Hard work pays off.

This is true for the more than 6000 students who will graduate during the CPUT Autumn Graduation next week.

Autumn Graduation is the highlight of the CPUT academic year and provides the university with an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the achievements of thousands of students.

Graduation week will kick off on Monday morning at the Cape Town Campus, where qualifications will be conferred on students who completed programmes in the Business Faculty. 

This will be followed with ten more ceremonies, which will take place in the Multipurpose Hall on the Cape Town Campus and in the Major Sports Hall on the Bellville Campus.

Autumn Graduation will culminate on Saturday afternoon at 2pm on the Cape Town Campus, where qualifications will be conferred on students who completed programmes in the Education Faculty. 

A total of 6712 qualifications will be conferred, of which 15 are doctoral degrees.

It is expected that thousands of parents, guardians, spouses, partners and other supporters of graduates will attend the ceremonies.

The Graduates will also be addressed by a host of South African movers and shakers in politics, industry and academia.

CPUT’s Vice- Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga will preside over the ceremonies.

All Graduation Ceremonies will be streamed live at www.cput.ac.za/live

* Education students must please note that there will only be one graduation ceremony on Saturday at 2pm.  For more information, please see the Autumn Graduation 2013 Schedule on the CPUT home page

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News

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Celebrations at CPUT are in full swing.

This week, CPUT will celebrate and recognise the achievements of thousands of students, who have successfully completed academic programmes at the university.

Graduation week kicks off this morning on the Cape Town Campus where students who completed programmes in the Business Faculty will take to the stage to receive their qualifications.

This evening hundreds of parents, spouses, partners, guardians and other supporters of graduates are expected to attend the second Business Faculty graduation at the Bellville Campus.

These ceremonies will be followed by nine others scheduled to take place during this week, with celebrations culminating on Saturday afternoon on the Cape Town campus.

During Autumn Graduation a total of 6712 qualifications will be conferred. Of this total, 66 are Master of Technology qualifications and six are Master of Education qualifications. Fifteen doctoral degrees will also be conferred.    

CPUT’s Vice- Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga will preside over the ceremonies.

All Graduation Ceremonies will be streamed live at www.cput.ac.za/live

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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A week of autumn graduation ceremonies drew to a close on Saturday with the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences.

By that afternoon the university had conferred a total of 6555 qualifications in 12 ceremonies happening morning and evening at the Bellville and Cape Town campuses.

This weekend the loudest applause was reserved for Dean’s medallist Tanja Renate Botbyl.

The young teacher obtained distinctions in 65 of the 73 subjects she studied and is currently working at Bosmansdam High School in Bothasig.

Vice Chancellor Prof Mazwi-Tanga congratulated all graduates and implored them to keep CPUT’s name high as they headed off into the industry.

“Always remember that CPUT is your alma mater. Continue to do us proud,” she says.

Prof Mazwi-Tanga also praised the supporting role that parents and guardians played in getting graduates to that point.

“I express my sincere appreciation to parents, guardians and spouses for assisting you on your educational and life journey during these defining years,” she says.

“Their contribution is celebrated on this day as well. Your success is their success.”

By LAUREN KANSLEY

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CPUT Chancellor Dr Trevor Manuel and keynote speaker Dr Pierre Le Monde asked graduates to use their newly acquired skills to make a difference in their communities and country.

Dr Manuel says graduating comes with great responsibility and reminded the graduates that society has great expectations from them.

Dr Manuel was addressing the first Engineering Graduation ceremony which took place at the Major Sports hall in Bellville. Last night’s graduation was the eighth, in a string of 12 Autumn Graduation ceremonies that started on Monday.

Keynote speaker Dr Pierre Le Monde, Attache for Science and Technology at the Embassy of France in SA, told the gathering he was impressed at how seriously we take graduation ceremonies in South Africa. “I come from a country where graduation is not so formal.

Le Monde says the world is changing very fast and is facing issues that need solutions and added that graduates were central to solving problems.

“You must keep your eyes open, don’t limit your imagination. What you have learnt here is not enough. You have learnt to learn,” he concluded.

