Tucked away on the fifth floor of the Admin building on CPUT’s Cape Town Campus, you’ll find a small unit, the Advancement Department, which packs a mega-punch. Tasked with supporting all who teach and learn at the University by raising funds, in cash or kind, the Department’s new Director, Calvin Maseko, has been in the fundraising and business development field for 16 years.

His last role was at Thembalethu Development, which was linked to the mining industry and implemented community development projects across the SADC region. Maseko also has extensive experience of business development in the non-profit sector, including Child Welfare, Lifeline, and the African Medical Research Foundation.

Maseko is enthused by working in academia and believes that fundraising, or business development in the social sector is the same, regardless of whether one is in an academic institution or working for a non-profit organisation.

“Funders and donors are approached in a similar manner and there are certain principles of relationship building and procuring funds that never change. Whether working on a community outreach project, or raising funds for one of CPUT’s strategic initiatives, similar approaches and interventions can be employed as one adapts to new environments.”

Maseko adds, “Meeting the fundraising targets we have committed to in our strategic plan, and synchronising the activities of the department to ensure we are always focussed on the bottom line of fundraising and friend-raising is key. In every organisation I have worked for, I have always exceeded fundraising targets, and am confident the same can be done here at the CPUT.”

Written by Janyce Weintrob
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The Advancement Department has thrown its weight behind the first social responsibility drive of CPUT’s 10 year anniversary campaign.

With just one week of the School Shoe Drive remaining, staffers from the fundraising arm of CPUT each contributed a pair of brand-new school shoes – and are challenging colleagues to do the same.

Advancement Director Calvin Maseko says, “We’re fully behind this drive, which aims to put shoes on the feet of those who might one day study right here with us. While we’re usually tasked with raising millions to support those who learn and teach at CPUT, this is a small, but tangible way to show we care. We’re urging our colleagues and students on the Cape Town Campus and all other campuses, to do the same.”

Shoes will be collected up until the first week of March. Staff and students can also make this a team effort and get together with a colleague or two to buy a pair of shoes. Any size and make of school shoes for boys and girls are welcome.

Contributions can be dropped off at the offices of the following staff members on your campus:

• Bellville Campus: Yanga Malusi (Administration Building – Marketing and Communication Office, second floor)
• Cape Town:  Samuel Meintjies (Administration Building –main entrance)
• Mowbray Campus:  Alisha Salie (Switchboard – ground floor)
• Wellington Campus: Loretta Adonis (Business Faculty - ground floor)
• Granger Bay: Luke van Rensburg (Hotel School)

Written by Janyce Weintrob

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Full scholarships worth close to a million rand have been awarded to 11 first-year students by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). The delighted students, drawn from the IT, Food and Beverage, Hospitality Management, Tourism and Mechanical Engineering Departments, will now have the privilege of concentrating solely on their studies, without worrying about any financial pressures.

Advancement Department Director Calvin Maseko and fundraiser Khumo Sebola have expressed their gratitude to the NYDA for their generosity and say they hope to strengthen the partnership with the agency in the years to come.

NYDA Senior Manager, Innocentia Mphayo says the agency believes that comprehensive support to a young person is critical to help ensure their years of study are as stress-free as possible.

“So many of our talented young people drop-out due to a lack of funding, a situation that is detrimental both to themselves and to our economy. We hope these comprehensive bursaries give these students the boost they so richly deserve, so that they can become successful in the careers of their choice.”

Mphayo is also urging any CPUT students who might need guidance to take advantage of their services. The NYDA have a full service Youth Advisory Centre in Adderley Street where students are welcome to access reliable and up-to-date information to make informed choices about their futures.

Written by Janyce Weintrob

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A generous R7.2 million bursary allocation from the Energy and Water Sector Training Authority (EWSETA) will improve the academic lives of 123 CPUT students.

The students, who are studying Environmental Health, Civil Engineering and Electrical Engineering, were notified of the good news at a recent cheque handover attended by the CEO of the EWSETA Errol Gradwell and CPUT’s Advancement Director Calvin Maseko.

The multi-million rand bursaries were awarded to academically achieving students and will cover books, tuition, accommodation and fees.

Gradwell told the lucky recipients that the qualifying criteria was stiff so the group of 123 represent the best of what CPUT has to offer.

