The Chemistry Department is putting plans in place to roll out a postgraduate programme that will equip students with skills in Nuclear Science.

This area of science covers a broad range of activities, from designing and monitoring nuclear power plants to developing techniques to analyse samples that are of industrial, mining or geological interest. It also includes the isolation of radioisotopes produced by proton-induced nuclear reaction.

Although there are only a few institutions involved in this area of research in South Africa, there is a dire shortage of local Nuclear Scientists, said Prof Nico van der Walt.

As an acclaimed scientist who has done groundbreaking work in Nuclear Science, Prof van der Walt said the department is planning to roll out a Masters Programme in Nuclear Science in order to address the current skill shortages.

“We are hoping to introduce this programme by 2012,” he said.

In addition, the department is also planning to introduce Radiochemistry as a subject into the BTech Chemistry Programme.

Prof van der Walt, who will play a vital role in the roll out and teaching of the Masters Programme, said to ensure students are properly trained, the institution will have to look at developing a laboratory where they can work with radioactive material.

“If we get such a laboratory, then we would be the only higher education institution in the Western Cape with such a facility,” he said.

Meanwhile the department is continuing research activities in various areas of Nuclear Science, which includes Prof van der Walt’s niche area of ion exchange chromatography and radiochemistry.

The research looks at radiochemical separations of radioisotopes, and the labelling of organic compounds with a specific radioisotope to obtain a product which can be used as radiopharmaceutical in nuclear medicine or for cancer therapy at oncology departments of hospitals. Radioisotopes are, thus, vital elements of Nuclear Science.

The research also includes the study of various column ion exchange methods which can be applied for quality control of the intermediate or final products.

“All the research in this area is beneficial for humans or for industry,” he said.

Ion exchange chromatography is also used for the removal of toxic elements in the mining industry, water purification and for the determination of specific elements in geological samples.

Prof van der Walt said CPUT is collaborating on research projects with several institutions in Europe, which includes Hungary, Romania, Poland and Switzerland. The institution also has formal agreements with the University of the Western Cape and iThemba Labs.

By Candes Keating

Photograph: (top, right) Prof Nico van der Walt (top left and bottom) Chemistry students are to be given the opportunity to conduct research into various areas of nuclear science.

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Despite explicit evidence on the existence of multigrade schools, official education policies in many developing and developed countries remain silent on this issue.

In South Africa, where three million children receive instruction in multigrade classrooms, government education policies make no mention of these schools.

The absence of multigrade education policies was one of many concerns highlighted at the Southern African Multigrade Education Conference, held in Paarl from 22 to 24 March 2010.

The conference, hosted by the CPUT Centre for Multigrade Education (CMGE) in association with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Association for Development of Education Africa (ADEA), was attended by more than 100 local and international delegates.

The conference was a first of its kind and created an opportunity for researchers, government officials, activists and teachers to debate, share lessons learnt and plot a way forward for multigrade education.

In multigrade classrooms, which are common in rural areas, a teacher teaches several grades in one classroom. These teachers are not trained to facilitate multigrade classrooms, have little support from government and often no resources.

Virgilio Juvane, Education Adviser, Commonwealth Secretariat and Coordinator of the ADEA Working Group on the Teaching Profession, who was one of several keynote speakers, said nothing concrete is being done by governments to address the challenges these schools face.

“Educational management systems do not include data on multigrade schools. In most cases, educational policy makers and planners… are still largely unaware of the number of multigrade schools in their country.”

Juvane said the absence of policies, research and data makes is difficult to improve the planning and delivery of multigrade teaching.

CMGE Director Dr Jurie Joubert shared results of a baseline study on multigrade education in South Africa. The study revealed that there is an indifference towards rural people amongst government officials, resulting from a strong urban bias on the part of politicians and policy makers, while officials in most district offices are poorly informed and trained in multigrade pedagogies.

The study also revealed that teachers are not trained to teach in multigrade classrooms, nor is the curriculum conducive for these settings.

Dr Joubert said although multigrade education is “dismissed by policymakers as a second class option”, there is growing evidence from around the globe that well-supported multigrade techniques can result in positive education experiences.

In Columbia, the Escuela Nueva (new school) Foundation, has transformed local multigrade schools.

Head of the foundation, Vicky Colbert, who addressed delegates at the conference said: “Escuela Nueva is one of the longest bottom-up innovations that has been sustained and has impacted national policy.”

The programme promotes child-centred, participatory and cooperative learning as well as a relevant curriculum based on learners’ daily lives, flexible systems of promotion and a new role for the teacher as a facilitator of learning. The programme has been adopted as a national policy by the Columbian government.

A similar project, run by the Rishi Valley Institute for Educational Resources in India, has benefited 7.9 million children.

Reflecting on these successful examples and debates, delegates formulated a generic Multigrade Policy and rollout strategy at the conference. The policy provides guidelines for the implementation of multigrade teaching, training of teachers and other strategies which governments must put in place to ensure quality multigrade education.

It is envisioned that delegates will adapt the policy to suit their countries’ needs and lobby government for rollout.

By Candes Keating

Photographs: (top) Virgilio Juvane, Prof Jan den Akker, Gisela Siririka, Dr Jurie Joubert of the CMGE and Padmanabha Ra (bottom right) A multigrade classroom

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CPUT together with the Provincial Government of the Western Cape are taking the lead in addressing skill shortages in the South African Health Sector.

On 15 April 2010, 60 students were awarded the Diploma in Nursing during the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences graduation ceremony. The course is offered in collaboration with the Western Cape College of Nursing (WCCN).

During the ceremony, the nursing graduates cited the traditional nursing pledge which is accompanied by the lighting of the lamp. The lamp is symbolic of the one which was carried by Florence Nightingale, a pioneer in nursing during the 1800’s. This tradition is practiced at universities and nursing colleges across the world since 1893.

Currently, in the Western Cape, this tradition is only taking place at CPUT and the University of the Western Cape, which are the only two institutions offering the four year undergraduate nursing qualification.

