Surface Design student, Christel Stipp along with Grandmothers Against Poverty and AIDS recently showcased their range of women’s accessories at an exhibition held in August on the Cape Town campus.

The exhibition was the culmination of Stipp’s Mtech practice-based research project.

Stipp is the first CPUT MTech surface design student to complete a practice-based research project, which consist of a dissertation and a practical. Students usually opt for the dissertation route.

However, Stipp said she was up for a challenge and opted for the creative route.

Her project aimed at equipping the elderly with surface design skills in order to empower them to create an accessory range.

She approached the Grandmothers Against Poverty and AIDS community group that is based in Khayelitsha.

Stipp started work on the project in 2006 and held various creative and skills- based workshops with the women.

Many of the women were already skilled in crochet and other handwork techniques and were able to incorporate this into Stipp’s project.

“After the workshops we went on to create the accessory range which included handbags, ponchos, scarfs and belts,” said Stipp.

“We worked with a wide variety of materials. This included wools, leather and craft-wire. The majority of materials were sourced from South Africa and Namibia,” she said.

The various accessories will be marketed and the public will be able to place orders. The accessories will be produced by the women who will benefit from the sales.

Mama Gold, one of the members of the group thanked Stipp for the positive impact that the research project had on the grandmothers’ lives. She said they gained valuable skills.

Co-ordinator of the MTech Fashion and Surface Design Programme, Alettia Chisin said: “As an educator I was deeply grateful for having had the opportunity to supervise a project of this nature, which was from the start a co-operative and reciprocal exchange of knowledge and ideas amongst all the participants.”

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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The Theewaterskloof International Community Development Project (TWK) recently clinched second place in the prestigious MacJannet Prize for Global Citizenship.

The prize recognises exceptional student civic engagement initiatives at higher education institutions across the globe

Out of 67 nominations from 40 universities in 19 countries, the projects driven by TWK were recognised for making an impact in impoverished communities in the Western Cape.

The TWK Project was established several years ago and is a partnership between CPUT, HAN University in the Netherlands, the University of the Western Cape, Elgin Learning Foundation and the Theewaterskloof Municipality.

Currently the coordinating office of the project is based at CPUT.

On 6 June 2009 , CPUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga, accompanied by a CPUT student involved in the TWK Project, Fattinald Rangongo, received the prize at a ceremony in France .

Prof Mazwi-Tanga said the TWK Project, along with the other projects that received awards, are making a “huge impact on communities and at universities.”

She said the prize is a “valuable” recognition of the work being carried out at the institution.

CPUT is an engaged university, with research activities and teaching, geared to involving communities.

“Issues in the community must inform the research and teaching and learning agenda of the university,” said Prof Mazwi-Tanga.

She said the institution is also involved in several other community based projects, of which one was internationally recognised.

The Tabeisa project, which aims to develop entrepreneurs in poor communities, won the Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2008.

“We are on the right path, but need to consolidate all these activities and showcase them appropriately,” she said.

Prof Mazwi-Tanga said while in France, the winners of the MacJannet Prize also had an opportunity to network and discuss how they could support each other.

Jacqueline Scheepers, CPUT Manager of the TWK Service Learning Project, said the initiative sees South African and Dutch students participate in service-learning projects that build on their areas of study. The projects are designed by the students and address the needs identified by the community.

Through the projects students provide services in areas such as social work, education, health services, sports, architecture and environment management. Currently there are more than 30 projects under way in the towns of Genadendaal, Caledon, Grabouw and Villiersdorp.

Scheepers said the prize brings “validity to the whole project.”

“This recognition will help us to develop more links, especially internationally,” she said.

Abraham Oliver, a TWK Project field coordinator said the prize will also assist them in further developing the programme.

“We want to make the project sustainable by securing outside funds,” he said.

Currently the partners are responsible for funding of the projects.

Director of International Affairs, Merle Hodges, who nominated the TWK Project for the prize, said the project is not only impacting on communities in the Western Cape .

“What we’ve found is that Dutch students are now taking the programs back to their institution and implementing them there, so the effects are even wider,” she said.

Ben Bartels, HAN Director International Relations and coordinator for TWK Project said this is a “powerful” programme.

“For us as representatives of universities it is our duty to create and to facilitate powerful learning environments for students in which they can develop their professional and personal growth,” said Bartels.

He said without the students’ enthusiasm, projects like these would be “doomed to fail.”

By Candes Keating

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CPUT lecturer Marlon Parker, who founded The Reconstructed Project, the country’s first online mobile drug counseling service, has introduced another first for South Africa – online debt counseling.

Parker, a lecturer in the Faculty of Informatics and Design, who made headlines with his online drug counselling services, said they are now extending their services to South Africans who are feeling the economic crunch.

In 2007, he launched The Reconstructed Project, which saw reformed gangsters and drug addicts provide advice and counselling services to individuals via social media, such as blogs and cellphone chat rooms.