“You made it because of your performance and the assumption is that because you take your studies seriously you also take life seriously,” he says.

Gradwell says South Africa’s need to occasionally import scarce skill talent from other countries was unnecessary because the country is flooded with young, vibrant unemployed youth who, with the right training, should outclass its international opponents.

Maseko says the EWSETA first funded a group of 45 students in 2015 and that cohort is scheduled to graduate next year.

“We hope that you will also come back in two years’ time to celebrate with us as these students graduate,” he told Gradwell.

The EWSETA plays a crucial function in ensuring that the National Skills and Development Strategy is executed within the energy and water sectors.

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

It has been a bumper quarter at CPUT’s Advancement Department, who have helped raise millions in bursary funding for needy students.

Director Calvin Maseko has extended heartfelt thanks to all donors, and says their support is life-changing for so many academically deserving students who face financial challenges.

“Here at the Advancement Department, nothing makes us happier than money – the kind donated to our students in the form of bursaries. A bursary is, quite simply, the gift that keeps on giving. It is much more than a sum of money – it gives dignity and hope to talented students who struggle to afford their education and contributes to nation-building in South Africa and beyond.”

These students have a lot to smile about – they have just made history as the very first recipients of bursary funding from The Motsepe Foundation in the Western Cape. Established by one of Africa’s most successful business leaders, Patrice Motsepe, and his wife Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, the Foundation have given full bursaries to these achievers. The bursaries will be renewed for each year of study if the students show proof of excellent academic results.

From left: Agriculture students Beatrice Kola, Mvuselelo Dalicuba, Agriculture HOD Dr Frances Lewu, Azuke Ntapane and Lunga Sobambela

These winemakers, fruit exporters and agricultural researchers of the future are all recipients of bursary funding from the AgriSeta. Dr Lewu says that the generosity of the Seta has made a big difference both to the Department of Agriculture and the students’ lives, allowing the Department to retain top academic achievers who would otherwise have dropped out or struggled due to financial constraints.

“These are but two of many other donors who are making such a tangible difference for our students. We trust that they will be pleased to see how much their support counts and continue funding the CPUT Bursary Fund”, says Maseko.

He has also acknowledged the generous support of the Ackerman Family Educational Trust, Collaboration Concept Design Reality, the EJ Lombardi Trust, Garden Cities, Golden Arrow Bus Services, Infiniti Legal Sense, The Mauerberger Foundation, Rane Corporation (Pty) Ltd, Revel Fox & Partners, the South African National Zakah Fund, The Isidore, Theresa & Ronald Cohen Charitable Trust, the National Youth Development Agency and most importantly, CPUT staff and alumni.

Written by Janyce Weintrob
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Advancement Department Director, Calvin Maseko handed out certificates to 37 students who graduated from SAP S4 HANA in Sales and Distribution, Human Capital Management, Financial, Accounting and Project Management during the SAP graduation ceremony.

The event was hosted by the Centre for Enterprise, Research, Partnership and Innovation in Africa (CERPIA) at District Six campus.

CERPIA Manager, Jerry Ansen, said CERPIA is a multidisciplinary business design competency centre. It is built on the success of the ERP initiatives in the Faculty of Business and Management Science (FBMS).

Ansen said their goal was to educate and build next-generation talents with SAP skills for the intelligent enterprise and the experience economy, engage with SAP events, build industry partnerships, launch graduates into the SAP ecosystem, and “inspire young thinkers”. Ansen said the programmes purely depend on funding from the SETAs for the students and individual funding. He added that there were no selection criteria and “It all depends on funding and individual affordability”.

In this programme graduates get to learn the 21st century ICT digital skills, are empowered to take current job opportunities, and be competitive in the market space. “Since the launch of SAP at CPUT in 2009, it has been very successful,” Maseko observed. He said CPUT shared its expertise with nine other countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, Namibia, etc. This includes other universities in South Africa. Maseko said the programme had improved the employment opportunities of CPUT graduates. “In one group, for example, all the 10 graduates were hired by the Cape Metro and provincial government, shortly after graduation.

Over 5000 students have graduated from the programme since its launch in 2009. The programme cuts across every faculty and the Advancement Department provides about 50 pre-funded students to the programme per annum.