The other higher education institutions in the province only offer the postgraduate nursing programmes while some Nursing Schools at the hospitals offer the two year diploma course.

Addressing graduates at the ceremony, keynote speaker Sage Pillay, CEO of the National Health Laboratory Services, said South Africa desperately needs skilled health professionals who can make an impact in the health sector.

Pillay said many graduates will take up careers in the public health care sector, which is currently viewed by many South Africans as an uncaring sector. He challenged the graduates to change this poor image and provide a quality service to those in their care.

“Remember, the people you will care for cannot afford health care. Treat patients like you would want anyone to care for a member of your family. Put people first and above narrow and selfish needs,” he said.

He also drew their attention to the challenges of the sector, which include lack of resources, working conditions and remuneration.

He urged graduates to take up these challenges with their employer, but to do so in a “professional manner.”

Pillay called on students to embark on life-long learning and improve their educational qualifications.

During the ceremony 97 Bachelor of Technology Degrees in Nursing were also conferred.

CPUT’s postgraduate nursing programme, which allows qualified nurses to specialise in various areas of nursing, is one of the most successful programmes in the country, drawing students from across Africa.

By Candes Keating

Photograph: Newly qualified nurses, holding lamps, take the nursing pledge.

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) plays a vital role in ensuring lives are saved at sea.

Director of the MRCC, Johan Carstens, who addressed CPUT Maritime Studies students who visited the centre on 13 April 2010, said the centre is responsible for responding to all maritime emergencies in South African waters, ranging from vessel accidents to deep sea towing operations.

The purpose of the visit to the Parow-based organisation was to illustrate to students the important role the MRCC plays in the maritime industry.

Once qualified, CPUT’s Maritime Studies students will be equipped with the skills to serve on vessels as certificated Deck Officers, Chief Mates and Masters, and will need to be aware of the safety resources at their disposal.

Jared Blows, Operation Manager at the MRCC who gave the students a tour of the operations room that is manned 24 hours a day, said they respond to more than 600 distress calls a year from vessels at sea.

According to international regulations, each country is required to offer this service to vessels travelling in areas which they are responsible for. South Africa is responsible for an area of 42 million square kilometers of sea water, which stretches to the South Pole.

Blows said their main function is to coordinate rescue missions, which sees them establishing vessels exact locations and alerting their rescue team partners, such as the South African Air force and other private organisations.

Blows said in many resource missions’ aircrafts as well as vessels are used.

The excursion also included a visit to the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) situated at the Cape Town Harbor.

Deputy class representative, Theresa Williams, said here students were able to view first hand the operations of the VTS, which is required to provide vessels with assistance when entering the harbor.

“They monitor if vessels are anchored in the right place and if they are keeping to their lanes when entering the port,” said Williams.

Lecturer, Rui dos Santos said this excursion was a vital part of the students’ learning experience.

“What was not covered in the classroom was covered during the visits to these organisations,” he said.

By Candes Keating

Photograph: Maritime Studies lecturer Rui dos Santos (left) with some of the students at the entrance of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Andre van Graan, a senior architectural CPUT lecturer has recently been elected as the Vice-President of the Cape Institute for Architecture.

The institute is the largest of its kind representing architecture professionals in the country and boasts a membership of more than 700. It is also one of the oldest organisations in South Africa and dates back to the 1800’s.

Van Graan, who will serve a two year term said, “This is a voluntary association, which promotes and encourages the development of excellence amongst architectural professionals.”

The organisation’s main tasks are to promote continuing professional development and establish links between the industry and higher education institutions. “The intention is that ultimately institutions, like CPUT, will offer continuing professional development courses,” he said.

Van Graan said this will assist in bridging the gap between education and the industry.

“There is a need for us to have a very strong link with industry. Whatever we do, it is ultimately linked to practicing architecture. So it is critical for us to understand the changing needs in the profession,” he said.

The organisation also offers various business support services to architects who run their own practices.

They are also the “watchdogs” of policies that impact on heritage issues in the Western Cape and regularly provide comment to local and provincial government on development projects in sensitive areas.

However, Van Graan said there are various challenges he plans to address during his two-year term. These include transformation of the industry and raising awareness around the various training options for architectural technologist.

Van Graan said through the organisation, he plans to raise awareness around the important role university of technologies in South African play in educating architectural technologist.

By Candes Keating, Marketing and Communication Department

Photograph: Andre van Graan, senior lecturer in the Department of Architecture

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Higher education must lead the way of empowerment for women researchers, said CPUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga, at the recent launch of the institution’s Women in Research Association (WIRA).

Currently the research sector is dominated by men, with recent national figures indicating that research output is predominantly male. But CPUT plans to soon change these figures.

With the launch of WIRA, women researchers at the institution will be provided with all the necessary support structures to advance their research activities and careers.

Prof Mazwi-Tanga, who addressed delegates at the launch of WIRA at the Bellville campus, during Chancellor’s week, said women must be given the opportunity to develop.

“Women constitute more that 50% of the country’s population. If therefore they are not given the opportunity to function and be productive optimally in all spheres of development, it means half of the population is rendered dysfunctional,” she said.

Prof Mazwi-Tanga said CPUT is on a path that seeks to build our research capacity and post graduate offerings, not only in numbers but in quality.

“This initiative therefore speaks directly to that objective. Research output can only grow if we unleash the potential of everyone,” she said.

CEO of the Council of Higher Education, Professor Cheryl De la Rey, who was the keynote speaker at the launch, backed Prof Mazwi-Tanga and said: “I’m confident that CPUT is on a growth path. This initiative verifies this.”

Prof De la Rey said initiatives such at WIRA are vital in the higher education sector, to ensure the advancement of women research activities. While strides have been made in the sector through the implementation of various polices at universities, much more still has to be done to ensure increased women participation at all levels, said Prof De la Rey

“The legislation has taken us as far as it can, we now have to do more,” she said.

Prof De la Rey also urged women researchers to change their mindsets and find a balance between lecturing and their research activities. She said because women are nurturers, they often spend large amounts of their time concentrating on the needs of their students.

