CPUT Libraries is proud to be recognised on the global stage, having received a Special Mention at the 2025 IFLA PressReader International Marketing Awards.

The awards, presented by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) in partnership with PressReader, honour library marketing campaigns that demonstrate creativity, meaningful impact and community engagement.

This year’s awards attracted close to 100 entries from around the world, showcasing the breadth of innovation happening in libraries today. Among this global pool, CPUT Libraries stood out for its bold and relatable approach to digital engagement through TikTok, earning praise for effectively connecting with its student community in a fun, transformative way.

The recognition was given for CPUT’s standout campaign titled: Building Connection: CPUT Libraries TikTok Growth Campaign.

As academic libraries adapt to shifting student behaviours, CPUT Libraries has embraced a forward-thinking approach: meeting users where they are - online, and especially on social media. Platforms like TikTok have become more than entertainment channels; they are now vibrant spaces for information sharing, community building, and education.

Through this campaign, CPUT Libraries aimed to:

• Reduce library anxiety and foster approachability
• Raise awareness of resources, spaces, and services
• Strengthen user-library relationships through relatable content
• Expand digital presence in alignment with CPUT’s digital transformation goals
• Embrace innovation as a core part of student engagement strategy

“We didn’t just join the trend - we turned it into a tool for transformation,” said Ntombekhaya Gwaqa, Marketing Librarian.

At the heart of the campaign was a smart partnership with a student influencer, paired with a catchy trending song and dynamic content. The strategy paid off - making the library feel more present, accessible, and aligned with student life.

Campaign Impact:

• 18.2K views on the featured TikTok post
• 3,508 likes, 36 shares
• 55 new followers gained during the campaign
• Growth from 495 followers (Dec 2023) to 1,650 (July 2025)
• 22.8K total likes to date

The Jury made the following comment about the campaign:

“We commend this creative and strategic approach to student engagement... This initiative not only increased social media presence but also reinforced the library as a welcoming and essential space for academic success.”

The Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) congratulated CPUT Libraries for its innovation and professionalism, calling it “a shining example of excellence in library marketing on the global stage.”

The recognition reinforces CPUT Libraries’ commitment to evolving with the times, while staying true to its core mission: to support students, promote access to knowledge, and foster connection in every form — even 15-second videos.

CPUT Libraries remains energised to keep exploring new ways to communicate, educate, and inspire.

“This award reminds us that libraries can be both timeless and timely - rooted in knowledge, yet ready to meet the future head-on,” said Gwaqa.

Written by CPUT News
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Dr Elisha Chiware, CPUT Libraries Director has been appointed to the Board of the International Association of Technological and Scientific University Libraries (IATUL) as its Secretary General. He will serve on the IATUL Board for three years and his term ends in 2014.

In 2013, CPUT Libraries will host the Annual General Conference of IATUL. The conference is expected to draw in more 180 delegates from all over the world and CPUT Libraries will be mounting a special Africa and Middle outreach programme to attract more delegates from these regions.

About his appointment, Dr Chiware says: "I'm elated at this appointment as it will assist me in achieving some of the goals I set out when I joined CPUT as Libraries' Director. In addition to growing CPUT Libraries to a world-class service, I also set about putting the library on the global map and joining the international community of technological and scientific libraries.

“The conference in 2013 will be a milestone not only to be part of the global community but also to showcase the university and the province in general”, he concludes.

By: Thando J. Moiloa

Written by CPUT News
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A recent report by Global Entrepreneurship Monitor stated that of the all South African cities it surveyed, Cape Town had the highest degree of entrepreneurship activity. With many CPUT staff and students contributing to this business environment, the Entrepreneur’s Centre, at the Cape Town branch of the CPUT Library, is becoming an important resource.

The Entrepreneur’s Centre, situated on the third floor of the Library, offers advice and information on starting a business to students and staff at all Faculties of CPUT. As a division of CPUT Libraries, it provides access to the latest books, journals and online databases specifically for young entrepreneurs.

The Centre keeps a lookout for entrepreneurship-related events and makes sure that the CPUT community is aware that these events are taking place. Students who would like to sharpen their business skills can consult with the Centre in order to be directed to appropriate training options. The Centre is currently in talks with the Graduate School of Business at the University of Cape Town and is looking at ways that the two university divisions can work together.