Maseko told the graduates that they have made a right choice and that an extra SAP certificate will improve their employability chances. “SAP skills are still at infancy stage in South Africa. The world is moving to digitalisation, technology and data driven decision making. “Therefore, academics who want to be SAP facilitators can be trained starting in 2023 to facilitate SAP skills program in their curriculum.”

Speaking to the graduates, Ansen said: “Congratulation!! And wish you all the best in your professional careers.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Exams have now ended for the 375 learners who participated in CPUT’s Centre for Co-operative Education 2^nd Chance Matric Rewrite Project. A partnership aiming to help matriculants who opt for a second chance to write matric exams, the project is jointly funded by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Education Training and Development Practises SETA. (ETDPSETA)

Through the collaborative efforts of Calvin Maseko, Director of the Advancement Department, Jacqui Scheepers: Acting Director: Centre for CE and WIL (Service-Learning Unit), and Dr Karen dos Reis from the Faculty of Education, CPUT was successfully awarded the tender to tutor the nearly 400 learners to prepare for their finals. Subjects taught include Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Sciences and Accounting, but learners were able to rewrite any additional subjects to maximise their chances of tertiary education access.

Some of the educators on the project are CPUT alumni. They are supported by tutors who are final year students and top achievers selected from CPUT’s Faculty of Education. All final exams were written at the CPUT-registered exam centre in Ravensmead. Invigilators from the education sector and the community were provided with training by the project.

Scheepers says that the project has tangible benefits for all involved.

“Our students are given an ideal opportunity for experiential learning and to develop critical leadership skills. Learners get a 2^nd chance to get great marks for their matric. This in turn opens up opportunities for learners to study further and access the job market. Educators and invigilators (especially those who are unemployed) are given the chance to become productive citizens while earning an income. CPUT project staff (Project Managers, Project Administrator, Procurement and Venue Administrator) develop new skills and enhance the image of CPUT through Community Engagement and the development of local and national partnerships. And the sponsors benefit from the additional resources we’ve provided to meet their objectives. It’s truly a win-win situation all round.”

Scheepers adds that future plans include rolling out the project model to universities nationally under the banner of the South African Higher Education Community Engagement Forum.

“We’re so looking forward to the release of the learner’s marks in early 2016 – we feel sure that the results will reflect the passion, hard work and dedication that everyone involved in this remarkable project has shown.”

Written by Janyce Weintrob

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The Department of Paralegal Studies and the national Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has launched a partnership to place 10 Bachelor of Paralegal Studies graduates at the Office of the Master of the High Court.

In a briefing held recently at the District Six campus, the partners revealed that the Covid-19 pandemic had resulted in a huge backlog at the Office of the Master of the High Court. Due to the pandemic, the Master’s Office has to close at 1 pm instead of 4 pm. The public queue as early as 3 am to apply for documents such as a Letter of Authority when a family member is deceased.

The interns’ duties include clearing the backlog as part of community engagement and the university’s contribution to alleviating challenges brought about by Covid-19. The interns will be volunteering their services, however, CPUT requested the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) to provide stipends to enable the interns to pay for transport costs from their respective homes to town. SASSETA approved R840,000 towards the project and the interns will be placed for a period of 12 months.

Advancement Department Director, Calvin Maseko says the interns will use the experience to build their curriculum vitae.  “We are very appreciative of the support from SASSETA. This support exemplifies the effectiveness of the partnership between SASSETA and CPUT. This is a special group of young unemployed graduates who are change agents in our society,” Maseko remarks.

Head of Department: Paralegal Studies, Dr Noleen Leach says the majority of these interns were struggling to pay for their fees whilst they were studying and hence they were funded by SASSETA and NSFAS for their tuition.  “This is a sign that we are dealing with needy young people, who want to lend a hand in response to Covid-19. We initially thought that we can place the interns for six months but this lifeline from SASSETA is enabling us to place them for even a longer period.

“These are my first graduates of our new course. I am very proud of them,” Leach enthuses.

On behalf of SASSETA, WIL practitioner, Lorraine Matjila says they develop and improve the skills of South African citizens within the safety and security sector and this includes law and legal firms, law enforcement and many more. “CPUT is the lead employer and the Master of High court is the host employer for the interning students. We wish the interns good luck. This experience may open the doors they need to get long-term employment,” Matjila explains.

