Senior Lecturer Walter Kohlhofer began his impactful journey three decades ago at the then Peninsula Technikon (Pentech), now CPUT Bellville Campus, after answering a lunchtime call that opened the door to his future and led him to the classroom just hours later.

After years of dedication and commitment, Kohlhofer has been honoured with a Long Service Award at a recent ceremony held at Bellville Campus. “I was given four separate subjects. However, classes were smaller and more manageable. We had a more collegial atmosphere, partly due to the much smaller staff complement,” he said about his early days at the institution.

Born 60 years ago in Pinelands, Cape Town, after his parents’ move from Europe a few years before his birth, Kohlhofer attended Pinelands High School and then studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he completed his bachelor's and master's degrees.

He attended a shortlisting interview at John Thompson, which was located across the road from Pentech. Four candidates were competing for the position. It was the days before mobile phones, and after the interview, Kohlhofer drove home only to be informed that Pentech had reached out regarding a position he had applied for. He then drove back and was interviewed by the Dean, the Head of Department, and the Human Resources manager.

Having previously worked as a tutor at UCT and then in the industry at Metal Box/Nampak, he felt that the academic world suited him better. During the interview, he mentioned the offer he had received from John Thompson. This occurred on a Friday afternoon. On Monday, he received a call informing him that his request had been approved and that he should start that afternoon. This marked the beginning of his journey at Pentech and later at CPUT.

Initially, academic staff spent nearly all their time on teaching-related activities. As time progressed, more and more administrative work became part of the workload. The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) related demands and increased educational criteria have become the norm.

He has met many different characters and personalities along the journey. “I believe that interpersonal skills are more important than some academic qualifications in order to become a leader or manager. Keith Jacobs, our former acting HOD and Dean, was instrumental in creating a close-knit unit in our department. You could not always fathom his next move; however, it always benefited the department as a whole. That being said, there are many others along this journey who have made my life better, be it with work or emotional support.”

The hardest challenge he faced along the way was when his wife was retrenched shortly after they bought their house; “things became tough financially”. He says former Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof Anthony Staak in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment was instrumental in releasing money from his accumulated leave. “It was possible in the past to cover the shortfall for a few months, which saved the family.”

The flexible working hours and academic calendar have also given him holidays that are similar to his daughter’s school holidays. “The flexibility allowed me to attend nearly all her school events, sports days, concerts, etc.”

The biggest secret to staying happy and motivated in the same job for so long is that although sometimes he feels tired and unmotivated with all the extras but seeing different students and watching them change and grow and come back years later or connect on social media, wherever they are in the world, “makes it a happy place to work”.

“We don’t produce a product; we are part of the change in people, and that makes the difference.”

The former Acting Engineering Faculty WIL Coordinator says: “In general, the staff in the department and the service departments has been supportive and good. Having spent much time at the institution, one gets to know the people personally, and this helps in the daily tasks.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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A decade ago, Sipokazi Siyazi sought a transformative shift from the corporate realm to a public institution, leading her to CPUT. Her dedication and perseverance have recently been celebrated with a Long Service Award at a ceremony held at Bellville Campus.

“I have learned so many things, and for my understanding, it is not easy to change jobs, especially if there's nothing that makes you change the workplace. I love working at CPUT; it is one of those things that make me stay for this long.”

Born in Ntlalontle Village, Lady Frere, in the Eastern Cape, she attended Ntlalontle Junior Secondary before going to Mathew Goniwe Senior School.

When she arrived at CPUT, the youngest of two siblings and a mother of two sons was warmly welcomed by the staff members from the Human Capital Department. "I felt welcomed from the very first day I started," she shared. Since beginning her work here, Siyazi has not noticed any differences. "It's still the same for me, but even better because I've learned a lot and have engaged very well with my colleagues, working as a team."

Her daily routine as a kitchen assistant involves ensuring that she completes her duties efficiently, maintains a complaint-free record, delivers quality service on time, and is consistently punctual to avoid any issues. “My daily routine at work is to make sure that I fullfil my responsibilities effectively, keep complaints to a minimum, provide good service on time, and always be punctual to prevent any problems.”