Similar to the drug and social counseling services, those in debt will be able to use their cellphones to chat to registered debt counselors, who will be based with The Reconstructed Project at The Impact Centre in Bridgetown .

“Many people we have come into contact with at the centre are in debt. We also realised that debt caused a lot of problems in communities.” he said.

According to recent statistics, an estimated 12 million South Africans are over-indebted.

Although South Africans have the legal right to approach debt counselors, who can act as mediators between them and their creditors, many are not making use of their services.

“Over-Indebted consumers are often afraid to approach a debt counselor,” he said.

Others are not aware of the services offered by debt couselors or their legal rights.

With this service, consumers will have access to free advice regarding debt.

“Your conversation is confidential and anonymous allowing you to have the liberty to address the debt issues you, family or friends are experiencing,” he said.

Those who use this service will have free access to financial assessments.

Debt Breaker would also be able to refer subscribers to registered debt counselors across South Africa .

Parker is positive that this service, like the existing ones, will impact on the community.

In April, the Reconstructed blog, which is used by reformed gangsters and drug addicts to spread a message of hope, clinched second place in a national blog competition.

“Just to be mentioned in the same breath with blogs such as SARocks, Thought Leader (by Mail and Guardian), Moral Fibre and all the others is a humbling experience for us,” he said.

Parker said this achievement highlighted that through using a simple medium such as blogging and other social media, their lives as well as the individuals who make use of the service, has been changed.

Various other initiatives are lined up for this year, including the launch of the Althone Living Lab, which will promote Information and Communication Technology development.

The lab is collaboration between Impact Direct, Bridgetown Community, CPUT and supported by COFISA.

Later this year he will also travel to the United Kingdom , where he will deliver a keynote address on these activities at a conference.

For more information on Debt Counseling or any of the other services offered by The Reconstructed contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

By Candes Keating

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Thousands of soccer fans are expected to descend on CPUT residences during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

CPUT recently became one of the first higher education institutions to sign a deal with Madlanduna Corporation, which will see student residences converted into temporary accommodation for international soccer fans.

Madlanduna Corporation, a Gauteng based service and investment company, is involved in sourcing affordable accommodation for the 2010 World Cup.

They are in the process of entering into similar agreements with several other South African tertiary institutions.

Temporary accommodation will ensure that soccer fans who cannot afford the high cost of hotels will have access to affordable and comfortable accommodation, in close proximity of the various stadiums.

Johhny Basson, the institution’s Residence Business Manager said: “CPUT's residences are strategically placed in order to house thousands of soccer fans.”

According to the agreement, 2 501 beds in residences across the province will be made available during the event.

Of this total, 1 368 beds will be made available at Bellville Campus, 581 beds at the Cape Town campus and 522 beds at the picturesque Wellington campus.

Basson said while CPUT stands to benefit financially from the agreement, there are many other spin-offs.

“Madlanduna is marketing the residences internationally and in that way CPUT will gain international exposure,” he said.

This agreement will also provide substantial opportunities for other businesses as the institution will require the services of additional security, cleaning and catering companies.

Basson said the institution has been approached by other agencies who would also like to enter into similar agreements.

One of these agencies is MATCH, who is also involved in sourcing affordable accommodation on a national level

Basson said: “We are proud to be part of this event and excited that we, as CPUT can contribute in this way to this prestige event.”

Mthuzi Luthuli, Director of Madlanduna Corporation commended the institution for its “visionary vision” with regards to this venture.

Madlanduna Corporation began negotiations several years ago, with the then Peninsula Technikon.

Mthuzi said the institution will be required to avail the rooms and the institutions facilities for 25 days in June 2010.

Madlanduna Corporation will be responsible for marketing the accommodation and all other arrangements, such as reservations of rooms and transport to the stadiums on match days.

“We are also looking at utilising students at an operational level,” he said.

Mthuzi said they would like to offer CPUT students involved in sport management, events, tourism and hospitality the opportunity to work with international tourists.

He said they are looking at employing students to man tourist desks at the institution and assist with the checking in of tourists.

By Candes Keating

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Sport facilities at the Wellington Campus are set for a major revamp after the institution secured funding of more than R4 million from the National Lotteries Board.

The funding of R4.5m was awarded to the institution after Tyrone Africa, Sports Coordinator at the campus, submitted a proposal to the Board highlighting the need for an upgrade of the sport facilities.

Although Wellington Campus has a thriving sport culture, with a large number of students holding Boland colours in various sporting codes, facilities are dilapidated and hamper the development of the institution’s sports programme.

The current facilities are also preventing the institution from offering their sport expertise and facilities to the broader community.

However, Africa said sporting activities in Wellington will be boosted with the funding.

“The upgrade of facilities will allow us to expand and deepen our already existent teaching, training and sports programmes to include all communities and schools in the Boland area,” he said.