Student, Athini Masitho gave a vote of thanks on behalf of all the students who attended the event: "We would like to thank SASSETA for giving us this opportunity. I'm sure my fellow students understand that it is hard to find a way of transport to and from without having a source of income, so we are grateful and thankful.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Civic Engagement Unit recently reflected on the Atlantis Special Economic Zone STEAM Programme, which was launched this year and is led by the Advancement Department.

The purpose of the programme is to assist 40 learners from surrounding schools in Atlantis with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEM). STEM is high on the agenda of the University, encouraging learners to dispel the negative connotation relating to subjects and careers within the field.

As the world's reliance on technology and innovation grows, so does the demand for individuals to upskill, particularly in the STEM vocations.

Advancement Department director, Calvin Maseko commended the Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Units for a job well done, especially the academy leadership. Maseko said the leadership role which the participating students played in the project was “impressive and student leaders can serve as role models for the learners”. “The Unit staff [members]has created a positive environment where students are respected and affirmed and are provided with spaces to develop their leadership skills and competencies. The student academy should be compulsory for students who wish to occupy leadership roles at the university.”

SLCE Manager, Jacqui Scheepers, said this interdisciplinary community engagement project calls on students to conduct ongoing research, develop activities and then implement through sharing their skills and knowledge. Scheepers said the students also had to work closely with the facilitators and the CE Unit to ensure that all the logistics were put in place like indemnity forms, registers and transport. “As the programme was held early on Saturdays in Atlantis, students had to travel to one pick-up point on the Bellville campus, and then travel to Atlantis. This is an indicator of the dedication, discipline and commitment which the student leaders displayed.”

Recently a reflective workshop was conducted with students from the Community Engagement Student Leadership Academy who were involved in offering tutoring and teacher support throughout the 26 sessions offered to learners this year. The student project leader is Lutendzo Moavi, Sports and Leisure Management student, who is responsible for coordinating the weekly programme and student activities on site. Learners were provided with workshops on Mathematical concepts and Robotics using Lego. The students also accompanied the Learners to the Cape Town Science Centre, which was a learning experience for both groups.

A number of students reflected on the project and were asked what stood out for them. Simphiwe Makhathini indicated that the yearning of the pupils to learn and compete was “admirable and allowed me to think on my feet, accessing the need demand and delivering”.

Atlegang Lekabe, Sports and Events Management student, said: “The project has taught me patience and perseverance. Meeting learners from different backgrounds was a bit challenging. However, what we did as a group was to find ways in which we will be able to relate to the learners, so that they may be comfortable and from there onwards we were able to actively engage and learn from each other. What stood out for me, was a young man who comes from a very troubled household, however the passion he has for his academics inspired me as you would normally find kids from such environments tend not to be interested in academics.”

A student, Sydney Hlongwane, said the project reaffirms the notion that programmes like Atlantis STEAM are defining the future of learning and paving the way for a new generation of thinkers and doers.

Project Lead for Civic Engagement, David Haarhoff, commended all partners inclusive of “our University for their continued efforts in assisting learners to become more comfortable in the STEM subjects”. Haarhoff said offering the exciting activities for the duration of the 26 sessions has provided them with a different perspective and methodology to deal with problem solving and challenges. “Further to this, I am of the opinion that the learners are able to utilise these problem-solving methodologies to assist them to overcome life challenges.” The project will resume in February 2024.

Written by CPUT News

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The Advancement Department recently announced that it had raised R132 million in bursaries, work-integrated learning, internships and community engagement in 2023.

More than 2 900 financially needy students benefited from this amount. The funding was received from various government and private donors.

Calvin Maseko, Director of the department, said: “We are grateful to our donors who heeded our request for funding and helped realise the dreams of our underprivileged students. Thousands of CPUT students are struggling with paying their study fees. The extra working hours that the department’s staff put in has paid off. We also appreciate staff members from other departments who enabled this success. They did us proud”.

Some of the funding raised directly benefited over 400 high school learners. These learners are from the feeder schools of CPUT. The institution implements maths, science, and digital literacy support at high schools as part of community engagement.

“I thank all the companies who partnered with us and ensured that we enable our financially disadvantaged students. I invite all our partners to renew their commitment to CPUT in 2024 and enable us to assist more needy students. I urge our students to quickly respond to our communication on bursary opportunities”, said Prof Driekie Hay-Swemmer, Executive Director: Office of the Vice-Chancellor.

Written by CPUT News

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