Cavall Barends has been the Entrepreneur’s Centre Librarian since August 2008 and has been steadily working at fostering relationships with organisations that support entrepreneurship.

“An entrepreneur is someone who has identified a gap in the market for a product or service,” Barends said, “They are often risktakers who have a vision that other people might see as crazy, but who are very motivated.”

She said that has been a mindshift since the days when students would only work for established companies. She noted that currently, with a limited job market, there is a much greater need to create one’s own wealth. In doing so one is also creating employment for others.

The Centre keeps track of students who have sought the Centre’s advice in order to follow their progress. It also maintains contact with CPUT alumni whose business initiatives have proved successful and whose experiences could be useful to current students. An example is BTech graduate Luvuyo Rani, who founded an Internet café in Khayelitshe, and was rewarded with strong returns for this much needed service.

The resources available at the Entrepreneur’s Centre will hopefully allow other CPUT students to follow Rani’s example and make their dreams of running their own businesses a reality.

For more information about the Entrepreneur’s Centre, go to their website at http://www.cput.ac.za/library_2/businesscentre.php.

By Ilana Abratt, Marketing and Communication Department

Written by CPUT News
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Recently, during the annual Cape Town Book Fair held from 30 July to 02 August 2010 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), several schools and institution’s of higher learning were invited to receive copies of former government minister Jay Naidoo’s new book, “Fighting for Justice”.

In the 1980s, Naidoo was the first general secretary of Cosatu, the country’s largest union federation.

During Nelson Mandela’s presidency, he served as the minister in charge of Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Broadcasting.

CPUT Libraries was in line to receive six brand new copies of the autobiography, to give the campus community access to the informative read.

The trade unionist turned political activist partnered with local paper supplier Sappi Kraft to launch their new book paper grade, Bookpride 70 on which Naidoo’s autobiography was printed.

Naidoo’s publisher Picador Africa (Pan Macmillan Publishers) agreed to the promotion of the new paper grade.

Due to the significant role that Naidoo played in the country’s political and social history, it was fitting that local paper supplier Sappi Kraft decided to donate copies of the book to learners and students for their educational benefit.

Instrumental in the initiative was Simon Sonn, Divisional Sales Manager: Newsprint for Sappi Kraft, who was also present at the handover where Naidoo presented the six books to the Head of Department: Technical Services & E-Resources Management Audrey Patrick.

Sonn thanked the Library for its participation, saying: “The launch held at the Cape Town Book Fair was a resounding success”.

Patrick expressed her delight at the generous donation and added that the copies of the book would be distributed across the libraries branches.

“We as CPUT Libraries encourage staff and students to read a copy of this great book as it reminds us of our past that led us to our freedom”.

After leaving the world of politics in 1999, Naidoo set up an investment and management company, J & J Group, of which he is currently the co-owner.

By Thando Moiloa

Photo: CPUT staff member Audrey Patrick with Jay Naidoo at the Cape Town Book Fair; A copy of Naidoo’s autobiography “Fighting for Justice”.

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT libraries recently hosted a book donation ceremony at the Cape Town campus, where they donated books to several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

Estelle Kruger, Senior Library Assistant responsible for public relations matters at the Cape Town campus library, said: “This event is part of the libraries’ portfolio. It’s part of our strategic plan, where we reach out to at least three NGOs. All the CPUT library branches contributed by donating books.”

The two NGOs that benefitted from this outreach initiative were Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA), represented by Christy White and Nicro, represented by Beverley Du Plooy and Gerhard Jansen Van Vuuren.

PSFA’s White was open about what his organisation would do with their portion of the books.

“We need to feed our kids, so we are probably going to sell these books at a fair price, to buy food items which will be handed out at various schools” she said.

White also mentioned that they are one of five school-feeding organisations in the province; however theirs is the only non-profit organisation.

“During his time in office, former State President Nelson Mandela formed a primary school feeding fund, which provided food only to a certain percentage of schools. That’s where PSFA fits in; we try to the best of our ability to cater to those who do not gain from this past initiative”, said White.

Du Plooy and Van Vuuren mentioned that Nicro discovered a shortage of libraries in townships.

