcomes and assessment,” said Senior Maritime Instructor and Manager: Survival Centre, Samantha Montes.

The HUET course provides several benefits to the EMS students as they experience a simulated helicopter ditching, both controlled and uncontrolled, which prepares them for actual emergencies. This hands-on approach helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. The training helps students develop essential survival skills such as underwater escape, proper use of safety equipment, and techniques for staying calm under pressure.

By successfully completing the HUET course, students gain confidence in their ability to handle emergencies, which is crucial for their future roles as EMS professionals.

The training also emphasises teamwork and coordination, “which are vital skills for EMS professionals who often work in teams during emergencies”.

“The training day was a resounding success. All students, including those who needed to reattempt the escape, successfully passed the course. This indicates that the training effectively prepared students, allowing them to demonstrate proficiency in the skills taught. The success can be attributed to the well-structured programme, the expertise of the instructors, and the determination of the students.”

The training was conducted by experienced professionals, Cara Alberts, Ryan McConney and Colin Daniels who ensured high-quality instructions and safety throughout the course. Alberts is a maritime instructor with extensive experience in underwater escape training. McConney is a lab assistant/safety assistant who provided essential support and guidance during the practical exercises. Meanwhile Daniels, a lab assistant/safety assistant assisted in ensuring the smooth operation of the training sessions and student safety. Both lab assistants operated the winch controls for the HUET

A fourth year Bachelor of Emergency Medical Care student, Chumani Qinisile said: “For me it was adventurous, because I've never experienced such in my lifetime. When you outside, you think it's just a walk in the park but once you get inside the helicopter, that's where you realise that it's real. It was fun though.”

Chumani said the training shapes “your mindset” on how to react on those certain circumstances, not to panic and handle it in a very good manner and a manner that “will help you” survive such incident “if you ever come across it”. “I was not scared, just a little bit nervous. I love any activity that involves water in it, so for me it was just having fun.”

The second HUET training session will be held on 5 June and 20 students are expected to partake in the programme.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The at-risk Science and Mathematics students from numerous departments recently attended the STEM (Science, Technology, Education & Maths) mid-year boot camp intervention programme held at South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre.

The students came from the departments such as Maritime Studies, Marine Engineering, Mathematics, Marine Physics, B.Ed. FET Physical Science and Mathematics, Industrial and Systems Engineering and Engineering Mathematics. The STEM boot camp has been designed to prepare students for the mid-year assessments.

The CPUT STEM Support Lead, Dr Frikkie George, says the boot camp intervention programme is one of the imperatives of the University Capacity Development Grant (UCDG) STEM project funded by the Department of Higher Education & Training (DHET). The first Bootcamp was conducted in 2022 during the September recess. The Bootcamps take place twice a year - in May to prepare students for the mid-year assessments and in September to prepare students for the year-end final assessment.

“The Bootcamp targets at-risk mathematics, physics and chemistry students identified by lecturers. The interest and requests from students to attend grew, however, due to funding we can only accommodate 50 students in May and 100 in September,” said George.

During the bootcamp students worked through the assessments of the first semester in discipline specific sessions. Lecturers, Jerome Tangkeh from Mathematics and Physics Department, Rhulani Saka from Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, tutors, and STEM Club members facilitated the bootcamp sessions. The bootcamp was well attended despite the short notice to students and the timing of the bootcamp (last week of lecturers). Over the two days 95% of the students attended. The difference in the results of the pre-diagnostic and post-diagnostic tests indicate a 5% improvement.

To quantitively determine the success of the bootcamp intervention for recording purposes, students write a pre-diagnostic test at the start of the bootcamp and a post-diagnostic test at the end of the Bootcamp. The facilitators also randomly interview students during the bootcamp to qualitatively determine the students' experiences of the different sessions. The facilitators also track the academic performance in the mid-year and year-end assessments of the students who attend. “These measures are important to indicate whether the bootcamp makes an impact in the academic performance of students who attend the bootcamps.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS), Prof Paul Green, recently heaped praise on a celebration of academic achievement, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence by the CPUT staff members and students who have completed the SAP S/4 HANA course as well as candidates from our industrial partner Shoprite.

Green was speaking at the SAP S/4 HANA graduation ceremony, recently organised by the Centre for Enterprise Research Partnership and Innovation in Africa (CERPiA) and the Advancement Department and held at the Cape Town Hotel School. “It is with great pleasure that we gather here today to honour the dedication and hard work of our graduating students who have successfully completed their SAP S/4 HANA certification under the auspices of the Centre for Enterprise Research, Partnership, and Innovation in Africa (CERPIA),” said Green.