“You have to spend your time teaching and meeting responsibilities to the students. But we also have to meet our responsibilities to generate research,” she said.

“Research is an opportunity for not only empowering ourselves. But research empowers the community,” she said.

Women researchers were also urged to re-examine current anti-discrimination policies in place at CPUT and also monitor the implementation of them. Prof De la Rey said with WIRA supporting women researchers and driving their agenda at the university, the higher education sector and CPUT will “grow from strength to strength.”

Director of Research Development at the university, Dr Tembeka Mpako-Ntusi, who is one of the driving forces behind WIRA, said she is positive that it will make an impact on the CPUT environment.

By working together, women researchers will be able to increase and improve the quality of research ouput at the institution,” she said.

By Candes Keating, Marketing and Communication Department

Photograph: Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga, and CEO of the Council of Higher Education, Professor Cheryl De La Rey, who was keynote speaker at the launch of the Women in Research Association

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Professor Johannes Cronjé, Dean of Informatics and Design at CPUT was recently named the top ICT educator in Africa.

The announcement was made at the 10th Annual African ICT Achievers Awards, which was held in Johannesburg on 28 November 2008. The awards recognise companies and individuals who have had a significant impact on the ICT industry in Africa.

Prof Cronjé’s passion for ICT in education along with his ground-breaking work in this field ensured that he clinched this prestigious award.

His interest in this field developed more than 15 years ago, when he was lecturing at the then Technikon Pretoria.

“I just believed that there must be better ways of getting high quality learning to take place than putting a talking head in front of a class,” he said.

This determination to impact on teaching and learning saw Prof Cronjé become a pioneer in ICT in education, with many of his innovations becoming standard practice in classrooms across the globe. In 1997 he ran one of the first Internet-based classrooms in the world and was also a pioneer of “peer teaching” in the field of ICT, where learners would sit two to a computer and assist one another.

“I further developed methods of teaching students outside regular contact time by using social software sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtude and Del.icio.us,” he said.

Prof Cronjé has also developed a popular website, Research Methods Online where students can access resources for their postgraduate studies. During the past few years he has also used his skills and knowledge to impact on the broader community.

“I regularly meet on a one-on-one basis with schools and provinces who invite me,” he said.

He was awarded a C rating by the NRF, has conducted extensive research in ICT, published extensively and presented papers at hundreds of national and international conferences.

He has also acted as a consultant in the area of using computers to reach out to various African countries.

Prof Cronjé said he is honoured by the award and “believes that it is an affirmation of the work” that his students have completed under his leadership. To date 150 of his students have been awarded master’s degrees, 35 have been awarded doctorates, while four have gone on to become professors.

Prof Cronjé plans to continue his work in ICT in education.

“My plans are to continue investigating, specifically the use of mobile devices and web 2.0 applications – that is cellular phones and Facebook – in education,” he said.

By Candes Keating. Marketing and Communication Department

Photograph: Prof Johannes Cronjé, Dean of Informatics and Design, displays his African ICT Achiever award.

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CPUT is set to provide researchers with support in a bid to convert research into commercial products or services.

With the establishment of an Innovation Board Fund, the institution will identify research areas, which can be commercialised.

Recently, the board held its first working session, which took place over two days and was attended by various members of the Executive Management.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga, who briefly addressed stakeholders at the working session, said innovation had not been an area pursued “rigorously” pre the establishment of CPUT.

“If we do this correctly, it will set us apart from other universities of technology,” she said.

She said the conversion of research into sellable products, “whether services or goods” will also address the needs South Africa ’s economy currently faces.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo, who chairs the Innovation Board, said it is vital for the institution to support innovation.

During the two-day working session, 13 CPUT researchers, who are heading up various units at the institution, delivered presentations on their research activities to the board.

Director of Contract Research at the institution, Dr Shaheed Hartley, who is responsible for the Innovation Board process and a member of the board, said they called on researchers and innovation centres to submit proposals, highlighting their innovation capacity.

Once proposals had been submitted, researchers where then each asked to deliver a 15 minute presentation. They also had to field questions from the board.

“We received a number of very good proposals,” said Dr Hartley.

The board is in the process of identifying research and innovation that can be commercialised and present their findings to Executive Management.

The areas identified for commercialisation will then receive substantial funding from CPUT. Dr Hartley said the board will then closely monitor and support the centers that will be awarded funding.

Other members of the board include, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Prof Anthony Staak, Commercialisation Manager at the Innovation Fund, Duncan Raftesath, Ms Julia Long, CEO of HBD Venture Capitalist and Stellenbosch University academic, Dr Johan Gorgens.

There are also two representatives from the Department of Science and Technology and Department of Trade and industry on the board.

By Candes Keating, Marketing and Communication Department

Photograph: (left to right) CPUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Dr Chris Nhlapo; Commercialisation Manager at the Innovation Fund, Duncan Raftesath; CPUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Prof Anthony Staak; Stellenbosch University academic, Dr Johan Gorgens and Director of Contract Research at CPUT Dr Shaheed Hartley.

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The number of National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researchers at CPUT has increased. Three academics, Prof Rajendra Chetty, Prof Bohua Sun and Dr James Garraway, were awarded NRF ratings in January.

The latest ratings bring the number of NRF rated researchers at CPUT to 13.

The NRF rating system is a benchmarking system through which individuals who produce quality research are identified by South African and international peer reviewers. The ratings are based on the quality and impact of research output over a seven year period. Ratings are valid for five years.

Prof Chetty, who heads up the Research Division at the Education and Social Science Faculty and previously held an L rating, was awarded a C rating.

Prof Chetty has diverse research interests. His key research areas are teacher education, commonwealth literature and social sciences. Over the past decade he has published extensively in all these fields.

However, for the next three years, Prof Chetty, who holds an NRF focus area grant, will focus on quality issues in teacher education in South African Universities. This research project, in collaboration with University of the Witwatersrand and the University of KwaZulu-Natal , will attempt to provide an informed understanding of the complexity of teacher education, determine an environment for quality learning, teaching and research in higher education, and establish strengths and challenges in the current framework.