The Major Sports Hall erupted in applause when the Dean of the Engineering Faculty, Dr Nawaz Mahomed, announced that Myalelo Nomnqa has been awarded his MTech in Chemical Engineering Cum Laude. Five MTechs in Chemical Engineering were conferred during last night’s ceremony.

The week-long graduations will see more than 6500 qualifications conferred. The final graduation ceremony will take place on Saturday morning with the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences.

By Thami Nkwanyane

Photos by Clive Galant

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT is set to pull off its biggest and most important event of the year – Autumn Graduation.

Over the next week, the university will confer more than 6 000 qualifications during 12 ceremonies, which will take place at the Cape Town and Bellville campuses.

Four of the 12 ceremonies have been set aside for the university’s biggest faculty – Business. The Faculties of Engineering, Applied Science and Education will each hold two ceremonies.

The remaining ceremonies will be used to confer degrees on students who completed programmes in the Faculties of Informatics and Design and Health and Wellness.

The qualifications that will be awarded include Diplomas, Bachelor's and Master of Technology Degrees as well as Doctoral Degrees.

Graduates will be addressed by a host of South African movers and shakers in politics, industry and academia. CPUT’s Chancellor, Dr Trevor Manuel will also preside over several ceremonies.

During Graduation Week CPUT will also celebrate the achievements of top students in each faculty.

This year sees Eliaser Ikela from Applied Sciences, Tanya Botbyl from Education and Social Sciences, Margaretha Stofberg from Engineering, Stephanie Geldenhuys from Health and Wellness Sciences, Christoffel Basson from FID and Jennifer Katsch from the Faculty of Business, scoop the Dean’s Medal.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT is at the forefront of developing highly skilled individuals, each who  are playing a positive role in developing the economy and communities of South Africa and beyond.

From Monday, 11 April up until Friday, 15 April, CPUT will confer 6 807 qualifications, during its annual Autumn Graduation, which will take place on the Bellville Campus.

Those graduating will enter the workforce in the fields of Applied Sciences, Business and Management Sciences, Engineering, Education, Health and Wellness and Informatics and Design.

Of the 6 806 graduates, 74 will be awarded MTech qualifications, while 12 will take to the stage to receive their DTech qualifications.

For more information on the Autumn Graduation, please see:  http://www.cput.ac.za/students/about/graduation

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

The importance of family and a support network was emphasized during the ninth graduation ceremony which took place in Cape Town this morning.

Graduates from the Informatics and Design Faculty were addressed by guest speaker Gina Levy during the ceremony.

Levy herself straddles many design disciples in her professional and personal life, working as an architect, film and screenwriter, photographer and dancer.

She urged graduates to continue to do their best in their professional careers and 'Pay it Forward' to future generations.

"You are the people who have the chance to change the trajectory of not only your life, but also that of your siblings and your children," she says.

Levy's message was especially pertinant to one gradute in the audience.

Charity Chiuwye graduated her BTech in IT alongside her husband Takaua Chandiwana who graduted her Masters in the same course.

The Zimbabwean couple battled visa issues and raising two young children to get to that proud moment.

"It was very difficult because my youngest is only five months and I was pregnant while I was studying," she says.

"But you have to study to make your life better."

Written by Lauren Kansley
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Liaises with the media and writes press releases about interesting developments at CPUT.

Hundreds of graduates from the Tourism, Hospitality, Printing and Public Management Departments of the Business Faculty were capped this morning.

Businesswoman and entrepreneur, Viola Manuel, the former Executive Director of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was the guest speaker at this third ceremony of the Faculty of Business. Manuel’s inspirational address included a reminder to graduates to acknowledge the parents, caregivers and various donors and supporters who have all contributed to their academic success.

“As new graduates in a difficult job market, you will encounter self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. But by running at these demons with a healthy dose of fear, as David ran towards Goliath, you’ll be able to triumph and succeed,” says Manuel.

She also urged graduates to engage in social entrepreneurship and enter the working world with a mindset of doing things for the greater good.