CERPIA is an institutional centre established by Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo. CERPIA through CPUT is a member of the SAP University Alliance (UA) since 2009, which seeks to transfer theoretical and practical scarce digital business systems skills to university students in preparation of entering the job market. These digital business systems skills are driven by Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) principles using SAP Software as a tool. CERPIA education partners are SAP University Alliance, University Competent Centre (UCC) and the industry partners.

CERPIA SAP education manager and trainer, Jerry Ansen, said the purpose of these courses was to equip student and staff with the knowledge and skills required to effectively use SAP software for managing business operations and processes. Ansen added that the courses are for students and staff to master SAP ERP skills, and enhance their digital business skills and to enhance students employability.

He said BANKSETA sponsored 38 students of which 31 graduated and ETDPSETA sponsored 29 staff of which 23 graduated. The SAP programmes were introduced to CPUT by Ansen, and he has been the pillar behind the skills development of staff and students since 2009.

All students are welcome to attend the courses as there is no selection criteria, “We depend on funding for students from Advancement Department”. “Graduates get to learn 21st-century ICT digital skills, be empowered to take current job opportunities and be competitive in the market space.” Addressing the graduates, Ansen said: “Congratulations!! And I wish you all the best in your professional digital business skills careers.”

31 CPUT students graduated from SAP S4 HANA in:

• Human Capital Management
• Financial Accounting
• Materials Management
• Master Data Management
• Project Management

There were three staff members in SAP S/4 HANA – TS410 and eight candidates from Shoprite Group ltd and SAP S/4 HANA- Materials Management. CERPIA, as the driving force behind advancing digital business skills, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of “our students and the broader community,” Green remarked. “As part of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences… We are committed to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen fields.”

He added that through the FBMS integration of SAP skills into their curricula and the provision of certifications, “we empower our students to stand out in a highly competitive industry”. “This strategic focus on SAP not only enhances graduate employability but also ensures that our students are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the digital economy. It is this emphasis on practical, industry-relevant skills that makes our graduates more marketable and sought after by employers.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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In his pursuit of constantly strategising new ways to reach and cultivate potential students, and to build a pipeline of diverse students, Dr Garth Van Gensen, Director: Marketing and Communication, leads a team of student recruiters in their outreach, and ensures timely delivery of essential information to prospects.

Van Gensen recently took a sho’t left to the revered Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School, which has become a spirited mainstay of the learning landscape in the pulsating society of the coastal city of Gqeberha. The school is a propelling nucleus of intellectual evolution and advancement for a number of learners.

In 2023, the school from Motherwell in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape, achieved a 100% matric pass for the fourth consecutive year. In the past, the school was known for all the wrong things, but is now an outstanding example.

It has been reported by Media24 that when Mlungisi Nopote, the school's principal took over the reigns in 2008, he vowed the school would produce pleasant results and to transform its bad name. “When I got here in 2008, we only had about 275 pupils but now we have 1 600 pupils. In grade 12, there were about 22 pupils but now we have more than 300 pupils. It’s because of hard work and discipline. I believe that teaching is God’s work. It is what God wants and we must make sure as teachers that we are teaching the learners,” Nopote was quoted.

Reflecting on his trip, Van Gensen said: “The trip there was a breeze, and the members of the community were very helpful and accommodating.” He held an introductory meeting with the principal, and “[Nopote] was very excited about the prospects of having some kind of partnership with CPUT. “Both his children graduated here [CPUT]. A follow-up meeting is on the cards sooner rather than later.”

For now, there is an eager willingness from the school to have some agreement/partnership with CPUT.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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The 12 graduands who will receive their doctoral qualifications during the upcoming Summer Graduation Ceremony were recently given a platform to highlight their research findings and possible impact on society.

This was the aim of the first Research Uptake: Doctoral Graduates seminar organised by the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships (SIP) Office and Centre for Postgraduate Studies on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, held at Bellville Campus. Under the theme: Potential Societal Impact of Research, doctoral graduands presented their research on a high level and discussed its impact on society. Manager Research Uptake: SIP, Dr Nelisiwe Maleka, who was one of the organisers, said the doctoral graduands were joined by their supervisors, representatives from the faculties and Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships.

The list of doctoral graduands who attended the event included:

• Michael Agenbag from Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAD).
• Warren Charles from Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS).
• Martha Grewe, FBMS.
• Maryna De Lange from Faculty of Education.
• Howard Fawkes, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE).
• Olukayode Ayodele, FEBE.
• Mohamed Almihat, FEBE.
• Gideon Joubert, FEBE.
• Faeda Mohsam from Faculty of Informatics and Design (FID).