The proposal submitted identified nine areas for development. Of the nine, funding was awarded for development of two areas. This includes the revamp of the tennis and netball courts and the upgrade of the rugby fields.

Africa said funds will be used to resurface the six tennis and netball courts. Lighting will also be installed at the courts, which will allow students and the community to utilise the courts after-hours.

However, the bulk of the funds will be used for the installation of high mast lighting on the two rugby fields. The current lightning is inadequate and only provides light for one of the fields.

Africa said the lights, which will cost close to R3m, are much needed because students are only available for sport activities after 5pm during weekdays.

“We want to install six high mast lighting poles that can cover the two rugby fields,” said Africa .

He said proper lighting will allow students and the community to utilise the fields optimally.

“We are very excited about this. We want the Wellington campus to become the hub of sport activities in this community,” said Africa .

Wellington Campus Manager, Ben Turner, said the upgrade of the sport facilities will ensure the development of the institution and community sports programmes.

“There is a lot of options open to us now,” he said.

Turner said they are hoping to complete the upgrade by the end of the academic year. He said news of the funding has already spread in the Boland community.

“The campus community and the broader community are very excited,” he said.

The Wellington Campus is planning to submit another proposal to National Lotteries Board for funding for development of several other sports facilities. Facilities identified for an upgrade include the club house, hockey field and the student centre as well as the installation of a synthetic athletic track.

“We’ve got big ideas for the Wellington campus, but we will have to phase them in over time,” said Turner.

By Candes Keating

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A state of the art Food Technology facility with a price tag of R44 million is set to be built at the Bellville campus. Earmarked to open its doors at the start of the 2010 academic year, funds for the building, which will house the Food Technology Department and Agrifood Technology Station, were approved by council last month.

Mr Larry Dolley, head of the Agrifood Technology Station said the facility will allow them to expand and improve academic, research and industry related activities.“This is going to be a state of the art building. It will be the only education and training facility of this nature in the province,” said Mr Dolley.

The facility will house administration and academic offices, food chemistry laboratories, microbiology laboratories and several other testing laboratories.

However, Mr Dolley said the main feature of the facility will be the 3000sqm multi-functional pilot plant, which will be utilised by the Agrifood Technology Station to improve their product development services to industry.“The plant will be similar to a mini-factory,” he said.

Dr Jessy van Wyk, head of the Food Technology Department said the plant will also be utilized by students for practical training.“ In order to train a food technologist, you need to expose them to the practical aspects of food technology. You need to use facilities that are on par with facilities they would use in the food industry,” she said.

Dr van Wyk said with hands-on training, graduates will “hit the ground running.”

“With the advance of technology in the food industry, the gaps are starting to show. This factory is going to bridge the gap in enabling us to train a food technologist to be job ready when they go into the industry,” she said.

Currently Food Technology is also being offered at the Cape Town campus, but with the construction of the new facility, the faculties will merge in 2010.

Dr van Wyk said they are still in discussion with the campus planners as to where the facility will be built and when construction will start. With council approving R29million for building costs, a further R15million shortfall still has to be covered to ensure completion of the facility.

However, Dr van Wyk said they are positive the doors to the state of the building will open in 2010.“This facility will be a huge boost for the faculty and local food industry,” said Dr van Wyk.

By Candes Keating, Marketing and Communication Department

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Research output at CPUT can no longer be confined to journals. With the establishment of the Technology Transfer and Industry Linkages Unit, research output, where feasible, will be commercialised

At the helm of the new unit is Theo Hendrickse, who joined CPUT earlier this year.

Hendrickse holds several qualifications and brings his wide-ranging professional experience, which includes, academic, legal and business knowledge, to this new position.

He holds a Masters Degree in Science (Chemistry) from the University of Cape Town, a B.Proc Degree from the University of the Western Cape and a postgraduate qualification in Intellectual Property and Competition Law from the University of London.

A former member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Intellectual Property and Chairman of the Patent Examination Board, Hendrickse will provide guidance and support to academic and research staff on matters pertaining to the protection of Intellectual Property (IP) and the exploitation of commercial opportunities arising from their work.

The establishment of the unit will also enable CPUT to comply with new legislation which outlines how intellectual property generated from public funded research should be managed.

During the next few months Hendrickse plans to focus his energy on establishing the Technology Transfer and Industry Linkages Unit on the Bellville campus and securing a visible presence on Cape Town campus.

“IP protection and commercialisation of research output has not been a focus for CPUT in the past, and, if we are to ensure a sustainable approach, we must do the groundwork,” he said.

“The plan is to understand the broader environment at CPUT in which this unit must function. This will give me the necessary insight to know what infrastructure and resources I need to put in place for the unit to function effectively.” he said.

Dr Chris Nhalpo, DVC Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships said he is excited about the unit as it is going to add the necessary impetus to CPUT’s quest to be a leading innovation academy in Africa.