Prof Sun, who heads up the Centre for Mechanics, Smart Structures and Micro-Systems at the Bellville Campus, was also awarded a C rating.

This is the second time he has been rated. He previously held an L Rating in 2001.

Prof Sun said, “This rating is a great recognition of my academic work.”

A letter from the NRF, which provided feedback on the review process, stated that Prof Sun “commands the top spot” in South Africa in his research field of Mechanics, Smart Structures and Micro-Systems.

Prof Sun is also an international recognised scholar and has been invited as Chief Editor for various journals.

Prof Sun said he is planning to extend research in this field and also has a number of new projects lined up for the year. Currently he is putting plans in place to conduct research on using biodegradable materials for environmentally friendly packing solutions for the fruit industry.

Prof Sun is also involved with several research projects with the Department of Science and Technology and private organisations.

Meanwhile, Dr Garraway, who is the co-ordinator of the extended programmes at the Fundani Centre, received an L rating.

This rating is awarded to older researchers who recently started research and show promise.

Dr Garraway, whose research focus is on the intersection between academic learning and working life, said he is pleased about the rating.

He plans to continue his research and is in the process of setting up a research project, which will further explore the transition from the university to the workplace.

“The idea is to enroll two master students who will be involved in interviewing and tracking our students in the workplace and at the institution,” he said.

The project is expected to run over two years. DVC: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Dr Chris Nhlapo said the institution is proud of the researchers’ ratings.

“I laud your efforts and encourage staff at CPUT to follow your lead as we have set ourselves great targets,” said Dr Nhlapo.

By Candes Keating

Photograph: (left to right) Prof Rajendra Chetty, Prof Bohua Sun and Dr James Garraway

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CPUT is taking proactive steps towards combating the shortage of highly skilled individuals in South Africa.

With the establishment of the Postgraduate Studies Centre, students will have access to a range of academic support services geared to ensuring that they complete their postgraduate programmes.

Heading up this specialised centre is Prof Stephanie Burton, an acclaimed researcher, who has a vast amount of experience working with postgraduate students.

Prof Burton, an NRF rated researcher, is the former Director of Postgraduate Studies for the Chemical Engineering Department in the Faculty of Engineering at the University Of Cape Town (UCT).

Prof Burton, who took up her new post as Director of Postgraduate Studies on 5 January 2009 , said she is looking forward to heading up the centre.

“Postgraduate students are important for the country. We need to produce highly skilled people,” she said.

Prof Burton said pursuing a postgraduate degree is hard work and the skills required are different from those needed to complete an undergraduate degree or diploma.

“Postgraduates need to work independently. The also need mentors, people who will guide them. We are hoping to provide this,” she said.

This “one stop shop” will not only provide services to postgraduate students, but will also support research supervisors and CPUT staff members pursuing postgraduate degrees. Services will include mentoring, various workshops and training.

Currently postgraduate students have access to support services provided by the faculties and the CPUT Libraries. Prof Burton said these services will continue to be offered and will run in conjunction with that offered at the centre.

Although the centre is based at the Bellville Campus, its services will be replicated at the other campuses. The centre has been set up at the Library Extension and will host its first series of workshops in February.

Meanwhile, Prof Burton, who has a doctorate in Biochemistry from Rhodes University , will also continue her research activities at CPUT. For the past 10 years, Prof Burton has been heading up the Biocatalysis and Technical Biology research group. The group is researching biological ways to make useful chemical compounds and anti-oxidants.

Currently the research group is located at UCT, but will move to CPUT, where it will continue its research activities. The group consists of 10 researchers, of whom five are post doctorates. Plans are in place to expand the group to 15 researchers.

Prof Burton also serves on national boards and is the Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee of the National Science and Technology Forum as well as the Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee of the Scientific, Engineering and Allied Profession Group of South Africa (SETAG).

By Candes Keating, Marketing and Communication Department

Photo: Prof Stephanie Burton (image courtesy of the University of Cape Town).

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Third year Food Technology students recently showcased their skills at the New Food Product Launch.

The event, which is held annually, is the highlight of the three-year diploma course.

It sees students presenting food products that they developed to representatives from major food manufacturing companies in South Africa .

The 2008 event was held on 26 November 2008 at the Bellville Campus and proved to be a huge success. The quality of the products and the packaging was of such a standard that one could easily mistake it for products displayed in any retail outlet.

A total of 15 new products were on display. The products included frozen deserts, frozen meals, fermented beverages, snacks, biscuits, sauces, dips and candy.

Head of the Food Technology Department, Dr Jessy van Wyk said each year third year students are tasked with developing a product from scratch.

Dr van Wyk said the aim of the task is to ensure that students have the skills necessary to hit the ground running when they enter the industry.

During the process of developing a product, students are required to utilise all the skills they acquired during the three year course.

At the start of the project students are divided into groups of five and have to conceptualise an idea for a product.

Dr van Wyk said they then go on to develop a formulation for the product that meets commercial production standards.

“This gives them an opportunity to become familiar with commercial ingredients,” she said.

Students must also adhere to food legislation, provide suitable packaging and appropriate labeling.They also have to produce a scientific report on the product and calculate what price the product can be sold for. Guest speaker at the event, Jeff Austin from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), applauded the students work.

“You did a tremendous job in thinking up these products and developing them,” he said.

Austin, whose role includes ensuring that all products exported from Africa to the United States adhere to various regulations, emphasised the role food technologists play in ensuring products adhere to various food legislation.

“It’s great to create a product, but if you cannot enter it into the market then it’s useless,” he said.

He said unsafe food does not only pose a threat for the consumer, but also for the agriculture sector.

Austin said students who will go out into the market place must adhere to the food regulations when producing products.

The event concluded with the presentation of awards to groups who produced excellent products. The awards were sponsored by food manufactures.