However, there were graduands who couldn’t attend the event due to work commitments:

• Gareth Holtman, FEBE.
• Leo Folifac, FEBE.
• Monica Nehemia, FID.

In his opening address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr David Phaho, said: “Dear graduates there are those who now and, in the future, will express cynicism and doubts about your qualifications and the impact your research endeavours could have on society. It is the nature of existence as researchers and scholars, and this goes back to as far back as Galileo. Remember that this polymath from antiquity promoted the idea that the earth rotates daily and revolves around the sun, and this was met with opposition from within the church and from some fellow astronomers.”

Phaho continued: “Considering the significant societal and global challenges we face in areas such as food security, water and sanitation, energy, climate change, and public health, universities and other publicly funded organisations are expected to do more to address these challenges.”

Maleka said throughout the numerous presentations, attendees had an opportunity to learn more about doctoral research studies that are responsive to societal needs and challenges, their alignment to CPUT Research Focus Areas and Sustainable Development Goals.

Agenbag, a graduand, said the seminar created an initial space for them to share their research contribution to CPUT’s leadership regarding their commitment to CPUT’s research objectives and “how our input from our long research journey focuses on societal challenges and needs”. “It was also great to hear the research from other doctorandi and to be aware of the level of research that CPUT conducts. This seminar should undoubtedly become a regular for all doctoral graduates. The forum creates opportunities to share research done at CPUT and network with each other and different faculties and programmes.

“It was a positive experience and a salute to the organisers for this initiative.”

“Listening to these insightful presentations has renewed our passion, fervour, and enthusiasm for research as we have learnt of different expertise sparking insightful engaging discussions. A heartfelt thanks to our dedicated faculty members, mentors, and advisors who have played a pivotal role in nurturing students, academic and research prowess in the university,” CPGS Coordinator, Dr Thandazile Mhlongo observed.

Mhlongo said: “What a wonderful enlightening and thought-provoking Doctoral Graduate Seminar… It has been a wonderful experience witnessing not only the culmination of hard work through research and dedication done over the years by the doctoral candidates, but also the promise of a future where research becomes a catalyst for positive change in society through the work done in CPUT.”

“My humble advice to all of you as you embark on what I no doubt believe will be great careers, is that you must always be resilient, engender self-discipline, adopt an uncompromising work ethic and self-belief in that what you do now and for the rest of your days,” Phaho remarked.

Mhlongo also acknowledged the contribution made by the “chair Prof Izak [Van Zyl], the organising committee who are the behind-the-scenes heroes who worked so hard to ensure the smooth execution of this seminar”. “Finally, a sincere thank you to all the participants and attendees who have contributed to the success of this event. It is hoped that after this seminar colleagues will foster an environment conducive to intellectual growth and collaboration.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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It is abundantly clear that the CPUT executive and management’s hearts are geared towards the development of the marginalised persons to reach their full potential.

These are the words of the Managing Director: Fisheries Economic Development Research Advisory and Training Institute (FEDRATI), Dr Mark Botha. Speaking at the formal launch of the FEDRATI and CPUT strategic partnership at Granger Bay Campus, Botha said: “Today, my dream is being realised thanks to industry as represented by Brimstone and Sea Harvest; and academia, as represented by Cape Peninsula University of Technology. That is, the advancement of the fisheries sector through a strategic collaboration between academia and industry.”

The new strategic partnership agreement concluded between FEDRATI and CPUT is expected to boost the South African Oceans Economy and, in particular, the Small-Scale Fisheries Economy. This partnership is supported by South African Fisheries Development Fund. FEDRATI initiated the partnership and provides a vehicle for industry (currently Brimstone Investment Corporation and Sea Harvest Corporation) to interact with academia, in this case CPUT, to foster synergistic institutional relations. “In doing so, the fisheries economy is being advanced, and academia are able to provide industry responsible and learning programmes,” he said.

To date FEDRATI has awarded bursaries to postgraduate students in excess of R2 million for fisheries and allied sectors research. Botha, who has been actively involved in the fisheries sector, particularly the small-scale fisheries sector) for 22 years, said over the years several challenges facing the sector have been identified. These include the lack of resources, training, and research to meet the sector’s economic developmental needs.

Through his PhD research, he conceptualised the need for a single delivery institute for the fisheries sector to address and consolidate all developmental challenges in a holistic manner. “Such an institute ought to focus on: research (Commercial and Academic), education and training, and business advisory services (coaching and mentoring).”