“The books will be used at our offices in Khayelitsha and Langa, as there is a high illiteracy rate throughout the disadvantaged areas”, said Van Vuuren.

Currently, Nicro has a number of sponsors that help to sustain their 53 branches nationwide. These sponsors include the Provincial Department of Social Development and the National Lottery.

The books were handed over by the Library’s two Public Relations interns, Nadia Majiet and Nelisa Ntsokota, who have become extensively involved in organising such events as part of experiential learning.

Also present at the book hand-over were Deputy Director of the Cape Town Campus Library Michiel Moll and Branch Manager Sulaiman Majal.

Referring to the representatives of the NGO’s, Moll said: “This gesture is a token of appreciation for what you do for the community of South Africa”.

According to Estelle Kruger, this outreach gesture was the first of many charity events the Libraries plan to do and the book donations will happen annually.

By Mariette Adams

Photo: Library staff members and representatives from the organisations who received the donations.

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT Libraries is celebrating the success of its Digital Knowledge (DK) site, with the number of academic text downloads registered by the site sailing well past the 10 000 milestone.

The site was launched in September last year as a means for CPUT staff members and students to publish theses, academic papers and other publications to a digital library that could be accessed by both a local and an international audience.

By 11 January 2010, the site reported that users had downloaded academic texts 12 000 times. A report by Google Analytics tracking site visits since the September launch stated that the site had been visited by users from 109 countries, including the US, UK and India.

According to DK’s reporting systems, the most popular CPUT download for the period 11 December 2009 to 11 January 2010 was a dissertation by Patience Aseweh Abor titled “Medical waste management at Tygerberg hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa.” The item was accessed 201 times in the four-week period.

The growing collection of CPUT items hosted by Digital Knowledge is the result of the efforts of Faculty staff members, who have contributed poster presentations, articles, conference proceedings and speeches, and Library staff members who have assisted academic staff, and undertaken the laborious process of scanning documents for the collection.

According to Deborah Becker, who serves as the Digital Knowledge co-ordinator for CPUT Libraries, the University has digitised most of its collection of pre-2005 Peninsula Technikon theses and loaded them into the Digital Knowledge database.

“12 000 downloads emphasises the visibility Digital Knowledge offers and the value of adding items to the collection,” said Becker.

“The library would like to thank staff and students who are contributing to the development of the database.”

The Library is still scanning its collection of Cape Technikon and CPUT theses. Becker, and fellow Library staff member Imraan Baderoen plan to have these texts uploaded by the end of 2010.

Other plans for 2010 include growing the site’s collection of historical photographs and documents and rolling out a means of recording citations in DK,

The Library recently also added a number of e-books to the DK site, which are available for free to staff and students.

The CPUT DK site is hosted by USA-based online publisher Berkeley Electronic Press and is based on the organisation’s Digital Commons platform.

Students and staff members wishing to contribute items to DK can access the site directly at http://dk.cput.ac.za/ or contact Imraan Baderoen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further assistance. For technical enquiries, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Note that to access Digital Knowledge, some users may need to adjust their browser settings.

By Ilana Abratt

Photograph: CPUT Libraries staff members Imraan Baderoen and Deborah Becker are hard at work digitising the University’s collection of dissertations and uploading the texts to Digital Knowledge.

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT staff and students now have online access to 5 500 local and international newspapers and magazines.

Earlier this month, the CPUT libraries added PressReader to their online database of service providers.

PressReader is the world’s largest database of online newspapers and magazines and currently there are over 8 400 PressReader hotspots where access is sponsored by businesses, libraries, airlines, cruise liners and hotels.

Marketing Librarian Hillary Hartle says PressReader is a popular digital database that is currently being used by a number of higher education institutions.

Currently PressReader provides access to 157 of South Africa’s most popular newspapers and magazines.

Hartle says the website is easy to navigate and can be customized by users choosing sections of their favourite publications or following others.

The app can be downloaded from Google Play Store or the PressReader website. CPUT staff and students can access PressReader via the CPUT website using their CPUT log on details. Once logged in, users have various options, from accessing their favourite local newspapers to international magazines.