“As new graduates entering the workforce, bear in mind that the greatest rewards will come to you when you are not just chasing money, but chasing the opportunity to make a contribution in whatever field you find yourself in. This begins by standing out - doing the simplest, most basic tasks assigned to you absolutely brilliantly, doing the common things uncommonly well. Building on this brilliance is how the CEO’s, Operations Manager and HR Managers will take notice of you, because you’ve done the simple things incredibly well.”

Autumn graduation is nearing the halfway mark with graduates from the Biomedical Technology, Emergency Medical Care, Nursing and Radiography Departments set to receive their diplomas and degrees this evening. The graduates are all from the Faculty of Health and Wellness Science, who will be hosting this sixth graduation ceremony on the Bellville campus.

Written by Janyce Weintrob
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The CPUT community has much to look forward to this week, including the Autumn Graduation and the installation of Prof Chris Nhlapo as the institution’s third Vice-Chancellor.

One of the highlights of the first graduation ceremony on Thursday morning will be the awarding of honorary doctorates to the two surviving Rivonia trialists, Denis Goldberg and Andrew Mlangeni,

Goldberg, who will be celebrating his 86th birthday on the day, spent 22 years in prison, while Mlangeni, whose Robben Island cell was next to that of Nelson Mandela, spent 26 years in jail.

More than 1 500 graduands will receive their degrees on Thursday and Friday including ten who will receive their doctorates and 63 their Masters.

Prof Nhlapo, who previously served as the institution’s first Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, will be installed on Wednesday.

During his tenure as Deputy-Vice-Chancellor he authored the Research, Technology and Innovation Blueprint for the institution that underpins the university’s Vision 2020.
Nhlapo has occupied a number of senior positions at Higher Education Institutions and Science Councils. He was the Head of Chemistry at the universities of the North and the Free State before joining the National Research Foundation (NRF).

“I am thrilled and humbled to be appointed as the third Vice-Chancellor of CPUT. The task I face is complex. During my acting period I started with the conceptual underpinning of Vision 2030 for the institution. I am looking forward to completing this plan and rolling it out to enable the institution to respond to the challenges such as the 4th Industrial revolution, known as Industry 4.0, sustainable development and South Africa’s National Development Plan,” he said following his appointment last year.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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It is hard to believe that the institution is already preparing to wind down its first semester and that half the year has passed.

A well-deserved recess is on the cards for the majority of staff and students and I hope you will use the break to reflect on the successes and less successful elements of the past six months.

There is much to celebrate such as the send-off of our second ZACube-2 nano-satellite; the Autumn graduation series and the hugely successful Open Day which proves that CPUT is still an attractive higher education choice for learners.

For some of you this break will be an exciting one as you prepare to share your knowledge with peers at conferences. You represent CPUT when you do this and I am confident that you will be the brand ambassadors that the institution needs you to be.Some of our administration and essential services staff will remain on duty during this time to ensure business continuity. Your contribution is equally important as we deep clean our buildings, continue to process applications for the class of 2019 and handle queries from the public.The second semester will be equally busy, with applications closing and with several initiatives, such as the launch of the CPUT Institutional Social Cohesion statement and some great Mandela Day activations, I urge you to please give them your support.

In the IDFM sector, we have finalised the appointment of a Director of Security and are in the final stages of appointing a Director of Estates (Property Services). We have also completed the refurbishment of the Auditorium and the renovation of the Information Centre and Main Bellville gate is also progressing rapidly.These are exciting times and I hope you will return energised and as excited as I am to continue strengthening this institution and building it from the inside out.Regards

Acting Vice-Chancellor
Dr Chris Nhlapo

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Amongst the excited students graduating at this year’s autumn graduation is one lecturer who is just as delighted to be capped again.
Moses Basitere teaches engineering mathematics and engineering physics to first-year and second-year students in the Chemical Engineering Department.

He also gets his D Eng in Chemical Engineering having worked on a thesis entitled Performance evaluation of up-and down-flow anaerobic digestion reactors for poultry slaughterhouse wastewater treatment in South Africa.