Botha had presented the collaboration concept to CPUT with backing from industry who instantly bought into the concept. With the assistance of the former and current Research Chairs of CPUT’s Oceans Economy – Centre for Sustainable Oceans, Prof Ken Findlay and Dr Conrad Sparks and the executive management at CPUT, the concept morphed into an institutional strategic partnership between CPUT and FEDRATI. “Furthermore, what makes this partnership unique is that it falls directly under the office of the deputy vice-chancellor. The FEDRATI-CPUT partnership fosters both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research, training and advisory services.

“Our primary aim is to stimulate fisheries economic development through an institutional partnership between [the] industry and higher education – a first for South Africa.”

In his opening remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation, and Partnerships, Dr David Phaho, recognised the presence and contributions of executives from Sea Harvest, Mary-Lou Harry, the COO, Konrad Geldenhuys, Botha as well as executives from Brimstone Investment Corporation under the leadership of Dr Fred Robertson. Phaho said: “Our relationship with the private sector will become even more important. In line with our strategic Vision, V2030, we have identified our relationship with Quintuple Helix partners, government, industry, society, and the environment as key to our long-term sustainability as an institution of higher learning.”

He continued: “Central to that is our commitment to focus on research activities which have a tangible impact on society as well as focusing on skills development which are aligned to the needs of the industry. CPUT is deeply appreciative of the overwhelming support of FEDRATI) through its funders for our postgraduate bursary programme and its mutually beneficial partnership with our Centre for Sustainable Oceans.”

Phaho also said the executive management would extend an invitation to the partners in FEDRATI to outline their plans to collaborate with companies in the fisheries and related sectors to ensure that “the broader society benefits sustainably from the bounty provided by our oceans”. Reflecting on the event, Botha said: “I was deeply moved by the support from both industry (Brimstone and Sea Harvest) and CPUT.

Acting Chair: Centre for Sustainable Oceans, Dr Conrad Sparks said the CPUT's role is to conduct research and projects that link fishing industries with societal needs and that the launch event was a “huge success and the start of a very fruitful engagement between CPUT and FEDRATI. “The partnership will strengthen opportunities for CPUT (via the centre for Sustainable Oceans) to build on its strategic plan V2030, in particular Focus Areas 2, 6 and 7 within the fisheries (and related) sectors.”

Director of the Research Development Directorate, Prof Dina Burger said they have a pride to be part of the launch as it was a testimony of a dream that so many role-players have had. Burger thanked all the dignitaries representing the respective stakeholders for the opportunity to co-partner and journey with them and for the collective efforts to support CPUT research as well as the students.

She said at the event, FEDRATI and CPUT solidified their partnership for many years to come. In Burger emphasised the importance of a compact between CPUT and communities and explained that the research and projects that they would ideally prefer to be involved with should originate from the community and should be carefully co-planned and created between the community and CPUT researchers and should ultimately find its way back to the community where it originated from.

“At CPUT we are committed to undertake relevant research for the benefit of society and to be taken up by society. I encourage the Interim Chair, Dr Sparks, to engage with the communities present from the West Coast to jointly decide on the most pressing issues of concern that they believe we should research.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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CPUT proudly opened its doors recently for the Global Institute for Teacher Education and Society (GITES) Annual Symposium of Teaching for Social Justice.

The theme of the symposium, held at the Cape Town Hotel School, Granger Bay Campus. was: Examining and envisioning education in South Africa from current inequalities to future equities – addressing social justice and inclusivity in pursuit of a ‘good society’.

Prof Zayd Waghid, Acting Director: GITES, CPUT, delivered the opening remarks and outlined the role of GITES. Waghid said the GITES Annual Symposium on Teaching for Social Justice was started in 2023. “The symposium aims to provide a platform for experts in the field of social justice education to engage in discourse around the need to transform society through pragmatic and innovative ways at the micro, meso and macro levels. The symposium aims to create an awareness of the need to disrupt comfort levels of t prevalent in various education contexts.”

He added that the symposium focuses on bringing students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, in-service teachers and government officials, by creating spaces for meaningful dialogue by bringing theory and rigorous research to practice and policy.

Keynote speakers included: Prof Jonathan Jansen from Stellenbosch University; Prof Thaddeus Metz, from the University of Pretoria, and Dr Savo Heleta, from Durban University of Technology.

In his presentation, Jansen gave reasons “why professors of education should not teach future teachers”. “We have not taught in schools for decades. We norm our teaching on middle-class school standards. We frontload teacher education with theory and literature, he continued.

“Because of these factors we are far removed from the routines of management and teaching in working-class schools.”