To access PressReader visit: http://www.pressreader.com/catalog/south-africa

To access a quick guide on how to make use of PressReader visit: https://care.pressreader.com/hc/en-us/articles/202547739-Quick-Start-Guide

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

The Director of CPUT Libraries, Dr Elisha Chiware will play a key role in advancing research in South Africa.

Chiware has been selected as a member of the Academy Advisory Committee on the implementation of national site licenses for access to high-cost, commercial electronic full text and other journal databases by researchers.

The announcement of his appointment was made recently by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAF), who has been tasked by the Department of Higher Education and Training to determine a way forward to ensure researchers have more access to papers published by academics in leading journals.

Having access to journal databases is vital to growing research in South Africa, however, the high cost related to gaining access to these databases is prohibiting the performance of researchers.

“This is particularly a problem at the less well funded universities, where access to journals is severely limited and a lack of resources means that there is little chance of this situation changing in the medium-term,” states ASSAF in a document outlining the project.

“Access to these resources is necessary if all South Africa’s postgraduate students, researchers and academics are to function at the cutting edge of global knowledge in their respective fields.”

Chiware says he is honoured to be part of this project, which is long overdue.

He says once their task is completed, he hopes that it will bring relief to researchers at institutions who have been struggling with access to resources.

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.

For academic excellence CPUT encourages its students to use the library’s resources.

The Marketing Department and Library Services embarked on a joint initiative which saw the second-year Advertising students square off to design and produce posters to encourage students to use the services of the CPUT libraries.

A library panel of adjudicators had fun deliberating over the winning posters and selected four winners. The prize-giving ceremony recently took place at the Cape Town Campus Library.

The ceremony was attended by staff members from both departments and each finalist explained their poster concept.

Mesuli Lostile was announced as the overall winner, Leigh-Anne Stober was second and Alain Moise Marora third. Leaney Barnard was awarded a special prize for the most eye-catching poster.

The prizes included folios, folders, bags and other branded goodies. A collage of the posters can be viewed at the Cape Town library and some posters will soon be placed at libraries on other campuses.

The posters focus on the recent redesigning of the space in the Cape Town Campus library, which included more computers in the lab, discussion areas, softer seats, round tables, plug points & wireless internet access for laptops. Other posters emphasize why students should use the resources of CPUT’s Library’s resources instead of the Internet.

“All the posters were judged according to the brief of promoting the services of the library,” says Senior Librarian Yunus Omar.

“The winning poster – CPUT Libraries collage - captured all the elements of the brief, namely advertising the modern, re-designed services and colourful spaces of the library.”

Written by Kwanele Butana
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Completing assignments or researching at CPUT is made easier, thanks to the CPUT Libraries, which offer students a wealth of information and learning material.

The CPUT Libraries boasts approximately 265 327 books, 27 025 e-books, as well as 25 platforms which provide access to a total of 83 databases across various disciplines.

CPUT has several libraries, which are situated at the main and satellite sites. The collections and resources of each library reflect the courses offered at the campus or satellite sites it services.

However, students are not restricted to the library on the campus which they are based, and may make use of the learning material and study areas at any of the libraries.

Several of the libraries are open six days a week, with those on the main campuses operating up until 10pm from Monday to Thursday.

For operating times see http://www.cput.ac.za/library/about/opening-hours

To stay up to date with CPUT Libraries, follow them on Facebook.

Take a virtual walk through the Bellville Campus Library and the various departments it houses. Explore the Ground Floor,  First Floor or Second Floor

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

The word eSango, which means gateway or portal in both isiXhosa and isiZulu, was the winning entry in a competition to name the gateway to CPUT’s Research Management platforms Figshare and MediaTUM.

CPUT Libraries Director Dr Elisha Chiware says eSango will eventually become the gateway to many kinds of research data management platforms in addition to those already available in order to accommodate different disciplinary practices in research data management.

“One important reason we are insisting on good data management is because a lot of funding agencies are saying ‘if you are publically funded you must manage your data properly, from the time you apply for the grant until you publish your results’”.

“This will benefit not only the researchers but the public at large and contribute to the advancement of knowledge production at CPUT and the country,” Chiware explained.

At a recent showcase, librarians reminded CPUT staff of the services that are available to enable good practices in data management.