• The Tongaat Hulett Starch prize for the most potential product in terms of marketability was awarded to Chicken Roulade (chicken and vegetable spirals).
• The Orley Foods prize for the most innovative product was awarded to Blushing Berry (mixed berry dessert topping).
• The Kimix prize for suitability for the target market was awarded to Cinneach (peach and cinnamon crunchie).
• The group D Lish Ice (chocolate frozen dessert) walked away with three prizes: the Freddy Hirsh prize for the product with the most consumer appeal, the AgriFood Technology Station prize for the best product from a technical point of view and the SAAFoST prize for the overall best product.

By Candes Keating

Photograph: (clockwise) Peach and cinnamon crunchies, De-Lite-Full brownies, a member of the The D Lish Ice group, Blushing Berry, chilli-flavoured fish Viennas.

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Prof Shaun Pather of the Faculty of Informatics and Design is set to participate in an international research project after receiving a Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award.

The Fulbright Scholarship is one of the most prestigious exchange programmes in the world. It provides students with the opportunity to undertake postgraduate studies and academics and professionals with the chance to perform research or lecture at top universities in the US.

Since its inception more than fifty years ago, Fulbright alumni have included heads of state, prime ministers, Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, ambassadors, artists, professors, scientists, astronauts, journalists, Supreme Court Judges, and corporate directors.

Prof Pather, who is head of Contract Research and Partnerships at the Faculty said: “It’s an honour to be joining the ranks of Fulbright scholars around the world.”

In March this year, the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board in the US selected Prof Pather as a recipient of the scholarship, after he had submitted a research proposal in response to a call for applications in 2008.

He will travel to the US in September, where he will spend 10 months at the University of Washington in Seattle , furthering his research activities in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

Prof Pather said he will work alongside a group of international researchers at the institution’s Center for Information and Society.

“My proposal concerns developing a framework for evaluating socio economic effectiveness of community based ICTs,” he said.

Prof Pather, who is also one of the NRF grant holders for the Niche research area ICT in e-Business, e-Government and Community Engagement for Shared Growth, has also been involved in various research projects around ICTs in businesses.

However, Prof Pather said that over the past two years, given his passion to support post-apartheid transformation objectives, his research focus has now evolved towards ICTs in communities and the advancement of the South African Information Society agenda.

“My research is now also focused on how decades of research in business information systems can be meaningfully applied in a developmental context,” he added.

Currently, South Africa has a number of interventions in place with regards to attaining the goals set at the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS).

However, Prof Pather said: “Even though million of rands have been spent by donor and government agencies in South Africa on ICTs for development, we still do not have sufficient insight into appropriate methods for evaluating the effectiveness of these technologies on socio-economic development.”

Prof Pather said that at the University of Washington , researchers are involved in a five year study on exactly this issue. Through the scholarship, Prof Pather will bring his expertise to the table, as well as add a South African perspective to the study.

“This is a phenomenal opportunity to have an uninterrupted research-focused period of time to work on an international project of importance,” he said.

“I have a clear programme for producing research outputs during the 10 months, including journal articles and conference papers,” he added.

DVC for Research, Technology Innovation and Partnership Dr Chris Nhlapo said to be selected to participate in the Fulbright programme is an “achievement” for both Prof Pather and CPUT.

Dr Nhlapo said that amongst the varied research programmes at CPUT, the university is supportive of ICT research projects which facilitate the advancement of underserved South African communities.

He said Prof Pather’s achievement is an indication that CPUT is actively involved in research which supports its mission to create and apply knowledge that is contributing to development in various areas, locally and internationally.

Photo: Prof Shaun Pather will work alongside top researchers on an international ICT research project at the University of Washington in the United States.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dr Kamilla Swart, Head of the Centre for Tourism Research in Africa at CPUT, has recently been awarded the Black Business Quarterly (BBQ) Youth Award for Research and Development.

Dr Swart, who is involved in 2010 research projects and initiatives, is among several other South Africans who received awards in various categories at the inaugural BBQ Youth Awards in March.

The awards are an initiative of the BBQ publication, which has been at the forefront of honouring and celebrating the achievements of black businessmen and women in South Africa.

However, this year they have chosen to honour the achievements of the youth (those younger than 40) of South Africa, who against all odds, have made a positive contribution to the country and shown creativity and innovation in their field of expertise.

The awards honoured individuals in several categories, including corporate, civil society, entrepreneur, information communication technologies, government and arts and culture.

Dr Swart, who is a leading expert in Sport Tourism research, was awarded the BBQ Youth Award for the category Research and Development.

Dr Swart, who received her award on 6 March 2009 at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, said: “I am elated to be honoured and celebrated in this manner. I have worked hard to make a positive contribution to building our country through my specialist area of sport tourism research.”

“For my accomplishments to be recognised at this juncture, especially with the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ on the horizon, it feels very satisfying,” she said.

Dr Swart said she would not have achieved this without her colleagues and students who have contributed to her success.

Farouk Roberson, a representative on the Black Management Forum (BMF) in the Western Cape Tourism Development Partnership – 2010 Sub Committee, nominated Dr Swart for the award.

Robertson, who serves alongside Dr Swart on the Western Cape Tourism Development Partnership (WCTDP) said: “Her presence in our Committee is always beneficial and meaningful because she has the ability to constructively engage and share her experiences and knowledge as much as she is eager to learn from others.

He said Dr Swart “constantly strives to enhance her skills for the betterment of her students and others within the Tourism sphere.”

“She operates in the international arena with the greatest ease and no fuss at all and is acknowledged by her peers both locally and internationally for the sterling work she does,” he said.

Robertson said this award showcases Dr Swart as a role model for the youth.

“We need people like these from amongst our own with solid credentials to ensure a better future for all in this beautiful country of ours,” he said.

Photo: Dr Kamilla Swart accepts her award from Keabecoe David Motlhoioa, one of the judges of the BBQ Youth Awards.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A total of 5 788 diplomas and degrees will be awarded to CPUT graduates during the March Graduation Ceremonies.

At these twelve ceremonies, which will be held on both the Cape Town and Bellville campuses, the institution will also award 56 master degrees and ten doctorate degrees.