Heleta delivered his presentation on Eurocentric education under coloniality and neoliberalism: How to envision socially just and decolonised education in South Africa? He said decolonisation was not even a footnote. “Most university leaders, academia, and policymakers weren’t bothered with the coloniality of knowledge and colonial and apartheid-era curriculum that continued long after 1994. Epistemic decolonisation became a buzzword in South African higher education in 2015-2016, primarily due to student activism under the #RhodesMustFall and #FeesMustFall banners.”

Metz, a Research Professor of Philosophy, made a presentation on Being Excluded from Knowledge for Its Own Sake: An Underappreciated Injustice.

Reflecting on the event, Dr Yohana William said the topic that Jansen presented was important at the current juncture where South Africa, as many other developing countries, “is still battling with redressing the current inequalities in education for future equities and pursuit of a good society as the symposium theme suggests”.

William said the education system is not neutral. “It is a tool or an instrument that reproduces and exacerbates the existing inequalities and classes through both the existing pedagogies and political/hegemonic decisions characterising the schooling process (what is and what is not).”

Meanwhile, Dr Andrew Wambua said Jansen stated that love and connection matter more than correct teaching. And that consistency in school management is key. He said according to Metz, if qualified people cannot access higher education, then that is injustice. “Education should reach masses and should not be offered just for the sake of it.” He added that Heleta urged the attendees to decolonise “our curriculum and thinking”. “Education remains deeply segregated. Societal inequalities are often on display at and between universities. There is a need for critical pedagogy and decoloniality to resist neoliberalism, coloniality, and Eurocentric hegemony.”

In his take-ways, Dr Adedayo Theodorio said Heleta pointed out that multilayered injustices are happening across the globe and that the injustices in many ways influence higher education. “Challenges such as the absence of justice, oppression, and dissociations in South Africa’s society remain a sickening root cause of inequality in the society and higher education.”

Theodorio said the Department of Higher Education and Training should consider decolonisation fully instead of neoliberal visions. “SA universities could consider collaborating with local universities in SA instead of entirely collaborating with foreign universities.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Faculty of Business and Management Sciences in collaboration with the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Division of Student Affairs and Centre for Diversity, Inclusivity and Social Change recently hosted a Youth Month Commemoration event at Bellville Campus.

The event, themed, “Inspire Hope in the Student of 2024”. drew inspiration from the 1976 youth, who stood up in the hope of creating the tomorrow they envisaged. Manager: Strategic Initiatives and Projects, Andiswa Mrasi, said: “Today, our students are navigating various issues ranging from GBV, youth unemployment, and AI to mention a few. Therefore, this event seeks to encourage the students of 2024 to take up space and turn fear into hope as we work hard to build a better South Africa, Africa, and ultimately, the world we want.”

The event, which was also attended by the Dean of Students, Nonkosi Tyolwana, included a panel discussion, a live performance by a well-known international musician Cairo CPT, poetry, a public lecture on the role of the late great, Archbishop Desmond Tutu during the 1976 student uprising. On behalf of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Charlene Houston said: “The Arch always said to young people: ‘Go on dreaming that we are going to have a different world to the one we live in’”.

She said the quality of education was always an important matter for Archbishop Tutu. Houston said his father was an educator, and he became a teacher. “Both he and Mrs Tutu were teachers until they understood the implications of the newly introduced Bantu Education system. They resigned in protest.” She said young leaders needed to look at what platform they have, what influence they have, and “how you can use that to make a difference”.

Houston added that Tutu always urged the “oldies” to listen to young people and he encouraged youth to use their voices and to take action. “Dream you must, but you also need to take collective action.”

She also reminded the young people that they have “a wonderful heritage, you stand on the shoulders of brave courageous, and righteous people such as the Arch, Mbuyisa Makhubu, and the youth of 1976”. “Hopefully, you participated in the recent national elections. It doesn’t stop there. Learn about the ways to stay involved…. there are many channels to do so formally or informally. As the Arch said, ‘Don’t be infected by the cynicism of oldies who believe this world can become better for all’, The baton is yours to pick up!”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Many individuals perceive pool as just a recreational game – something one plays at a bar or in the man cave. However, to members of CPUT’s supa-pool teams, it’s more than just leisure. It’s a competitive sport where they can test their skills against opponents from other universities nationwide.

CPUT supa-pool men’s team recently took first place overall in the 2024 USSA National Institutional Supa-Pool Championships. CPUT recently hosted the 2024 USSA Supa-pool Championships at the Western Cape Ultimate Pool Centre, Bellville.

Sport Development Officer, Quinton Summers, who was the chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, said the venue was “a positive new addition to this event”. “Hosting the event off-campus at a community venue meant that USSA supa-pool was exposed to the community more than it would have been.”