“The showcase was to remind people these platforms are available and to encourage uptake. It was also to remind them that librarians are not around just for students, but for staff too,” he added.

Librarians can assist researchers and lecturers to set up their ORCID IDs, access the Data Management Plan and teach them how to use Primo – the discovery platform to all information resources kept by the libraries.

ORCID stands for Open Research and Contributor ID and provides a unique number that is linked to all of a particular person’s research activities.

“A lot of funders are insisting on ORCID IDs and the take-up is growing. The NRF also is insisting that if you are going to apply for funding you must have an ORCID ID,” said Chiware.

The Data Management Plan is a tool for setting out your strategy to manage data collection, analysis, storage, curation and preservation for long-term use. Many international funding agencies now require the submission of a Data Management Plan with all grant applications.

Primo is a gateway to explore the library catalogue, all of the university’s subscriptions and electronic books as well as the institutional repository (Digital Knowledge) which contains research published by CPUT researchers and the Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) platform of full-text theses and dissertations submitted at CPUT: “Anybody can search for those research outputs and use them accordingly,” said Chiware.

“Visibility is very important. It means other researchers out there can identify potential collaborators with CPUT researchers.”

In support of the concept of Open Access, CPUT makes use of Open Journal Systems. This journal management and publishing system currently contains three journals but Chiware says they hope to expand this considerably.

The word eSango, which means gateway or portal in both isiXhosa and isiZulu, was the winning entry in a competition to name the gateway to CPUT’s Research Management platforms Figshare and MediaTUM.

CPUT Libraries Director Dr Elisha Chiware says eSango will eventually become the gateway to many kinds of research data management platforms in addition to those already available in order to accommodate different disciplinary practices in research data management.

“One important reason we are insisting on good data management is because a lot of funding agencies are saying ‘if you are publically funded you must manage your data properly, from the time you apply for the grant until you publish your results’”.

“This will benefit not only the researchers, but the public at large and contribute to the advancement of knowledge production at CPUT and the country,” Chiware explained.

At a recent showcase librarians reminded CPUT staff of the services that are available to enable good practices in data management.

“The showcase was to remind people these platforms are available and to encourage uptake. It was also to remind them that librarians are not around just for students, but for staff too,” he added.

Librarians can assist researchers and lecturers to set up their ORCID IDs, access the Data Management Plan and teach them how to use Primo – the discovery platform to all information resources kept by the libraries.

ORCID stands for Open Research and Contributor ID and provides a unique number that is linked to all of a particular person’s research activities.

“A lot of funders are insisting on ORCID IDs and the take-up is growing. The NRF also is insisting that if you are going to apply for funding you must have an ORCID ID,” said Chiware.

The Data Management Plan is a tool for setting out your strategy to manage data collection, analysis, storage, curation and preservation for long-term use. Many international funding agencies now require the submission of a Data Management Plan with all grant applications.

Primo is a gateway to explore the library catalogue, all of the university’s subscriptions and electronic books as well as the institutional repository (Digital Knowledge) which contains research published by CPUT researchers and the Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) platform of full-text theses and dissertations submitted at CPUT: “Anybody can search for those research outputs and use them accordingly,” said Chiware.

“Visibility is very important. It means other researchers out there can identify potential collaborators with CPUT researchers.”

In support of the concept of Open Access, CPUT makes use of Open Journal Systems. This journal management and publishing system currently contains three journals but Chiware says they hope to expand this considerably.

Written by Theresa Smith
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CPUT Libraries recently hosted a series of events to raise awareness about breast cancer.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign during which various health and other structures raise awareness of the disease.

Staff and students were given the opportunity to learn about the importance of early detection, treatments and care available as well as services available on the various campuses via CPUT Health Clinics.

CPUT Libraries held awareness drives at Tygerberg Campus, Mowbray Campus, Wellington Campus, Granger Bay Campus, District Six Campus and Bellville Campus.

At the Bellville Campus event, the last in the series, attendees were welcomed by Senior Library Assistant, Ncumisa Njecana, whereafter, Barennise Arries, Lecturer in the Department of Nursing Science delivered a talk titled: Cancer journey of a loved one – my support.

Georgell van Wyk, Lecturer in the Department of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences, spoke about the barriers experienced by patients during mammography screening. A group of students from the Department of Nursing Science delivered a presentation, which included information on the causes of breast cancer.