“At present, there is little appreciation of IP as an instrument of growth and wealth creation in South African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). It is therefore imperative for HEIs to create proper policies and frameworks in line with the IPR Act 51 of 2008 for the management of intellectual property arising from publicly financed research,” he said.

According to this legislation, institutions own intellectual property generated from public funded research.

“Therefore, I think this office is a critical resource to assist CPUT in managing its intellectual assets as there is now an obligation on employees and students to disclose IP to the institution,” said Dr Nhlapo.

By Candes Keating

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A team of CPUT Mechanical Engineering students recently clinched second place in the annual Sasol Baja Challenge, which was hosted at the University of Pretoria.

This annual event sees students from across South Africa compete in off-road races, with vehicles they designed and manufactured.

CPUT is no stranger to this innovative event. In 2008, the CPUT team took the top prize and at previous events managed to secure second and third place.

This challenge aims to teach Mechanical Engineering students the reality of the engineering world. Each team, which consist of four members, is required to design and build a single seated off-road vehicle.

In order to achieve this, students need to accomplish all the planning and manufacturing tasks required when introducing a new product to the consumer industrial market.

This year, the institution entered three teams, which consisted of BTech and diploma students. Fareed Ismail, a lecturer in the Mechanical Engineering Department who coordinated the teams said students worked on the design from February to June. “Thereafter re-design and building took place,” he said.

Ismail said students were required to adhere to strict engineering rules and regulations throughout the design and manufacturing process. Students were also required to reach deadlines and goals within a specified period of time.

Ismail said the experience that the students gained from participating in the challenge is invaluable. The challenge allowed students to bring together a number of theoretical and practical skills which they developed over the past few years at CPUT.

Each year entries are judged in two sections – the theoretical, which consists of the design and safety aspects, and the practical, which is made up of the acceleration, top speed, skid pull, manoeuvrability and hill climb tests as well as a four hour endurance event. The winning Baja team is the one that can perform consistently over all the various sections.

According to students, this year’s event was “extremely hard.” They faced treacherous terrain and competed in bad weather. However, all three of the CPUT Bajas performed well and completed the endurance race.

Car number eight took second place overall, as well as second position in the endurance race and third place in feasibility of mass production.

By Candes Keating

Photograph: Car number 8 tackles a tough off-road course at this year’s Sasol Baja Challenge (Photographer: Eugene Arries, image courtesy of Motorpics.co.za)

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The newly appointed Dean of Engineering, Dr Nawaz Mahomed, who has held several top positions in industry and government, brings a wealth of experience to CPUT.

A Mechanical Engineering doctorate graduate from the Polish Academy of Sciences, having completed his undergraduate studies at UCT, Dr Mahomed has professional experience in the defence, manufacturing and maritime sectors.

He has held positions at Central University of Technology, Denel, the CSIR, the Department of Science and Technology and the Institute for Maritime Technology under Armscor.

The new dean is also no stranger to CPUT, having worked as a lecturer in the Mechanical Engineering Department of the then Peninsula Technikon during the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Dr Mahomed, who prior to joining CPUT held the position of Senior Executive Manager at the Institute for Maritime Technology, said he is hoping to play a role in influencing new developments that are strategic to the Western Cape region.

“I want to build programmes that are strategically linked to the regions growth sectors,” he said.

Areas identified for the development of new programmes include renewable energy, agriculture, transport and rural development.

“These are also the industries we should build strong relationships with,” said Dr Mahomed.

He said it is also important to pursue opportunities linked to National priorities, such as the National Space Programme and the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Strategy, thereby leveraging Government and industry support towards sustainable initiatives.

Dr Mahomed, who also developed specialist skills development programmes whilst employed at DST, said it is vital to ensure that all the programmes in the faculty equip students with the correct skills to enter industry.

The faculty must not only concentrate on ensuring students are skilled to take up employment in the South African industry, but that they are skilled in such a manner that they can build the future industry into the future, he said.

Development of staff and restructuring of management portfolios are just some of the other plans Dr Mahomed is looking at to ensure the faculty remains at the cutting edge of engineering education and research.

“I have many other ideas for the faculty but will expand on them as time goes on,” he said.

Meanwhile he plans to further his own research in computational fluid mechanics and participate in research projects together with other staff members in the faculty.

By Candes Keating

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The Fundani Centre for Higher Education Development recently hosted a delegation from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), who conducted a review of two CPUT projects.

The review, which took place from 10 to 13 May, is part of the international Supporting Quality Teaching study that has been undertaken by the OECD, which is based in Paris, since 2007.

The study forms part of the organisations Institutional Management for Higher Education (IMHE) programme, which is aimed at helping higher education institutions explore their institutional engagement into quality teaching.

According to the OECD the goal of the Supporting Quality Teaching is to “highlight effective quality initiatives and mechanisms and to push forward reflection or practices that may in turn help other institutions to improve the quality of their teaching and thereby, the quality of their graduates.”