There were six participating universities: CPUT, Sefako Makgatho University, the University of the Western Cape (UWC), the University of Limpopo, Rhodes University, and the University of Fort Hare, and each university brought two men’s teams and a female team for the five-day tournament. Summers said: “The competition was exciting, on each day the excitement in the venue could be felt.” The men’s team won the men’s section by beating UWC in the final. Unfortunately, the ladies did not make the knock-out stages but one of CPUT's players, Perseverance Mashilo was the best women’s player of the tournament.

Even though Perseverance did not make it to the knockout stages her scores in the round-robin part of the event were the best. This earned her the award. The CPUT Supa-Pool team Manager, Ricardo Geduld, and Coach, Beauren Simon worked tirelessly behind the scenes to earn the team the success and the respect they deserve at the USSA level.

The overall Women's Individual winner – Shanice Van Vuuren (UWC), made the knockout stages and won the final. Summers clarified that the scores in the knockout stages don't impact the points scored leading up to that stage of the tournament. The UWC was the winner of the women’s section. The Player of the Tournament, (men) was Kevin Martin, meanwhile, the overall team of the tournament was the University of Limpopo.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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In a significant stride towards fostering international collaboration in higher education, CPUT and Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences (EhB), based in Belgium, have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The MOU signing ceremony marked the formalisation of a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing academic cooperation, research collaboration, and student exchanges between the two institutions. Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences delegation came to CPUT to explore opportunities with the Nursing, Urban and Regional Planning, and other departments. “The purpose of the meeting was to explore how they can collaborate not only in terms of student or faculty mobility but also in research (Research Focus Area 5: Human, Health and Social Dynamics and Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute),” Manager International Relations: Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships. Dr Tasmeera Singh remarked.

Singh said the collaboration and exchange agreement that was signed on the day allows for the exchange of students and research and that the collaboration was initiated by the Faculty of Applied Sciences. The event was attended by key representatives from both CPUT and EhB, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr David Phaho, along with dignitaries from the academic and administrative spheres.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo said CPUT places a premium on internationalisation. “We believe that problems are now global in nature, that’s why we subscribe to addressing sustainable development goals because problems know no boundaries and higher education do have a role to play in terms of actually addressing the sustainable development goals and other problems affecting the mankind,” said Nhlapo.

Reflecting on the occasion, Singh said: “It was a resounding success as there is a deep commitment by both parties to engage and collaborate. The goals were achieved as the MOU was signed and an invitation to visit Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences was extended to the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

The delegation was taken on a tour of the Department of Food Science and Technology laboratories where they witnessed CPUT's chocolate-making in progress and managed to sample some as well. They were also informed about the brewery and the mechanics behind making beer. “It is always the mandate and objective of the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Directorate to ensure that every visit is a success aligned to the objectives of the visit and CPUT's strategic focus areas,” enthused Singh.

It was also revealed that the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor will visit Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences in July to solidify the commitment of the partnership.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Mandela Day not only honours the former stateman’s life and achievements but also inspires individuals and communities globally to devote their time and efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

As the heavy rain and gusty winds continued to batter the Western Cape on this day, the staff and students were excited to engage in a meaningful act of kindness that brought joy to children in low-resourced local schools such as Balvenie Primary School, Astra Special Education School, as well as The Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children.

Led by the Service-Learning and Civic Engagement (SLCE) Unit, the Community Engagement Student Academy (CESA) project group, known as The Community Connectors, groups of staff members and students visited the classrooms at these venues and read stories to the learners. The teams also delivered an entertaining programme that included the performance of a children’s story, a quiz and other interactive activities.

SLCE Manager, Jacqui Scheepers emphasised the importance of institutional projects that express the Ubuntu philosophy through action within the communities around CPUT. “The support, teamwork, good spirits, and camaraderie displayed by staff and students from across the institution and various campuses was evidence of what could be achieved in communities when there is unity and purpose,” said Scheepers.

She also quoted Tata Madiba who said: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Scheepers said this was displayed by the CPUT community who visited three community sites to engage in activities with school learners to celebrate the legacy of Tata Madiba and express the spirit of Ubuntu as part of CPUT’s Vision 2030.

CPUT Libraries has coordinated the drop-off sites of reading materials at all campus libraries which were donated by staff and students. Scheepers said the donation of new/pre-owned books and reading materials of all genres children’s books, CDs, magazines and many more) “contributes to the educational development of our communities”, adding that reusing pre-owned reading materials is also environmentally responsible as it reduces waste.