Dr Bronwyn Swartz, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, shared her personal journey with breast cancer.

“I would promote that you go and get your regular check-ups. We can’t control our circumstances, the stuff that happens around us, but we can control going for our check-ups,” Swartz said.

During the awareness drive on the other campuses there were a series of activities including presentations from speakers who are breast cancer survivors.

CPUT Libraries thanked the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, CPUT Health Clinics and all participating departments for their support.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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CPUT students can count on a range of academic support services to help them reach their full potential. These include helping students to hone their writing skills and providing them with access to a multitude of books.

CPUT Libraries

Our libraries provide students with access to various resources, including books and e-books. They can also access a number of databases covering various disciplines.

Services include:

• Borrowing of Resources
• Short loans
• Study spaces
• Research support

For library opening times, please visit: http://www.cput.ac.za/lib/about/opening-hours

The Disability Unit

The Disability Unit aims to provide an accessible and welcoming learning environment for students with disabilities as well as support for staff working with these students.

Services and innovative resources available to students include:

• Software programmes, eg, The Dragon programme that converts the spoken word into written format.
• Large screen computer monitors for visually impaired students
• Scanners and magnifiers
• Braille embosser that converts documents into Braille
• Special large font keyboards
• Digital recorders to record lectures

Contact details:

For assistance, contact Lillian Fortuin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +27 (0)21 959 6964 or Delicia de Vos at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For further information, please visit http://www.cput.ac.za/services/disability

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Related items

• Wellington Campus welcomes first-years
• New cyber security programme launched
• Payment made easy for students
• New Committee to evaluate qualifications
• Pledging an end to school pit toilets

To ensure students reach their goals, CPUT offers a comprehensive range of academic support services. These services, which are free to registered CPUT students, range from providing access to books to assisting students with improving their writing skills.

CPUT Libraries

With approximately 265 327 books, 27 025 e-books, as well as 25 platforms which provide access to a total of 83 databases across various disciplines, the CPUT Libraries have covered all their basis to ensure students have access to a wealth of resources.

Services:

• Borrowing of resources
• Access to e-books and databases
• Interlibrary loans
• Short loans
• Study spaces
• Postgraduate support via the Research Information Support Centre

Venues:

CPUT campuses and satellite sites

Opening times:

For library opening times, please see www.cput.ac.za/lib/about/opening-hours

Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides students with assistance in the fields of writing, mathematics and physics.

Venues:

• Cape Town Campus: E-Learning Building
• Tygerberg Campus: Library
• Bellville Campus: IT Building
• Mowbray Campus: Education Building

Opening times:

Students are assisted by appointments only.

To make an appointment, please contact:

• Bellville and Tygeberg Campuses: +27 (0)21 959 6040
• Cape Town and Mowbray: +27 (0)21 460 3610

Disability Unit

Students living with disabilities have access to assistive devices and learning material, which will assist them in reaching their academic goals.  

Services:

• Adapting study material
• Software programmes, eg, The Dragon programme that converts the spoken word into written format.
• Large screen computer monitors for visually impaired students
• Scanners and magnifiers
• Braille embosser that converts documents into Braille
• Special large font keyboards
• Digital recorders to record lectures

Venues:

• Bellville and Cape Town Campuses
• The services are available through the CPUT Libraries at the other campuses and satellite sites.

Opening times:

For assistance, contact Lillian Fortuin at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +27 (0)21 959 6964 or Delicia de Vos at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +27 21 460 9071

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.

CPUT Libraries recently hosted its first Librarians’ Day for 2024.

The event served as a platform to convene all librarians within the institution, to provide continuous professional development, and to foster discussion on pertinent topics aimed at mutual learning.

The primary objective of this event was to facilitate dialogue among librarians, enabling them to exchange insights and experiences. This collaborative approach aimed to enhance their collective knowledge base and improve service delivery within the libraries.