In participating in the project, higher education institutions take part in an international review that collects information and benchmarks that would be of benefit to them.

The project is being implemented in two phases. The first phase, which is already completed, involved an overview of institutional initiatives and policies that enhanced the quality of teaching.

The second phase, in which CPUT is participating is exploring institutional experiences and approaches to quality teaching.

Prof Terry Volbrecht, Director of The Fundani Centre for Higher Education Development said CPUT was invited by the OECD to participate in phase two of the study.

“They asked us to submit two particular institutional initiatives that have a wide impact on teaching and learning at the institution,” said Prof Volbrecht.

The OECD review visit focused on two key teaching initiatives at CPUT, namely the Curriculum Officer Project and the Extended Curriculum Project.

The Curriculum Officer Project is an advocacy project to empower academic staff members, nominated by their faculties, to improve teaching and learning practices within their respective faculties and academic departments.

The Extended Curriculum Project involves an extension of teaching and learning activities at first year level over two years with extensive academic support.

Prof Volbrecht said the review process involved a three-day site visit, interviews with staff members and students, documentary analysis and questionnaires.

He said this review will benefit CPUT as the institution will get an external opinion on the quality of the two programmes.

Fabrice Henard, an analyst at the OECD programme said there are ten institutions participating in the second phase of the study, which is earmarked to be completed in 2011.

He said the reviews will produce a reflective paper for each higher education institution. These reflective papers will then be cross-analysed by IMHE/OECD, which will result in an international transversal report.

Henard said the review is not meant to explore the whole educational process or to reveal the educational impacts. According to the OECD the reviews are intended to complement earlier evaluations and foster internal reflection for further work.

OECD review team member, Dr Outi Kallioinen, who is also the Development Director of Laurea University of Applied Sciences in Finland, said the reviews will also enrich the reflections of the OECD on the quality of education at institutions worldwide.

By Candes Keating

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Construction work on the new Mechanical Engineering building is progressing at a rapid rate, with one section of the facility earmarked for completion by the end of April.

The building, which is being constructed in phases at the Bellville campus, will be connected via a passage to the existing Mechanical Engineering building. If all goes as planned the last phase of the building will be completed by the end of the 2010 academic year.

Measuring 5 000 sqm, the new building will have the capacity to house 1 800 students and 70 staff members.

Head of the Cape Town Mechanical Engineering Department, Tjaart van der Schyff, said the move to construct a new facility at the Bellville campus is part of the consolidation process of the institution.

Currently Mechanical Engineering programmes are on offer at the Cape Town and Bellville Campuses. The new facility will allow the department to relocate all Cape Town staff, students and facilities to the Bellville Campus.

This consolidation process follows that of several other departments in other faculties, which have either consolidated at the Bellville or Cape Town campuses.

Van der Schyff said they have already started the consolidation process by locating all 2010 first year students at the Bellville Campus.

More students and staff are soon expected to take occupation of phase one of the building, which is scheduled to be completed at the end of April. This section, which is adjacent to the front of the existing Mechanical Engineering building, consists of several classrooms and staff offices.

“The remainder of the department will move in 2011,” said van der Schyff.

The two-story building will consist of several hi-tech laboratories, workshops, lecture theatres, classrooms and staff rooms. Existing laboratories will also be extended.

Head of the Bellville Mechanical Engineering Department Zwelethu Ngewana, said space has also been allocated to house 15 doctoral students while a section of the existing building will be revamped to house 40 Master’s students. Provision has also been made for a study area for undergraduate students.

The building will also house the Industrial Systems Engineering Department.

Ngewana said consolidating the departments is a huge task. He said once the building is completed, they will have to look at moving all equipment stationed at the Cape Town Campus to the new building.

“It is going to be a huge operation to transport all the equipment,” he said.

However, Ngewana said they are looking forward to the completion of the building and operating the department from one site.

By Candes Keating

Photos: (top) The new Mechanical Engineering Building begins to take shape. (bottom) Mechanical Engineering students, seen here performing class work, will soon be able to use the building’s new facilities.

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Building work has begun on an advanced Food Technology Complex that will play a crucial role in increasing human capacity and research in the national food industry.

The state of the art building, which will house the Food Technology Department and Agrifood Technology Station, comes at a price tag of R40.6 million. The funds have been made available by the CPUT management.

Dr Jessy van Wyk, Head of the Food Technology Department said the facility will be the only education and training facility of this nature in South Africa.

Based at the Bellville campus, it will house a research and development laboratory, a functional food research unit, an instrument laboratory, a food chemistry laboratory, a microbiology laboratory and a sensory analysis facility.

However, the main feature of the facility will be the 1 500sqm multi-functional pilot plant.

Dr van Wyk said these facilities will enable the department to train world class food technologists.

She said in order to properly train food technologists, institutions need to expose students to facilities that are on par with that they would use in the food industry.