Scheepers stated that the Balvenie Primary School Library is a long-term project site for SLCE interdisciplinary projects in conjunction with Architectural Technology, Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, Interior Design, Mechanical Engineering, and Graphic Design departments. Industry and service-learning partner, Nadeson Consulting staff members joined CPUT at Balvenie Primary and handed over books, a laptop, and a printer to the library. They also raised R5,000.00 through crowdfunding for the library.

The school principal, Farieda Wakefield expressed her gratitude to CPUT and Nadeson Consulting for their kind donations and for engaging with their learners.

Wakefield said: “It's such a joy to see people come on board to invest in our community. One of our mottos at our school is always: This can be Elsie's River, but we don’t need to be like Elsie's River … One of our challenges is getting people on board to come and invest in our school… So the fact that CPUT and Nadeson Consulting came on board to have a library, I must say thank you very much to CPUT and other role players who after so many years want to see this project through…Thank you very much for whatever you're giving to the school, small or big it doesn’t matter what it is, we are just happy that at the end of the day, we will have a library to at least see what we can do to enhance the academic performance of our learners.” She added that the school needed more interventions to improve the dire situation at the school.

Regina Sikhosana, Branch Manager, Bellville Campus, brightened the room when she mentioned the available assistance from the library and said: “So we are going to adopt you until you graduate”.

In The Saartjie Centre for Women and Children's new therapeutic library, the Community Connectors and library staff sorted out the books, packed the bookshelves, and then engaged with the learners. Miriam Fredericks said: “Your support is instrumental in our ability to continue to provide essential, life-changing services to survivors of domestic violence and their children.”

The SLCE unit have undertaken to conduct a life skills programme with the hostel learners at Astra Special Education School in the future.

Scheepers also conveyed “a special thank you” to all the stakeholders, staff and students for their participation.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce and CPUT News
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Bellville Campus was abuzz with excitement when about 200 learners from across the Western Cape participated in the first provincial Coding and Robotic Hackathon.

The theme for the event centred around Building a Smart Home for Mrs Sarah Jacobs, an elderly woman who faces daily challenges due to her health conditions. Western Cape Education Department (WCED) Chief Education Specialist Ebrahim Peck said: "You, young innovators are tasked with designing solutions to make her life easier and safer.”

Peck continued: “By designing a smart home for Mrs Jacobs, you are contributing to creating more inclusive and accessible living spaces for everyone. It’s a small step towards a bigger change.”

The Grade 3 and 4 learners tackled unplugged challenges while Grade 7 to 9 learners tackled prototyping smart home solutions. In this high-energy event, learners ideated and formed teams to tackle specific challenges within a constrained timeframe. Partakers leaped into real-world problems, applying their skills to develop innovative solutions. Students from the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment adjudicated the innovative projects, giving learners the opportunity for exceptional exposure.

Deputy Chief Education Specialist: Coding and Robotics Intermediate Phase: WCED, Ashric Don, said the hackathon had been WCED’s dream since last year to bring the children together in one place to solve real problems. Don said the learners had undergone training before the event.

On the event day, the learners presented their final products to the audience. Peck said the event was about innovation, creativity and collaboration. “This hackathon isn’t just another competition; it’s a chance to solve real-world problems using technology, creativity, and teamwork.”

Don also thanked CPUT for opening its doors to learners, and for exposing learners to a university environment. “We wanted a university to host it, and there is a two-fold effect, because many of our learners have never seen a university and we wanted that experience to be part of the day. They come to the university, walk around this department, see what Engineering is all about, and work with Engineering students who are part of the judges. That is another part of this event being hosted at CPUT.”

He added: “I am grateful to CPUT’s leaders for opening the doors for us, Dr Marco Adonis, Prof Suresh Ramsuroop: Dean: Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment and [CPUT] Education Faculty. I am hopeful that we can take this partnership for further competitions.

Peck encouraged the learners to “take a dive in with enthusiasm”. “Take risks, be bold in your ideas, and most importantly, have fun. Remember this is a day for exploration and innovation. To our parents, teachers and guests, thank you for supporting these incredible learners. Your encouragement and guidance are invaluable”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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The Department of Food Science and Technology (DFST) recently coordinated a compelling guest lecture, fostering an enriching presentation by Josef Gochermann, a Marketing & Technology Management professor at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, Germany.

The event, which was hosted at the Bellville Campus, was aimed at cultivating a positive mindset among students as they embark on their future careers.

The focal point of the lecture was to provide students with valuable insights into the expectations of the industry. By featuring a prominent figure from the field, the event created a platform for meaningful interactions, allowing students to gather firsthand information and perspectives essential for navigating the complexities of the Food Science and Technology industry.