The doctorate is all the more precious to him because his academic career almost finished before it started.
Basitere was devastated when he was academically excluded from UCT in his second year and grudgingly listened to a lecturer who told him to investigate CPUT as an alternative. Today he realises it was the best decision he ever made.
“I never failed a course again,” he points out.

Plus he figured out he liked teaching: “I discovered my purpose,” said Basitere.
Reflecting on the beginning of his academic career Basitere now realises that adaptation was his biggest problem back then.
“It was difficult to fit into the UCT culture and there wasn’t enough mechanisms to accommodate the rural students at the time.
“But here at CPUT, it was different. There was already a bit of diversity in the teaching staff back in 2005 and the way they taught… the lecturers cared whether we understood what was being taught,” Basitere said.

He finished his National Diploma in Chemical Engineering and then returned to do his BTech after his in-service stint at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.

After his BTech, he started lecturing, part-time at first, and as he tutored students he thought: “Instead of complaining about transition of students from the rural areas I must be the change I want to see.”
As he taught he saw students running into the same problems he had experienced.
“So I started looking at interventions like using social media such as Facebook and Whatsapp to create a platform for learning outside the classroom to get the students to talk to each other for support.”

He also introduced electronic clickers in his class to allow students to anonymously answer questions. “It was a way to make them realise their views matter. Also, they can talk to each other about why they answered in the way they did.”

Basitere was awarded a Faculty of Engineering Distinguished Teaching Award for his contribution to teaching and learning in the Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) Chemical Engineering in 2014 when he started working on his D Eng thesis.
At the same time as he published journal articles in chemical engineering, Basitere also started publishing in engineering education, so far four in each field.

He likes working with first-year students and always tells them: “I am preventing you from going through what I went through.”
Recently he was seconded as the coordinator for chemical engineering ECP and he is working on a psychosocial support programme targeting at students at risk of failing.

“I realise that with the engineering education research I am doing I have the power to influence policy,” said Basitere.

Written by Theresa Smith
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Provides coverage for the Applied Sciences and Engineering Faculties and the Wellington Campus.

He boasts more than 60 caps for SA’s prolific Blitzbok squad and now star player Chris Dry can add another feather to his cap.

The Springbok Sevens forward is among more than 2 000 graduates whose hard work and sacrifices will be celebrated during CPUT’s Autumn Graduation on April 19 and 20.

And despite his hectic schedule, the B.Tech in Construction Management will be the second B.Tech he has earned in three years - Dry graduated with a B.Tech in Quantity Surveying in 2015.

He admits that it was quite a balancing act to juggle so many balls at once.

After a gruelling day of training, he would make the commute to Bellville to attend evening classes or to write exams.

When travelling with the team overseas he had to miss classes and communicated with his lecturers via email.

“It was especially difficult in the beginning.  We spend a lot of time overseas so I had to inform the lecturers of my schedule ahead of time and I had to fit in my work whenever I had a moment. The hardest part for me was when I had to do my research and I had missed the classes. But, somehow I managed.”

Dry encourages other sportsmen and women to pursue their studies.

“Don’t use the excuse that you don’t have enough time. You have enough time. You can only play professional rugby for maybe 10 years. You need to be prepared for your life thereafter.”

Asked why he had decided to complete two B.Tech degrees, Dry said he was hoping to work in property development.

“I wanted to be well prepared so I decided to get the necessary knowledge in both sectors.”

Dry suffered an injury at the end of last year, which ruled him out for several months.

“I’m working hard at the moment doing full-time rehab. I’m focused on coming back and want to play in the Rugby World Cup Sevens.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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CPUT’s Bellville campus will once again be a scene of great joy on Thursday and Friday as Autumn Graduation takes over the Major Sports Hall.

Excited friends and family members will travel from far to watch as students are named, capped, photographed and feted. Over the course of two days and eight ceremonies, 2335 students will graduate, 45 with Masters degrees and nine with Doctorates. In total 97 students graduate cum laude while 2 graduate summa cum laude at the last ceremony on Friday at 2pm.