Six graduates will be awarded Dean’s Medals for outstanding academic performances, while one graduate will receive the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Medal, which recognises the top CPUT graduate of the class of 2008.

This year’s graduation commenced on 23 March 2009 at the Cape Town campus and saw graduates from the Business Faculty take to the stage to receive their academic qualifications.

The Business Faculty is the largest faculty at CPUT and five of the twelve ceremonies have been set aside for this faculty.

The remainder of the ceremonies will be used to confer degrees in the Faculty of Education and Social Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Health and Wellness and the Faculty of Informatics and Design.

Addressing graduates and their family members at the first graduation ceremony, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Prof Anthony Staak said during the next few days the institution will celebrate the success of those graduating.

“We are proud of what you have achieved thus far and sincerely hope that we have helped to place you on a trajectory that will lead you to even greater success in the future,” he said.

Prof Staak said the institution’s mission speaks of creating and applying knowledge that will contribute to economic and social development in South Africa .

He said the graduates, who will go on to become alumni of the institution, must also commit to this mission.

“Many of you will go on to occupy influential positions in commerce, in industry and in the public sector. We sincerely hope that you will not forget the communities from which you come,” he said.

Prof Staak urged graduates to use their “special skills and influence to put something back” into their communities and to help contribute to their development.

He also called on graduates to continue to support CPUT and to further their professional development at the institution.

With the rapid pace of technology, graduates will have to update their skills continuously to ensure that they remain leaders in their fields, said Prof Staak.

Prof Staak said CPUT will continue producing graduates who will be able to contribute to the development all sectors in South Africa .

With funding of close to R300 million from the National Education Department, CPUT is set to increase its undergraduate and postgraduate activities in scarce skill areas.

A portion of the funds is also earmarked for infrastructure development, which includes new academic buildings and residences.

Guest speaker at the first graduation ceremony, Dr Ivan Meyer, a senior lecturer in Public Policy and Local Government at Stellenbosch University, said CPUT is living up to its mission of being at “the heart of technology and innovation in South Africa.”

He said CPUT academics, students and graduates are making an impact in various fields in South Africa.

“CPUT is delivering on its mandate of producing a new generation of leaders,” he said.

Dr Meyer urged graduates to do their best in the working world and be ambassadors of CPUT.

Photo: Vice-Chancellor Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga and Chair of the CPUT Council, Dr Rev Lionel Louw, congratulates Marketing Doctoral graduate Darlington Onojaefe.

By Candes Keating

Published online: 24/03/2009

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The CPUT Functional Food Research Unit is set to convert its research into sellable products after being awarded a R3.2 million grant from the institution’s Innovation Board.

The Board, which was set up last year, is tasked with identifying and funding research at CPUT that can be commercialised.

In 2008, the Board called on researchers and innovation centres to submit proposals, highlighting their innovation capacity.

Out of the 13 proposals received, the Functional Food Research Unit, which is based in the Faculty of Applied Sciences, was the only one to secure funding and support from the Innovation Board.

The Unit, which has been operational since 2007, focuses on the research of foods that are beneficial to the health of consumers.

Head of the Cape Town based Unit, Prof Spinney Benade, welcomed the funding and said it will boost their current activities and assist in the rollout of new research projects.

The Unit, which is the only one of its kind in South Africa , places a huge emphasis on innovation.

Prof Benade said in order to commercialise research the unit follows a strategy whereby they identify a problem in a target population, conduct research on it and then develop a product that will alleviate or prevent the problem.

Currently the Unit is developing a range of unique pre-cooked baby cereals and food supplements, which is aimed at preventing micronutrient deficiencies.

Research has found that after weaning, young children do not follow a correct diet and are prone to developing micronutrient deficiencies. Sub-clinical micronutrient deficiencies also lead to impaired growth and cognitive development, birth defects, decreased school and work performance and poor general health.

“In South Africa 5000 children die each year of micronutrient deficiencies,” said Prof Benade.

The Unit conducted large scale research on micronutrient deficiencies and then created products that will provide children with the necessary nutrients. It also conducted clinical trials of the product.

“We have already done acceptability trials in Kwa-Zulu Natal. We had a good response,” he said.

Prof Benade said they are now looking at commercialising the products.

“Our aim is to secure a memorandum of understanding with industry. We would like the royalties from sales of products to come back to CPUT for research,” he said.

The Innovation Board funding will also assist the Unit in rolling out new research projects, which could have a huge impact on the international functional food industry.

One of the research projects that commenced this month focuses on determining the daily intake of Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

Dr Maretha Opperman, who works with Prof Benade said: “This type of study has never been done anywhere in the world. It is unique.”

To date researchers have only been able to determine a daily intake for vitamins and minerals.

However, the Unit plans to be the first to publish the recommended daily intake of Omega 3. “We are also working on a project to determine the true omega-3 fatty acid contents of these supplements on the South African market in order to ensure safety and trustworthiness of Omega-3 fatty acid supplements available to the consumer” she said.

Dr Opperman said securing the funding is a huge achievement for the Unit “This is a big grant and confirms the importance of the Unit’s research,” she said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Technology Innovation & Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo said they opted to back the unit because they have “real products” that are ready for the market.

Dr Nhlapo said they will call on researchers to submit proposals to the board later this year.

By Candes Keating

Photo: (clockwise) A professional nurse takes a sample from a participant in the Omega-3 study; Dr Maretha Opperman of the Functional Food Research Unit; Lab Manager Fanie Rautenbach

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CPUT researchers are set to develop a ground effect vehicle, which will be able to fly long distances just a few feet above water.

Ground effect vehicles are intended to replace hovercrafts and ferries, in areas where these conventional types of transport are currently in use.

Ground effect vehicles offer a safer alternative to conventional aircraft. They have the ability to carry huge loads and will also drastically cut down on fuel cost.

Prof Bohua Sun from the Centre for Research in Applied Technology (CERATech) and Walter Kohlhofer, senior lecturer in the Mechanical Engineering Department, are currently driving this area of research and development at CPUT.