“When we introduce students to external speakers, they are usually from the food science sector, but the way Professor integrated technology into the food industry, especially AI in food product development and processing, you’d think his expertise was in food science. The primary goal was for our students and staff to learn, and it was especially valuable to see that as the Department of Food Science and Technology, we’re not far behind in the technologies we expose our students to,” said Dr Lusani Vhangani, Lecturer at the Department of Food Science & Technology.

Gocherman met Dr Sune Henning, a lecturer from DFST at the Dual Higher Education Project (DHEP) seminar in May. After hearing his presentation on technology management, which aligned well with her ongoing AI-related project, Henning became interested in having him deliver a talk at DFST on "The Role of Technology in the Food Market”. "Since then, we have held online meetings and exchanged emails to coordinate the logistics for this workshop. Moreover, CPUT and Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences have a longstanding relationship, supported by a current Memorandum of Understanding, which facilitates collaborations through student and staff research and teaching exchange programmes. This relationship made the process seamless,” said Vhangani.

A day before the workshop, Gocherman toured the department’s facilities. During the visit, he met several staff members and students involved in various projects. During his presentation he referenced technologies in the CPUT pilot plant and laboratories, comparing them to newer advancements in the industry.

The department’s primary goal was for students and staff to learn, and “it was especially valuable to see that as the Department of Food Science and Technology, we’re not far behind in the technologies we expose our students to,” Vhangani observed.

The students also showed a high level of engagement and participation in the activities prepared by the speaker, enhanced using SLIDO, an interactive online tool. “From a lecturer and researcher perspective, our longstanding relationship with Osnabrück University had previously been limited to the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Landscape Architecture. However, following this visit, we have also expanded our network to include the technology management and marketing programmes,” Vhangani noted.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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In an effort to promote sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation, the STEM Club offered students a platform to exhibit their best research projects to the CPUT community.

This year's category winners are Mzameli Mashiyi, who is developing an African language speech recognition AI (Technology) and Nomava Mgidi, who is addressing unemployment through fashion design (Social Science).

This was part of the annual STEM Expo Competition at SARETEC as part of the National Science Week, where students were given opportunities to upscale their research projects via the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) for possible commercialisation. During this year's Expo Competition, the STEM Club worked closely with the Community Engagement (CE) and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. The neighbouring high school learners were also invited to be part of the programme and to view the exhibitions. CE and WIL also conducted a workshop with the learners.

The guest speakers included Jacqueline Scheepers: Manager: Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Unit, Dr Xena Cupido: Fundani CHED director, Dr Mark Jacobs: Maths lecturer, Dr Gillian Arendse: Nuclear Physicist for iThemba Labs), and Ntokozo Mashaba: last year's winner. Dr Frikkie George, who is also CPUT STEM Support Lead, said the lively and animated talk of Dr Arendse “gapped the interest of the attendees”.

George, who also coordinated the event, said they witnessed fewer exhibitors this year but “the quality of the projects was impressive”.

However, the STEM Expo Competition was well attended. “We explore the possibility of accessing funding for the winners to up-scale their projects for commercialisation. This event showcases the CPUT STEM Club's members' research projects, and it may contribute to their academic performance.”

George, who is also the acting Head of Department: Fundani STARS Unit, continued: “This STEM Expo competition will advance the STEM awareness at CPUT and showcase students' research projects in the different departments.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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Manager: International Relations at the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships (SIP) Directorate, Dr Tasmeera Singh, is “extremely delighted” with the success of the visit by Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) and the possible outcomes it may yield for the Space Engineering programme at CPUT.

CPUT hosted the visitors, Prof Dr Masayoshi Noguchi – Vice President for International Affairs/Executive Director, International Centre; Hidetaka Masuda – Director, International Affairs Office and Satomi Suzuki, International Partnerships Coordinator at Bellville Campus recently. Amongst the CPUT delegation were Prof Suresh Ramsuroop: Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE); Prof Veruscha Fester, Assistant Dean: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships – FEBE; Dr Oluwaseyi Babalola - French-South African Institute of Technology / Africa Space Innovation; Nyameko Roy – Acting Director ASIC; Dr Marco Adonis - Head: Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (DEECE); Singh and many others.

The objective of the visit was to explore avenues for collaboration in shared areas of interest, such as space engineering. Reflecting on the meeting, Singh said: “It was an extremely productive visit with tangible outcomes for the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment for the Space Engineering programme.”

During the meeting, Singh also provided an overview of CPUT. Fester presented an overview of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. Royi narrated the overview and success stories of the of French-South African Institute of Technology / Africa Space Innovation Centre. As a result of the meeting, two follow-up meetings have been set up and a F’SATI delegate will visit TMU.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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