CPUT proudly celebrates Women’s Month and honours the remarkable achievements of its women as it marks 20 years since its establishment.

The recent Women’s Month Celebration at Granger Bay Campus featured a powerful launch for the CPUT Women Leader’s book, titled: Women leaders journey of growth to greatness: Advancing gender transformation in CPUT’s twenty years of existence, inspiring future generations to embrace their leadership potential.

The CDISC joined forces with internal and external partners such as Sanlam to honour Women’s Month in 2025. Together with other partners, McDonald’s, Orion, Momentum, Fundani CHED, Human Capital, and the Advancement department, the Facilities Management crew, and Granger Bay Campus, which offered a beautiful venue to create an empowering celebration for everyone.

This year's theme, “Advancing Transformation: Celebrating Greatness in CPUT Women,” highlights a shared commitment to growth and empowerment for everyone. The inaugural CPUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga, delivered a keynote address titled “Transforming Higher Education through Holistic Women Empowerment and Inclusive Leadership.”

Mazwi-Tanga said women can only succeed through the efforts of others, and that is what she considers to be inclusive leadership. “If we hold on to those principles, then we are able to empower each other on women empowerment… “I want to thank you so much, I want to salute all the women during this month of August, because we recognise the role of women that they play in building and shaping futures under very difficult conditions, in public spaces, getting to work spaces, in family spaces yet women persist, Viva to the spirit of resilience.” She added that the South African statistics continue to paint a disappointing picture regarding “the status of women in our country”.

In her welcoming address, Prof. Driekie Hay-Swemmer, Executive Director: Office of the Vice-Chancellor, inspired the women in the audience by highlighting their inherent strength. She encouraged them to reflect on their vital roles in driving transformation and the impactful legacy they wish to create.

Lebohang Monyatsi, Head: Financial Inclusion and Stakeholder Relations at Sanlam, passionately highlighted the transformative power of financial inclusion for women's empowerment. Prof Mercy Makhitha, Dean: Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, inspired the guests with her insights on positioning “your personal brand” for leadership and career advancement. Vuyokazi Dwane, Senior Director: Human Capital Department, shared a compelling vision of women’s empowerment at CPUT through the lens of human capital. She further highlighted the milestones the institution has achieved in empowering women and ensuring that women receive support and empowerment.

Brightness Mangolothi, Director: CDISC, celebrated the remarkable achievements of CPUT women while shedding light on the barriers to advancement through an intersectional holistic wellness perspective. A particularly uplifting moment during the celebration was the launch of the inspiring book "Women Leaders: Journey of Growth to Greatness," edited by Mangolothi. This book beautifully chronicles the resilience and achievements of women leaders at CPUT, highlighting the strength in shared experiences.

Zikhona Plaatjie. Stream Coordinator: Monitoring and Evaluation: CDISC described Mazwi-Tanga’s address as the inspiring reflections on transformation in higher education through women’s empowerment and inclusive leadership. “Your reflections on your personal leadership journey remind us that transformation is both an institutional and a personal responsibility, but most importantly, it is about creating an enabling environment. One of the messages that stood out to me is for us to fix each other's crowns as women. You left us with true nuggets of wisdom.”

The panel discussion titled “20 Years Reflection: Women’s Leadership, Empowerment, and Contributions at CPUT” delved into the institution’s journey toward transforming women and achieving gender equality. It reflected on CPUT’s progress, current initiatives, and the path forward, featuring insights from esteemed panellists: Assistant Dean: Faculty of Education, Prof Anna Dippenaar, Assistant Dean of Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, Prof Veruscha Fester, and Disability Inclusion Advocate, Delicia de Vos.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Centre for Diversity, Inclusivity, and Social Change (CDISC) recently inspired participants during a two day long transformative Social Inclusion workshop at Bellville Campus, demonstrating its commitment to advance Institutional Transformation Framework.

This commendable effort was recognised by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), who had the honour of facilitating the workshop. CDISC Director Brightness Mangolothi noted that the Institutional Transformation Framework aims to foster a positive institutional culture of equity, dignity, inclusion, and transformation across the institution.