Siyazi acknowledged the Public Relations and Events Coordinator, Catherine Cloete, “as the most interesting person I met on the first day when I came for an interview; she smiled at me, and even [after] all these years, I cannot fault or say anything bad about her because she never changed to me; she is still the person I met before, and the other colleagues of mine that I worked with on the sixth floor at District Six Campus, I never had any bad experience with them since then.”

She also had a word of advice for new staff members. “It's important to bring a positive attitude to work and to leave any personal problems you may be facing at home, outside of the workplace. Your attitude toward others also plays a significant role in creating a supportive environment. This positive mindset is what has allowed me to have a long and fulfilling experience working at CPUT.”

“…You just need to focus more on the workplace so that you survive and do your job; no need to be micromanaged. I have a lot of support from my colleagues.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Catharina Buckle, the Manager of the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, recently received a Long Service Award in recognition of her 35 years of dedicated service at CPUT.

She is proud to serve both the students and faculty, cherishing the opportunity to work alongside “brilliant and kind colleagues”.

Buckle was raised on a farm on the West Coast with four siblings. They were in a hostel from Grade 1 because the farm was too far from the school to fetch them every day. “[I] grew up in a small community with fond memories of sport events, dances, church fairs.” Buckle studied at Stellenbosch University to become a language teacher but changed her mind and started working at one of the heritage institutions, Cape Technikon, in January 1991. She has been happily married for 31 years and has a daughter who is a physiotherapist and a son studying BCom Mathematical Sciences at Stellenbosch University.

Reflecting on her very first day and how different the workplace is today, she says: “I was very nervous on my first day, but luckily there were several new employees who started on that day, which helped. The workplace was totally different, might be unrecognisable for many young people. We used fax machines; computers were something new to get used to, and most things were paper based.”

Buckle came to the Cape Technikon when she saw it as an opportunity to work in the beautiful Mother City. “The working environment was healthy, and the colleagues were great; we remained friends although most of the colleagues are not even in Cape Town anymore.”

While working at Cape Technikon on the current District Six Campus, she had to travel every morning from the Stellenberg area, which wasn't ideal. However, in 2006, Buckle moved to the Bellville Campus, much closer to home, “a huge bonus”. She has been in student administration for the biggest part of her career, from 1991 to 2006. From 2006 to 2014, she worked in the Registrar's Division, and then returned to student administration.

Buckle described the late Prof Thandi Matsha-Erasmus, a distinguished former staff member of CPUT and the former Vice-Chancellor of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, as the most interesting person she met and worked with during her career.

“She changed the way I looked at leaders; she was a strong, funny, firm, passionate, kind leader.”

She notes: “I am proud to serve the students and faculty and to work with brilliant, kind colleagues. The funniest memory I cannot reveal.” Instead of focusing on the challenge, she tries to find a solution. However, the unrest was always difficult for her, as well as COVID, because “we had to change the way we do things, but we also learnt a lot from it”. She always tries her best to balance her career and family time. “I am always trying to give my best and be present, although this proved to be difficult at times, wherever I am, whether at home or at work.”

Her biggest secret to staying happy and motivated in the same job for so long has been her connection with students and colleagues. She advised new staff members to appreciate the opportunity and to give their best. Buckle has only one word to describe the support from her colleagues: “ incredible”.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Whether supporting institutional events, engaging with prospective students, or representing the university in various communities, Kurt Mitchell always strives to make a meaningful contribution.

Mitchell, who works in the Marketing and Communication Department, was recently awarded a Long Service Award after 15 years of dedicated service to CPUT and first joined the institution as a Technical Assistant within the Division of Student Affairs. His role included supporting the student radio station, providing sound engineering services for institutional and departmental events, managing CPUT's social media platforms and assisting various departments across the university.

“My current job title is still Technical Assistant. However, I have up until recently been seconded to the role of a Student Recruitment Officer for the past year. This has allowed me the opportunity to make a direct impact with prospective students, visiting various schools and engaging and partnering with various government entities on a provincial and national level. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to be the person I wanted when I was at high school, to be the person to show them the opportunities available to them, to help them create their futures.”