“With the advance of technology in the food industry, the gaps are starting to show. This factory is going to bridge the gap in enabling us to train a food technologist to be job ready when they go into the industry,” she said.

Meanwhile, Larry Dolley, Head of the Agrifood Technology Station said the facility will allow them to expand and improve industry related activities.

Earmarked to open its doors in November 2010, Mr Dolley said: “The added space implies safer equipment operation and also the capacity to obtain more equipment to increase the diversity and capacity of the things we can do.”

He said they are looking at becoming involved in technology transfer by means of “shop-floor training” and collaborating with other academic institutions.

“This new facility with its impact (visually and practically) will generate more business, increase our reputation and in so doing rub off on the academic intake,” he said.

Currently the department is meeting with industry in order to raise additional funds for various fittings.

An estimated R25.4 million is still needed to fit out the Sensory Analysis Facility and install various hi-tech fittings throughout the building.

Dolley said the facility will play a crucial role in ensuring that CPUT becomes the institution of choice for food technology training in the country and on the continent.

By Candes Keating

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The 16 days of Activism of No Violence against Women and Children Campaign was recently launched at the CPUT Wellington campus.

This national campaign takes place annually between 25 November, which is the International Day of No Violence Against Women, and 10 December, which is international Human Rights Day.

The campaign, which is in its tenth year, aims to mobilise all sectors of South African society to act together against abuse.

This year’s provincial launch, which took place on 25 November 2009, was coordinated by the Provincial Department of Social Development.

Members of the CPUT community, government officials and individuals representing civic orgnaisations from across the province attended the launch.

Addressing the more than 250 delegates at the event, Thsolo Moloi, the Director of the Victim Empowermnet Programme, which is located within the National Department of Social Development called on all South Africans to support the campaign.

“Wear a white ribbon or get involved in various community activities,” she said.

The campaign, themed ""Don't look away, Act against abuse"" urges communities, civil society, government and all stakeholders to act in order to stop the rampant cases of abuse.

Moloi said government will need to strengthen collaboration with civil society orgnaisations in order to make a difference in the lives of women and children.

During the event, the Department of Social Development in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) launched a booklet titled “No Excuse for Abuse.”

Derrick Schroeder, from the Department of the Premier said: “We are going to distribute 30 000 copies in Afrikaans, English and Xhosa in the Western Cape during the next 16 days,”

The booklet outlines the different types of abuse and the rights of women and children.

It also provides contact numbers of all orgnaisations, hospitals and police stations that can assist victims of abuse.

Sharon Kouta, from UNODC, said they will host workshops on the booklet with civic orgnaisations.

Kouta said next year, their orgnaisation will not host major events to commemorate specific days, but instead hold programmes or workshops with civic orgnaisations in order to equip communities with the tools to combat abuse.

“Abuse is not an individual problem, it is a societal problem,” she said.

By Candes Keating

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The hard work of a group of CPUT administrators recently paid off, when they were each awarded a certificate in Business Administration.

For the past two years, administrators from various faculties, departments and units participated in the Business Administration Certificate course.

The course, which is accredited by the Services Seta, was offered by the CPUT Training and Development Department and facilitated by Siyathembana, a local training consultancy.

The course focused on developing skills in various areas of business administration, from event management to ethics.

Glenda Mathven from Siyathembana, who moderated the course, said she was impressed with the calibre of the CPUT staff members.

Addressing the administrators at the certificate ceremony, which was held on 6 November 2009 on Bellville campus, Mathven said: “I am very proud of you.”

Services Seta, who evaluated the staff members’ portfolios, was also impressed with the standard of work.

“They informed me that this is the best group of business administration portfolios they have ever seen,” said Mathven.

Beverly Dolley, an administrator in the office of the Dean of Health and Wellness Sciences, who completed the course, received the top student award.

Dolley said the course was interesting and well presented.

“It was applicable to my work situation,” she said.

Manger of Training and Development at CPUT, Thelo Wakefield, said he was proud of the group who managed to complete the two-year course, while juggling the demands of work and their personal lives.

He encouraged the group to continue participating in activities which will aid their development.

“The quest for knowledge is never ending,” he said.

Wakefield said they have developed a similar two-year course, which is aimed at the development of secretaries at the institution. This course will be rolled out in 2010.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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Although South Africa has gained democracy, it has not brought about a sense of national peace and justice, said Rev Roxanne Jordaan at the fifth Annual Desmond Tutu Peace Lecture.

The lecture, which took place on 14 October 2009 at the Bellville Campus, honours the role Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu played in championing the struggle both in South Africa and globally.

This year marked the second lecture hosted by CPUT, in conjunction with the South African Council of Churches (SACC).

Rev Jordaan, who is affiliated to SACC and is the co-ordinator of the Kairos Theologian Forum, touched on issues of injustice in South Africa.

One of the first women in the country to take her place in Theologian circles, Rev Jordaan said: “Democratic elections within themselves do not bring about peace. We won the race, but the prize is wrong.”