This will be the first time CPUT students will achieve summa cum laude. This is a criteria that applies to Masters students only and it signifies they have received a 75% or above mark from both their examiners.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr Chris Nhlapo said graduation marks a personal success that is also a collaborative effort from university staff, parents, guardians, family members, spouses, friends, donors and all stakeholders that should be celebrated as such.

He encouraged every graduate to make the most of their qualification to not only grow their careers but also help develop all spheres of society.

*For more information on graduation check http://www.cput.ac.za/students/about/graduation and you can watch the graduation on the day at http://live.cput.ac.za

Written by Theresa Smith
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Provides coverage for the Applied Sciences and Engineering Faculties and the Wellington Campus.

The stage is set for Autumn Graduation 2023 with more than 6 600 graduands set to graduate during 15 ceremonies.

A total of 30 doctorates will be awarded during five days of celebrations at the Major Sports Hall on the Bellville campus.

The first ceremony is scheduled for this morning when more than 400 graduands in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment will be capped.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo congratulated the Class of 2023.

“All your sacrifices along the way have culminated in this day and we are very grateful that you chose CPUT as your academic partner. You made a wise choice because today you graduate from the top University of Technology in South Africa. You have achieved what many covet, a qualification from a respected university that sets you up for future success. I hope that during your time with us you identified your unique strengths and will now use those to have a meaningful career that enriches our beautiful country.”

All ceremonies will be livestreamed via the CPUT YouTube channel

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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The Acting Head of the Department of Public Administration and Governance, Althea Whitaker, is delighted that her department has produced its first graduates for the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration. A total of 51 graduates who successfully completed the qualification, were capped during the eighth session of the Autumn Graduation series 2024 at the Bellville campus, which was held yesterday.

Whitaker says in a landmark move towards enhancing the efficiency, integrity, and accountability of the public sector, the national framework for the professionalisation of the public service was approved by Cabinet in October 2022. “This transformative framework underscores the commitment to equipping public servants with the right qualifications, technical skills, and a service delivery ethos.”

She adds that a pivotal aspect of this framework is the new minimum qualification standard for entry into the Senior Management Service (SMS) levels 13 to 16, set at an NQF level 8. “This represents a significant advancement from the previous minimum standard of entry at NQF level 7, to be fully implemented by 2025.”

The Department of Public Administration and Governance took the lead by launching its first cohort in the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration NQF level 8 qualification in 2023. This pioneering initiative saw 51 students graduate, meeting the new entry level requirement for senior management positions with the right qualification and technical skills.

“These aspiring leaders were exposed to a comprehensive curriculum covering Corporate Governance, Public Policy, Financial Management and Accountability, Development Management, Strategic Disaster Management, and Research Methodology. It is worth noting that two out of the seven Summa Cum Laude students in the university hailed from the Department of Public Administration and Governance.

“Congratulations to Elizabeth Julies and Tamsyn Whitaker for this outstanding achievement!”

Elizabeth says: “Graduating Summa Cum Laude as part of the first cohort for Public Administration makes it so much more special. It's definitely another feather in my cap as I'm currently busy with Master's. My message would be: "Hard and difficult is better than nice and easy. Three things that really work are discipline, reading, and being glued to your seat.”

For Tamsyn Whitaker, being part of the first cohort to graduate in the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration “fills me with immense pride and a sense of accomplishment. It's an honour to be a trailblazer in this programme and to contribute to its legacy”.

To prospective students, I would say embrace the opportunity to be part of something new and groundbreaking. The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration offers a unique chance to delve into the intricacies of governance and make a meaningful impact in the public sector. Seize this chance to expand your knowledge, skills, and network, and pave the way for future generations of public administrators.

In addition, Nicole Khadalie and Tsepo Sethole distinguished themselves by completing their qualifications with Cum Laude, showcasing their dedication to academic excellence.

The Department is also celebrating the graduation of students from various other qualifications:

• Diploma (Foundation programme): 26 graduates
• Diploma (Mainstream): 67 graduates
• Advanced Diploma: 88 graduates

“As we reflect on the achievements of the past year, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates of 2023. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence have set a benchmark for others to aspire to,” Whitaker enthused.