The event featured presentations from various speakers, who shared their expertise on diverse subjects. Among the topics covered were:

Article Processing Charges - Janine Lockhart

CPUT Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence - Prof Faiq Waghid

RIALTO - Anke MaCallum

Furthermore, the event recognised the professional development efforts of eight staff members who have completed a course on Open Educational Resources (OER). Certificates were presented to acknowledge their production of OER, their commitment to continuous learning, skill enhancement and support of the institutional vision on learning and teaching. The Open Educational Resources project within CPUT Libraries is also in response to the global Open Science movement which calls for free access to educational resources at all levels of higher education.

According to CPUT Libraries, Librarians Day 2024 served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and professional growth within the library community. By fostering collaboration and recognising individual achievements, the event contributed to the advancement of library services and the promotion of excellence in librarianship at CPUT.

Written by CPUT News
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Mandela Day not only honours the former stateman’s life and achievements but also inspires individuals and communities globally to devote their time and efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

As the heavy rain and gusty winds continued to batter the Western Cape on this day, the staff and students were excited to engage in a meaningful act of kindness that brought joy to children in low-resourced local schools such as Balvenie Primary School, Astra Special Education School, as well as The Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children.

Led by the Service-Learning and Civic Engagement (SLCE) Unit, the Community Engagement Student Academy (CESA) project group, known as The Community Connectors, groups of staff members and students visited the classrooms at these venues and read stories to the learners. The teams also delivered an entertaining programme that included the performance of a children’s story, a quiz and other interactive activities.

SLCE Manager, Jacqui Scheepers emphasised the importance of institutional projects that express the Ubuntu philosophy through action within the communities around CPUT. “The support, teamwork, good spirits, and camaraderie displayed by staff and students from across the institution and various campuses was evidence of what could be achieved in communities when there is unity and purpose,” said Scheepers.

She also quoted Tata Madiba who said: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Scheepers said this was displayed by the CPUT community who visited three community sites to engage in activities with school learners to celebrate the legacy of Tata Madiba and express the spirit of Ubuntu as part of CPUT’s Vision 2030.

CPUT Libraries has coordinated the drop-off sites of reading materials at all campus libraries which were donated by staff and students. Scheepers said the donation of new/pre-owned books and reading materials of all genres children’s books, CDs, magazines and many more) “contributes to the educational development of our communities”, adding that reusing pre-owned reading materials is also environmentally responsible as it reduces waste.

Scheepers stated that the Balvenie Primary School Library is a long-term project site for SLCE interdisciplinary projects in conjunction with Architectural Technology, Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, Interior Design, Mechanical Engineering, and Graphic Design departments. Industry and service-learning partner, Nadeson Consulting staff members joined CPUT at Balvenie Primary and handed over books, a laptop, and a printer to the library. They also raised R5,000.00 through crowdfunding for the library.

The school principal, Farieda Wakefield expressed her gratitude to CPUT and Nadeson Consulting for their kind donations and for engaging with their learners.

Wakefield said: “It's such a joy to see people come on board to invest in our community. One of our mottos at our school is always: This can be Elsie's River, but we don’t need to be like Elsie's River … One of our challenges is getting people on board to come and invest in our school… So the fact that CPUT and Nadeson Consulting came on board to have a library, I must say thank you very much to CPUT and other role players who after so many years want to see this project through…Thank you very much for whatever you're giving to the school, small or big it doesn’t matter what it is, we are just happy that at the end of the day, we will have a library to at least see what we can do to enhance the academic performance of our learners.” She added that the school needed more interventions to improve the dire situation at the school.

Regina Sikhosana, Branch Manager, Bellville Campus, brightened the room when she mentioned the available assistance from the library and said: “So we are going to adopt you until you graduate”.

In The Saartjie Centre for Women and Children's new therapeutic library, the Community Connectors and library staff sorted out the books, packed the bookshelves, and then engaged with the learners. Miriam Fredericks said: “Your support is instrumental in our ability to continue to provide essential, life-changing services to survivors of domestic violence and their children.”

The SLCE unit have undertaken to conduct a life skills programme with the hostel learners at Astra Special Education School in the future.

Scheepers also conveyed “a special thank you” to all the stakeholders, staff and students for their participation.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce and CPUT News
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CPUT Libraries, in collaboration with the Department of Student Affairs (DSA), recently joined the global celebration of World Book and Copyright Day under the theme "Read Your Way”.