She said during Apartheid communities knew their enemies and were driven by a sense of justice and hope. Leaders were fearless and had common vision.

However, she said while democratisation has removed the injustice of Apartheid, it has replaced it with many more injustices.

Rev Jordaan said we must name the injustices in society, in order to move towards making changes in South Africa.

One of the injustices she referred to is the fear of disagreement with the ruling party.

“When the Archbishop Emeritus Tutu challenged the ruling party, he was chastised and the media played to it,” she said.

Rev Jordaan said he spoke for many South Africans who have become silent.

Other injustices include poverty, lack of descent housing and unemployment.

“The poorest of poor are getting poorer, sinking deeper into the bottomless pit of despair,” she said.

A bad health system, infant mortality, loss of human dignity and national security are just some of the other injustices South Africans face, said Rev Jordaan

Referring to the 1970 uprisings, she said we should now be propelled by that same fearlessness we possessed back then to make a change.

“Our institutions are battered, our people are weak and it is in these moments of consuming darkness that the theologians and the youth need to reinvigorate the national consciousness, our fearless spirit,” she said.

Rev Jordaan said she hopes that we are ready to take our place as the defendants of peace.

Quoting Archbishop Tutu, she said peace involves inevitable righteousness, justice, wholesomeness, fullness of life, participation in decision making, goodness, laughter, joy, compassion and reconciliation.

Rev Jordaan said: “In my view the absence of fear reflects the presence of peace, because we would be engaged in activities that make for meaningful change.”

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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With the issue of poor service delivery constantly under the spotlight, a CPUT lecturer is putting plans in place to launch a student chapter of the South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM).

SAAPAM is a national body that promotes good governance and effective service delivery through the advancement of professionalism, scholarship and practice in Public Management.

Currently its members only consist of academics from higher education institutions and public service practitioners.

However, Peter Veeran, a Public Management lecturer, who is the head of the Western Cape chapter of the Association, is planning to extend membership to Public Management students.

Veeran said by launching a student chapter they will be able to hold seminars, workshops, training sessions and discussions with students on issues of service delivery in the workplace.

“We want to develop a cadre of students who will go into the public sector and who will provide an efficient and effective service,” he said.

Veeran said if students are passionate about their careers they will do well in their jobs and contribute to promote a better quality of life for the community they serve.

The Western Cape student chapter will be the second to be launched. The institutes’ first student chapter was launched in 2007 in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Veeran said the Western Cape student chapter will be launched during the first term of 2010.

“I have already run the idea by students and they are very excited,” he said.

The student chapter will fall under the Western Cape chapter and will be open to students from all higher education Institutions in the province.

Currently Veeran is on a robust drive to increase membership of the Western Cape chapter.

He recently met with staff members of Provincial Parliament, the Premiers Office and the City of Cape Town to raise awareness of the chapter.

Veeran is also putting plans in place to deliver a presentation on the Association to staff members at Parliament in Cape Town.

“I am using every opportunity to promote SAAPAM,” he said.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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Students enrolled at the Wellington Campus now have access to brand new clinic facilities.

On 24 June 2009, Campus Health Services, a department tasked with promoting health and wellness at CPUT, officially opened the clinic.

The clinic, which is staffed by Sister Tania Maree, will offer a range of services to students, from general medical consultations, wound dressing to attending to minor ailments.

Dean of Students Cora Njoli Motale, who addressed members of the CPUT community at the opening of the clinic, said: “Within student services we are trusted with so many responsibilities. One of those is looking after the wellness of our students.”

With clinics situated at four of CPUT’s campuses, Motale said they are able to offer quality health services to students.

Elisabet Smit, Head of Student Counselling said health services at Wellington campus had a “humble beginning.”

In 2004, CPUT nursing Sister Dorothy Jonathan, approached the Drakenstein Municipality and secured temporary use of a local clinic.

However, limited medical services were available to students.

The clinic was also not easy accessible as it was located off campus.

With an increase in demand for primary health care services, the institution decided in 2007 to build a clinic adjacent to the Student Counselling Office.

Smit said building work commenced in June 2008. The clinic opened its doors at the start of the first term in 2009.

Chairperson of the Wellington Student Representative Council Ian Dippenaar welcomed the clinic and said it will contribute to making students’ lives easier.

Dr Allie Jardine, Head of Health Services at CPUT, said he is excited about the clinic.

The “dream of a clinic” would not have been realised without the funding approved by the Executive Management, said Dr Jardine.

Wellington campus manager Ben Turner, said: “We are very proud about the clinic.”

By Candes Keating

Photo: Attending the launch of the Wellington Clinic were (back row) Head of Health Services Dr Allie Jardine, (front row) Dean of Students Cora Njoli Motale, Manager of Wellington Campus Ben Turner and CPUT Vice-Chancellor Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga.