Through the workshop, the key aim was to deepen institutional understanding of DHET policy frameworks aimed at advancing social inclusion. The workshop targeted key university stakeholders who are tasked with advancing and coordinating the transformation agenda of the university,” Mangolothi remarked.

The workshop included heartfelt presentations from the DHET that shed light on various policies and frameworks vital to fostering an inclusive environment. The policies discussed included:

• The Policy Framework for the Realisation of Social Inclusion in the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) System (DHET, 2021)
• The Strategic Disability Policy Framework for the PSET System (DHET, 2018)
• The Policy Framework to Address Gender-Based Violence in the PSET System (DHET, 2020)
• The Gender-Responsive Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Auditing Framework (GRPBMEA-PF)
• The Language Implementation Framework for Higher Education

Additionally, the DHET presented on workplace bullying and harassment. Attendees also heard from the CGE, emphasising how social inclusion initiatives impact our communities. CGE shared their 2023/24 Report on the State of Gender Transformation and Sexual Harassment in Higher Education Institutions, highlighting the ongoing need for our collective support and awareness in creating safer and more equitable spaces for everyone.

Director, Social Inclusion and Equity: DHET, Sesi Mahlobogoane, said the workshop helped to promote and protect the rights of both officials and students, creating a common understanding and interconnectedness. “The goal is to achieve equality, equity, and inclusion in the Post-School Education and Training system.”

The CGE Commissioner Mfundo Nomvungu stated that the ultimate goal was to create a supportive environment for the most vulnerable groups, including students and staff, adding that the key objective was to ensure that higher learning institutions are inclusive regarding gender and disability. Nomvungu also noted the existence of laws and policies from DHET that are not implemented by institutions of higher education. “We also witnessed this from a report presented by DHET, showing compliant institutions and those that are not compliant. We also noted the great work being done by CPUT, as well as areas that need to be strengthened.”

He continued: “I feel happy that CPUT has taken the discussion on gender and disability inclusion to this level, particularly a fight against gender-based violence and Femicide (GBVF) within the community, and I believe this can be taken even higher by including decision makers within the community.”

Zikhona Plaatjie, the CDISC Stream Coordinator, Monitoring and Evaluation, shared that in the post-evaluation questionnaire, most respondents strongly agreed that their understanding of social inclusion has significantly deepened. Plaatjie noted that attendees found the clarification of policies, practical examples, and interactive discussions to be the most impactful elements of the programme. Dr Amanda Ismail, Head of Department for the Disability Unit, stated: “The examples used during presentations were honest, practical and relatable. I feel enriched and empowered. This training should be rolled out to other stakeholders as well.”

“As the CDISC Office, based on the set objectives, the workshop successfully fostered an environment for deepening understanding of social inclusion, sparked conversations and collective learning amongst CPUT delegates. Further, we had an opportunity to critically reflect on the maturity of our social inclusion as a university. We look forward to building on this foundation with further interventions and collaborations within CPUT and with the DHET and CGE. We believe that social inclusion is a continuous journey that requires shared commitment and accountability. Another important highlight was learning that the Pan South African Language Board offers a free one-week course in basic South African Sign Language, an opportunity which we need to leverage on,” Mangolothi stated.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) in partnership with the Centre for Diversity, Inclusivity and Social Change (CDISC) and the Convocation recently hosted a successful workshop to conceptualise a holistic and transformative student leadership Incubation programme.

The theme of the workshop was: Preparing and Influencing the next generation Student Leaders: Incubating Change.

The organising team, which included CDISC Transformation Coordinator, Tumiso Mfisasa and Melanii-Ann Hara, Student Development Officer, acknowledged that the university has the mandate to contribute to the development of students to become global citizens who can take the country forward by making valuable inputs economically and socially. However, this can only be achieved in an enabling environment for them.

Acting Dean of Students, Nonkosi Tyolwana, presented the purpose of the symposium in which she talked about transformation and decolonisation across the academic and social architecture of universities.