The researchers gave a brief overview of their activities on 7 April 2008, at the launch of the Guardian Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, which was developed by their colleagues.

Kohlhofer said they have started working on developing a ground effect vehicle and are currently in the process of developing a “new type of wing.” These types of vehicles must have a small wing span in order to ensure that they fly in close proximity to the surface.

Kohlhofer said they are also developing mechanisms to test the strength of wings.

“We are looking at developing an eight to ten seater craft,” he said.

Currently the development of ground effect vehicles is being looked at by researchers in several other countries.

Research groups are located at various institutions in Germany, Russia, the United States, Australia and China.

Already a number of prototype crafts have been developed for military and public use. However, the crafts are not widely in use.

Kohlhofer said in 2008, they visited China in order to see what researchers in this area are currently working on.

They also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tongji University in China, which will allow for collaboration between the different research groups.

Researchers at Tongji University recently developed a “Wing-In-Ground"" (WIG) aircraft, which can fly as low as half a meter off the surface, hitting speeds of up to 300 km per hour. It can carry up to 4 tonnes on takeoff.

Kohlhofer said they are not restricting their research to the development of the eight to ten seater ground effect vehicles, but are also working on the “Skimmer Project.” This project will see them develop a craft, similar to a jet-ski. However, unlike a jet-ski that is in water while it moves, this craft will hover above the surface.

“This will be a one manned vehicle,” said Kohlhofer.

By Candes Keating

Photo: Prof Bohua Sun from the Centre for Research in Applied Technology and Walter Kohlhofer from the Mechanical Engineering Department

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Research activities at the Oxidative Stress Research Centre are set to be boosted after Professors Jacques van Rooyen and Johan Esterhuyse recently received a grant from The Southern African-Nordic Centre (SANORD).

SANORD is a partnership of higher education institutions from the Nordic countries and Southern Africa .

It was established in order to promote multilateral research cooperation on matters of importance to the development of both regions.

Annually, the centre awards grants to further activities conducted by research groups at institutions, based in Nordic countries and Southern Africa .

In March 2008, a call was made by SANORD for researchers to submit proposals for funding. Out of more than 22 applications, only 10 were selected for funding. This included the proposal submitted by the CPUT Professors.

This was the first CPUT research group to submit a proposal to SANORD.

Prof van Rooyen, who is involved in the Experimental Biology Thrust within the Oxidative Stress Research Centre said: “Our application was successful because this is a study with a sound scientific foundation that will investigate the issues surrounding heart disease and cancer treatment.”

The project will evaluate whether nutritional intervention could affect the cardiotoxic side effects induced by anthracyclines (drugs used during chemotherapy).

Prof van Rooyen said this study will investigate the protection offered by Red Palm Oil supplementation, an anti-oxidant rich oil, on heart tissue against harmful anthracyclines during chemotherapy.

He stated that a recent pilot study revealed and suggested protection.

The results of the pilot study were recently accepted and will be delivered at an international heart congress in France in May this year.

The Malaysian Palm Oil Board has also shown interest in this research project and indicated that they may fund the project.

He said the cost of such experimental research projects are high and that outside funding and collaboration with other researchers and institutions are vital to ensure the success of the project.

Prof Esterhuyse, who is the head of the Biomedical Technology Department, said they are collaborating with several research groups on anti-oxidant projects.

This includes the University of Szeged in Hungary , University of Bergen in Norway and University of Stellenbosch .

They are funded by the National Research Foundation for cooperation with the Hungarian group and also received a grant from the Norwegian government agency for cooperation with Bergen .

They will also collaborate with researchers based at the Medical Research Council in South Africa and researchers in Malaysia .

Currently they are in the process of setting up research collaborations with researchers at the Academy of Sciences in Prague , the Czeck Republic and Bratislava , Slovakia .

Prof Esterhuyse said they have also worked closely with other institutions in Norway on various academic projects and received funding for placement of undergraduatee students for experiential training at Bergen University College in 2008.

He said the SANORD grant is an extension of their activities with Nordic countries.

By Candes Keating

Photo: Prof Jacques van Rooyen, Dr Jeanine Marnewick and Prof Johan Esterhuyse of the CPUT Oxidative Stress Research Centre.

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Intonga, a heartwarming film about boxing and courage, which was co-produced by the CPUT Film Department and Swayani Films, is set to make its debut on the big screen in May.

The distribution rights of the film, which was shot on a shoestring budget, were recently bought by Nu Metro. The film will be included in the Nu Metro “Inspire” film festival, along with several other local films.

The Inspire campaign, which will be launched in mid-May, aims to take inspirational movies to the South African public.

Head of the CPUT Film Department, Jared Borkum said the film, which was shot in Fort Beaufort and Mdantsane, portrays a positive message.

“In terms of a South African Film, it is very positive. The message of the film is that if you work hard you can achieve your goals,” he said.

Borkum said many locally produced films glorify crime and gangsterism.

“This film has none of this,” he said.

The film is also the first full length isiXhosa feature film to be shot in South Africa with English subtitles. It is also the first time in South Africa that a full length feature film co-produced by a teaching institution is being distributed country-wide.

The film, which was written and directed by JJ van Rensburg, a part-time Film lecturer at CPUT, tells the story of Siviwe, a young stick fighter from Fort Beaufort, who moves with his mother to Mdantsane.

Siviwe is bullied at school, by Knuckles, a local boxing champion.

One day while running away from the bully, Siviwe meets a priest, who offers him shelter from Knuckles. A friendship develops between Siviwe and the priest, who is a former boxer. The priest guides the young stick fighter on his challenging journey into the boxing world.

Apart from six industry professionals who were involved in the production of the film, the crew consisted of CPUT students.

“The hard work and passion of the crew during the 11 days of shooting was amazing. The CPUT students were determined to get the film done,” he said.

Borkum said they had to brave cold conditions in the Eastern Cape and worked long hours.

“What is amazing about this film is that we shot it over 11 days,” he said.

Borkum said the film received funding from CPUT, which allowed them to add an original soundtrack and maintain the High Definition picture quality.