This annual event is observed worldwide, and it serves as a tribute to the invaluable contributions of books and authors, while also highlighting the importance of copyright protection in fostering creativity and innovation. The World Book and Copyright Day holds profound significance, tracing its roots back to UNESCO's decision in 1995 to commemorate April 23rd as a day of literary celebration. This date was chosen to honour the birth and death anniversaries of renowned authors, including William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, underscoring the universal appeal of literature and its timeless impact on human culture.

At the heart of CPUT's celebration were esteemed guest speakers, dedicated staff, and enthusiastic students, all gathered to partake in a series of enlightening discussions and presentations. Yunus Omar, Library Manager of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, set the tone for the event, emphasising the importance of reading as a transformative force that enriches the mind and broadens the horizon. Njabulo Maphumulo, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, emphasised the importance of cultivating a culture of writing and storytelling, stressing that it is crucial to create avenues where individuals can share their narratives and contribute to the rich tapestry of literature. Maphumulo also highlighted the critical role of access to books in empowering individuals to chart their intellectual journey. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts, such as this event, to bridge the gap and make educational resources more accessible to students.

There were also insightful presentations by guest speakers, Ntombozuko Bota- CPUT alumna and author of a book: A Seed Grown Into Flower and motivational speaker and Musa Tshabangu- first-year student and author, who captivated the audience with their inspiring journeys and invaluable insights into the writing, publishing process, and importance of copyright. With firsthand experience and expertise, they shared practical tips and financial considerations essential for aspiring authors, shedding light on the intricate path from conception to publication. Musa has authored two books, Decision Making and Koke ngaphasi komthunzi welanga kune skhathi sakho.

Under the adept direction of Regina Sikhosana, Library Manager, Faculty of the Engineering and Built Environment, the programme unfolded seamlessly, providing a platform for dialogue, learning, and inspiration. Janine Lockhart, Scholarly Communication and Digitisation Services, extended heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their contributions and commitment to promoting information literacy as a skill taught in libraries to support learning and teaching, and protection of authors’ copyright and intellectual property following the Protection of Personal Information Act.

Ntombekhaya Gwaqa , Marketing Librarian, said the celebration of World Book and Copyright Day was a testament to the institution's unwavering dedication to fostering social cohesion, a culture of reading, learning, and creativity. “Through collaborative endeavours and insightful discourse, it reaffirms the enduring significance of books as vessels of knowledge and the indispensable role of copyright in safeguarding the fruits of human imagination. As we reflect on this commemorative day, let us renew our commitment to cherishing literature, nurturing talent, and upholding the principles of intellectual integrity and cultural diversity.”

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT Libraries recently hosted a Mental Health Awareness campaign and poetry session at the Granger Bay Campus.

The event was a collaboration between the CPUT Library staff and the Student Counselling team, aimed to help the students’ educational experience with a blend of motivational speaking and poetry.

The opening remarks by the Granger Bay Campus Librarian, Nontobeko Xwayi set the tone for an event that promised to be as enlightening as it was inspiring. Regina Sikhosana, a Senior Librarian at CPUT Bellville Campus, provided a message of support and word on mental health. Speakers graced the stage, presenting a unique perspective designed to motivate and educate. The presentations covered various topics, all fitting to the student experience at CPUT.

The CPUT Student Counselling Services team provided information on their services. Ntombekhaya Gwaqa, Marketing Librarian, said their message connected with the audience, providing them with “hope and guidance”. “They detailed the comprehensive services available at the Department of Student Counselling, including career counselling, wellness programme, peer helper services, individual counselling and therapy, self-help materials, academic support and advocacy, support groups and skills development,” said Gwaqa. The counselling team also shared different ways on how to manage stress.

Counselling Psychologist, Modipadi Phala said: “Self-awareness helps you to understand yourself better so that when you are experiencing mental health challenges, you can know what to do about it”. Ntswaki Shopane, a counselling intern, explained the career pathing role as to enhance and promote mental health, wellness and adjustment of students.

A guest poet from the University of Western Cape, Jamie Conway, and a Maritime Studies student, Nondabulo Mbasa, delivered inspiring poems. “The event was a success, student engagement and participation were high, with many students who walked away with prizes presented by Gwaqa.

Written by CPUT News
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