She continued: “As you embark on your professional journey, may you continue to uphold the values of efficiency, integrity, and accountability in serving our nation. You are the future leaders of our public service, and we are confident that you will make a significant impact in shaping a brighter future for all South Africans.

“Well done to the class of 2023! Your success is a testament to the power of education, determination, and the unwavering spirit of public service.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Graduation is always a family affair, but this morning, a mother and daughter couldn't be prouder of one another as the duo walked across the stage, being awarded their Advanced Diplomas in Human Resource Management Department together.

Nomvuyo Nkani, Secretary at the Department of Maritime Studies & Survival Centre and her daughter, Pamela, have always been close. The pair are part of the 2024 CPUT Autumn Graduation series, which is celebrating the success of 6 373 undergraduates and 735 postgraduates during 14 ceremonies, which started this morning and conclude on 26 April.

Nomvuyo raised Pamela alone since her daughter was five years old, so they've shared “a lot together” but never expected to share this milestone. They've been studying hard during their time at CPUT and now they're getting matching Advanced Diplomas, Human Resource Development for Nomvuyo and Human Resource Management for Pamela.

Nomvuyo said she never studied for a university degree then back in the day, but her daughter gave her the inspiration she needed. In 2016, Nomvuyo enrolled for her Diploma in Office Management. “Juggling the responsibilities of being a full-time working single mother of two while also studying was incredibly challenging. I faced various obstacles, including having to repeat some modules, but through perseverance and hard work, I completed my diploma in December 2020 and graduated in April 2021.”

In 2022, she enrolled for the Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Development, despite encountering similar difficulties, Nomvuyo who was born in Qumbu, Eastern Cape managed to complete the programme in 2023.

Meanwhile, Pamela, 21 started her schooling at Athlone North Primary school and completed her matric at Wittebome High school in 2019. In 2020, she enrolled for a Diploma in Human Resource Management and graduated in April 2023 at CPUT. After that she enrolled for the Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management, which she just completed.

“To be where I am today took a lot of discipline, dedication and my respect for my mother, because I know how hard she worked to provide me the life that I have and by me working so hard is a sign of respect to her but also a sign of respect to myself. Knowing that I can stay disciplined for the things that I want for myself, knowing I have the will and the drive to persevere and having so much discipline that peer pressure didn’t affect my outcome in life,” Pamela reflects.

Her mother says: “Reaching my educational milestones has been particularly gratifying, affirming my abilities and fostering a sense of fulfilment and accomplishment. Each of these experiences has imparted valuable lessons and chances for self-exploration, profoundly shaping my journey.”

Asked about studying with her first child, Nomvuyo says, most of the time, their school schedules matched up. “So, we would regularly remind each other about submission deadlines and check in on each other's progress. It often felt like she [Pamela] was the one supporting me the most. She'd barge into my room and catch me napping, making a fuss, and questioning if that's how I envisioned my future. ‘Wake up, there are no free cattle in the bush,’ she'd say. Despite initially feeling annoyed, I appreciated her encouragement and would get back to studying.”

They always have a friendly relationship. “My mom had me when she was only 20 years old, so in a way we kind of grew up together, learning things together and growing together. We have to keep in mind that we are all doing this life thing for the first time, we might get it wrong a few times but eventually everything will fall into place.”

Talking about graduating with her mother, Pamela says: “It is an indescribable feeling. Knowing where my mom and I started, this achievement seemed so out of reach. Had you asked me this when I was in my primary/high school journey I would have laughed in your face. But now that we are actually here, and it is happening. It’s a joy that is indescribable, a joy that is warm, a joy that makes you smile at random moment which will have you looking like a crazy person, it’s a joy filled with love, a joy filled with gratitude, a joy filled with admiration and lastly a joy filled with endless possibilities.”

Her modest mother says: “I feel extraordinary, like a woman of great value. Achieving milestones like this is incredibly rare, and not every mother gets the chance to experience such a remarkable and thrilling event. I'm ecstatic beyond words.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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