“Cedric Sampson, a professional musician wrote the music. It is an amazing soundtrack,” he said.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof Anthony Staak, said CPUT supported the filming of Intonga.

He said the institution aims to provide students with opportunities to integrate the theoretical component of their course with practical experience in the workplace.

“For students in the Film Department what better way to achieve this than to be involved with the production of a full length feature film,” he said.

Prof Staak said the fact that Intonga has been bought by Nu Metro is “a bonus” and a wonderful achievement for staff and students.

The film is set to be released nationally at Nu Metro cinemas in May 2009.

By Candes Keating

Photos: (top, clockwise) The lead actor and the actor playing the priest rehearse a scene; A film student and one of the extra crew members display the film's clapper board; Craig February, a third year Film student in 2008, was an assistant cameraman on Intonga.

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CPUT researchers based in the Adaptronic Advanced Manufacturing Technology Laboratory (AMTL) have taken aeronautics research to a new level with the development of intelligent Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

On 7 April 2009 the Guardian (PCM-AM/02A model) and the Guardian (PCM-AM/01A model), which were developed by CPUT researchers, took to the skies during a flight demonstration at the Helderberg Radio Flyer’s Club, near Macasser.

The UAVs demonstrated their various flight abilities, which include surveillance and reconnaissance activities and the use of ground control software to fly waypoints via GPS coordinates.

The flight demonstration, which was requested by the South African Department of Science and Technology, comes two years after CPUT researcher Prof Oscar Philander, established the Adaptronics AMTL UAV Research Group.

Prof Philander, who is also the head of the Centre for Research in Applied Technology (CERATech), said researchers decided to develop a prototype UAV in order to test their Adaptronic Technology.

This technology integrates sensor and actuator functions into materials and components so that they may react to environmental stimuli, thus rendering them intelligent.

In 2007, the researchers based in the Adaptronic AMTL started work on a prototype UAV.

“We came up with five conceptual designs. We chose one and completed a preliminary design followed by a detailed design,” he said. On 18 November 2007 they conducted the first test flight.

Prof Oscar Philander said the entire process, from conceptualisation to the first flight, took eight months.

“This in itself is a major achievement since the norm in South Africa is considerably longer,” he said.

Locally and internationally there are huge applications for UAVs. These include surveillance, marine mammal monitoring, forest fire surveillance, search and rescue, measurement of air quality and agriculture mapping.

The development of the UAV has had a number of positive spin-offs for research and innovation at CPUT.

It has created an aeronautics knowledge base at CPUT and has taken research and innovation at the institution a step further.

Through the development of the UAV, researchers at the institution are now focusing on several areas in Adaptronic Technology.

“The Adaptronic AMTL UAV Research Group is currently involved in a variety of research projects related to the manufacturing of Prototype UAVs, the development of Aero-morphing Wings and the development of intelligent skins,” said Prof Philander.

He said their activities could also lead to a production model that could be commercialised.

DVC for Research, Technology Innovation and Partnership, Dr Chris Nhlapo said the institution is supporting researchers who are involved in research that can be commercialised.

He said by focusing on innovation, the institution is setting itself apart from all other Universities of Technology.

DVC Academic, Prof Anthony Staak said researchers at the Adaptronic AMTL are at the “forefront of innovation at CPUT.”

By Candes Keating

Photo: Prof Oscar Philander of the Adaptronics AMTL UAV Research Group proudly presents the Guardian (PCM-AM/01A) model and the Guardian (PCM-AM/02A model).

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A pump efficiency testing rig, designed and built by researchers based at the Flow Process Research Centre, will be used to test the characteristics of paper pulp waste fluids and sewage sludges in Stockholm later this year.

The centre, which is based in the Civil Engineering and Survey Department at the Cape Town campus, is tasked with researching problems that relate to the flow of industrial fluids.

The researchers have expertise in making precise measurements of the viscous characteristics (called rheology) of complex fluids, and then relating these characteristics to the flow of industrial fluids and pumping systems.

The test rig, which is currently being shipped to Stockholm , will be used by CPUT and Swedish researchers to test the characteristics of these fibrous suspensions.

It is envisaged that by characterising the flow physics, including the process knowledge and using adaptive technology, an optimised pumping system can be obtained, thus resulting in energy efficiency.

Prof Rainer Haldenwang, who is managing the project, said it is a collaboration between CPUT and Innventia, a company in Sweden that specialises in research and development relating to pulp, paper, graphic media, packaging and biorefining.

The project is sponsored by Tillväxtverket, a Swedish Agency for economic and regional growth via the DemoEnvironmental Program, which is a government funding agency in Sweden .

Prof Haldenwang, along with Dr Veruscha Fester and Richard du Toit of the Centre, will travel to Stockholm in September and conduct tests alongside their Swedish counterparts.

Prof Haldenwang said the project came about in 2007, when he traveled to Stockholm to visit Dr Richard Holm, a Swedish researcher who has expertise in fluid mechanics, rheology and pumping of fibre suspensions.

Dr Richard Holm, who works for Innventia, visited CPUT in 2006 to attend a conference hosted by the centre.

“We started discussing collaboration and then applied to a Swedish funding agency for R2 million, which we then received at the beginning of 2008,” he said.

Researchers expect that the project will assist them in determining improved design features of industrial pump systems.

“A very specific sludge test facility in Stockholm will be able to produce different types and concentrations of sludges required for the tests. It is envisaged that by understanding the flow properties of the fluids pumped and monitoring the pump performance it will be possible to run centrifugal pumps more efficiently thus saving energy,” he said.

Dr Oswald Franks, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, said the project is a great accomplishment.

“It’s not every day that we get to export devices like this to Europe , which is a developed continent,” he said.

Dr Franks said the project is in line with the university’s mission, which encourages researchers to collaborate with industry, both locally and internationally.

By Candes Keating

Photo: (top right)The team of researchers at the CPUT Flow Process Research Centre (left and bottom right) Details from the newly developed testing rig, that will be exported to Stockholm.

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.