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South African higher education institutions must produce graduates of whom they can be proud of, said Sibusiso Chalufu, the recently appointed Head of Student Affairs.

Chalufu, who previously held the position of Head of Student Development at the University of Pretoria, said developing CPUT students and ensuring that they impact positively on their communities is just one of the many challenges he will be taking up.

“There is a need for change in students’ mindsets. We need to show them that there is life beyond bashes,” he said.

Chalufu, who holds two Masters Degrees in Education, said he is not opposed to students having fun, but feels that they have a vital role to play in the development of the CPUT student and broader community.

One of the first programmes which Chalufu will focus on involves the development of the Student Representative Council (SRC).

Chalufu said currently the SRC is driving political agendas and not focusing on the needs of the student community.

He said SRCs at tertiary institutions are in place to “serve students” and address their needs.

“The SRC must add value to the student community. Servant leadership needs to be inculcated in them,” he said.

Chalufu said the SRC must be involved in programmes such as fund raising for needy students or promote programmes that will add value to students’ lives.

“If we want the SRC to be involved in such programmes, then we need to train them,” he said.

With the majority of students not participating in student governance, issues relating to student apathy will also be addressed.

“Students don’t have a sense of a SRC that is there for them. The SRC must develop a programme of action. They need to go out and ask students what they want and how the SRC can serve them,” he said.

Chalufu also wants to ensure that Student Affairs becomes the centre of all student activities at CPUT.

“I want to endeavor to involve all students in student governance, culture and sport. If we can achieve this, then we would have achieved a lot,” said Mr Chalufu

Other programmes include training and development of Student Development Officers and the implementation of regular meetings with the student population.

By Candes Keating

Photo: Sibusiso Chalufu, the recently appointed Head of Student Affairs.

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Tasked with providing innovative support for small and medium enterprises in the food sector, the Agrifood Technology Station (ATS) recently debuted its state-of-the-art Sensory Facility.

Housed in the Food Technology Facility at the CPUT Bellville Campus, the Sensory Facility allows small and medium enterprises to conduct extensive sensory evaluations on their food products. Recently the ATS hosted its first sensory evaluation client, who spent three weeks at CPUT, conducting sensory analysis on various food products.

Hybre van Blerk who facilitated the process says sensory evaluation involves members of the public or experts who taste food products and characterise them according to specifics set out by a client. For example, characterisation could involve aroma, appearance, flavor and texture of a food product. This process allows businesses to better understand their product and target market and also helps them to improve products or even come up with new products.

“This may sound like a basic task, but it is a crucial process,” says van Blerk.

Manager of the ATS, Larry Dolley, says it was a huge undertaking which saw hundreds of sensory panelists bussed in daily to participate in the project.

He says they are pleased with the project and are looking forward to collaborating with many other clients in the field of sensory analysis.

*For more information on the Agrifood Technology Station and their wide range of services, please click here or contact them at +27 21 953 8615 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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.

Freely available indigenous fruits are a good resource for boosting your daily antioxidant intake.

This is according to researchers Daniela Kucich and Merrill Wicht, who recently conducted a study to determine if local indigenous fruits could provide an alternative source of antioxidants.

In the paper “South African indigenous fruits – Underutilized resource for boosting daily antioxidant intake among local indigent populations?” the researchers, who are based in the Department of Chemistry,  argue that a large portion of the population live below the poverty line and are unable to consume the required amount of seven portions of fruit and vegetables a day. 

“Advice on the importance of consuming a healthy, and at the same time affordable diet needs to be provided by suggesting alternatives among indigenous plants that are nutritionally superior to ‘exotic’ fruits,” states the researchers.

As part of their study Kucich and Wicht focused on ten indigenous South African fruits, which included the wild plum, wild olive, colpoon, christmas berry, crossberry, waterberry, tortoise berry, bietou, num-num and the sour fig.  The study saw them evaluate the antioxidant activity of the indigenous fruits and compare it with the popular Northern hemisphere blueberry and cranberry controls.

The study found that by introducing servings of as little as 25 g of wild plum, waterberry, num num or sour fig into the diet, the daily antioxidant intake can be boosted to within an acceptable range to support health.  With wild plum giving the highest Antioxidant Potency Composite index, blueberry and cranberry ranked 4^th and 8^th, respectively.

The study found that all the indigenous fruits are being used by communities for various purposes, such as treatment of ailments or for the production of beverages. Others,  such as the sour fig which ranked 12^th in the study, is sold in open markets as dried figs or used for the production of jam.

“As the results show, freely available indigenous fruits that have been traditionally used by rural peoples in South Africa have relatively high levels of antioxidant capacity and, therefore, constitute an untapped resource that deserves to be promoted more extensively in the community by health educators,” says Kucich and Wicht.

“As affordable, yet nutritionally superior alternatives to the relatively expensive 'exotic' fruits, these could help in diversifying monotonous diets.”

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.