The workshop was an opportune moment to shape the direction of the incubation programme to respond to this mandate. The Student Leadership Incubation programme also acknowledged that student leaders:

      
• Come from different areas of leadership such as political, academic, economic, spiritual, psychological and professional spheres and there is a need for a holistic approach that enhances graduate attributes across faculties
      
• Are members of society as they reflect their respective communities, and they need to be involved in strategic policies or opportunities available for post-university life to participate as South African, African, and global young citizens amongst others.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, Dr David Phaho said: “If we are to develop the capable state envisaged by Nelson Mandela and his Rivonia Trial Immortals, the focused development of student leadership is non-negotiable. The fact that we are specifically looking at students’ leaders is also significant. These are students who out of their own volition are actively involved in university political structures and still advance and do well in their studies will make their development as envisaged by this Workshop a worthwhile investment for any institution and indeed society.”

Reflecting on the workshop, Mfisa said: “The workshop was a huge success as it was able to host 150 participants as well as to launch and consult on the key deliverables in preparing for the next generation of student leaders.” Through the workshop the facilitators and participants developed students as future leaders and provided them with the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their sphere of leadership interest be it social, academic, cultural, political, psychological, spiritual, economic and entrepreneurship through the five commissions they had.

During the workshop a platform to mentor and develop the upcoming student leaders on campus and prepare them for the world beyond university life was also witnessed. “And through the feedback the participants had provided during engagements proved to be a success as we received support from participants and where we may expand the leadership programme,” Mfisa observed.

“In that way we were able to strengthen the role of student leadership and deepen the principle of participatory democracy while teaching servant leadership values. Whereas we managed to recruit, develop, and nurture senior and aspiring student leaders who display exceptional commitment and passion in various leadership skills which proved a success for the participants.” Mfisa and Hara’s role were to facilitate and oversee all preparations of the workshop, which included liaising with all guests and arranging all workshop needs to make it a success with additional support coming from colleagues and interns within the respective offices.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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The inaugural Food Security Colloquium served as a platform for meaningful dialogue, signalling CPUT's commitment to addressing food insecurity and fostering a supportive environment for all students.

The event was hosted by the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) and the Centre for Diversity, Inclusivity and Social Change (CDISC) and the theme was: Adopting and Institutional approach to food security.

Dean of Student Affairs, Nonkosi Tyolwana, emphasised the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to tackle the issue of hunger, adding that studies that had been conducted on the topic had few solutions in terms of mitigating the problem.

She said that according to a HEMIS study, more than 60 percent of CPUT students come from indigent families.

There were currently 976 requests from students for food.

She added that the Institutional Transformation Forum, led by Prof Paul Green, had done “pioneer work” and developed the food security concept (immediate and short-term focus).

Mancom approved the concept in 2020 and requested the DSA to lead and coordinate it in collaboration with a number of internal partners.

The Vice-Chancellor constituted the Institutional Food Security Committee, chaired by Prof Joseph Kioko, to ensure that a longer and sustainable approach to address student hunger is institutionalised.

Tyolwana outlined the purpose of the event, which included, among others, gathering information from the CPUT community on solutions to the immediate challenge of food insecurity with immediate, short and long-term solutions; to discuss interventions aimed at reducing food insecurity and to discuss holistic approaches to integrating food security across the university to enhance impact.

Keynote addresses by Green and Kioko highlighted the gravity of food insecurity, not just at CPUT but nationwide. Green highlighted commendable past initiatives such as food gardens and departmental food drives and stressed the need for a formalised approach. He proposed a few strategies for discussion including food banks, voucher programmes and nutritional workshops.

Kioko echoed the sentiment, emphasising the importance of food security in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He outlined efforts to address food insecurity, including the acquisition of land near the Wellington Campus as well as a tractor and other implements.

“The aim of buying this was to use it for training agriculture students and whatever is produced by those students can go into feeding themselves and other students.”

The event featured panel discussions on students' experiences with food insecurity and current initiatives to alleviate hunger, as well as a plenary discussion focusing on sustainable solutions.

Key takeaways included the need for project streamlining, including a database of initiatives and a need for a forum to provide structure.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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