Reflecting on his journey at CPUT, he credits much of his growth to the support and encouragement of his colleagues.

"What I enjoy most are my colleagues. The guidance, trust and responsibility I have been given, together with the belief others have shown in me, have inspired me to keep improving, do more and continually strive to grow both personally and professionally."

Among the many memorable moments during his career, one experience stands out above the rest. He recently represented CPUT at the Department of Higher Education and Training's Overberg District event, where he addressed a large audience of prospective students for the first time.

"It was the first time I presented to so many young people from a stage," he said. "After the presentation, many learners came to speak to me at the exhibition stand. Knowing that I had sparked their curiosity about CPUT and their future made the experience incredibly rewarding."

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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"Respect your colleagues and respect yourself."

These simple yet powerful words have guided Masonwabi Fini throughout his career at CPUT. Having joined the institution in 1995, he was recently recognised with a Long Service Award in honour of his 30 years of dedicated service.

Fini began his journey at the then Peninsula Technikon as a gardener before being promoted to work in irrigation, a career milestone he describes as one of the highlights of his time at the university.

Over the years, he has also appreciated the many opportunities CPUT has provided, including the privilege of seeing one of his children study at the university.

Today, his responsibilities include the campus swimming pools and the iconic fountain on the Bellville Campus, helping to ensure that the university's facilities remain functional and welcoming.

Reflecting on three decades of service, Fini encourages younger colleagues to approach their work with integrity and commitment.

"Focus on your job, be ethical and responsible, and always treat your colleagues and yourself with respect," he said.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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After more than three decades of dedicated service, Librarian Cavall Barends continues to play a vital role in supporting student success and academic excellence.

Having joined the library at the former Cape Technikon in 1990 as a Library Assistant at the circulation desk, she has witnessed the institution's transformation while growing alongside it. Today, she serves as the Librarian for the Faculty of Informatics and Design.

“My role involves supporting teaching, learning and research through various capacities such as information literacy instruction, collection development and research support. I am also involved in projects and initiatives that promote student success, lifelong learning and being effective in the use of library services and new technologies.”

Reflecting on her years at CPUT, she said one of the most rewarding aspects of her career has been witnessing the positive difference the library makes in students' academic journeys.

"One of the highlights of my career is seeing the positive impact that library services have on students throughout their studies," she said. "Quite often, we welcome students back as older adults who return to further their education. This reflects not only their personal growth but also their belief in CPUT as a place of learning."

She added that it has been especially fulfilling to watch students develop confidence in their research abilities and achieve their academic goals.

Beyond working with students, she has also treasured the relationships built with colleagues over the years.

"I have valued the opportunity to work with wonderful colleagues who have all contributed to the growth and transformation of the institution."

Drawing on more than three decades of experience, she encouraged younger colleagues to embrace lifelong learning and remain committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

"A meaningful career is built through adaptability, continuous learning and a commitment to serving others," she said. "Success is not only measured by promotions and accolades, but by the impact you have on the lives of those you touch along the way."

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

This is the message from Donovan Lategan as he celebrates a remarkable milestone – a Long Service Award for four decades of service at CPUT.

He first joined the institution on 6 January 1986 as a Laboratory Assistant in the Department of Dental Technology, which was based in the Foretrust Building on the Foreshore, Cape Town.

Today, he continues to serve as a Laboratory Assistant in the Department of Dental Sciences, a job he is as committed to as the first day he started.

“My day-to-day job is preparing the labs for practical sessions. I switch on certain equipment before the students arrive. I’m responsible for the first- and second-year students’ labs. I have about 40 students altogether and I must prepare their working models.

“I prepare the models which the students work on, and the lecturer gives me the instructions. I must also see that all the materials are filled up in the machines needed. I repair certain equipment, when needed. If I can’t repair it, I send it to dental suppliers. I invigilate during practical exams and supervise during class practicals.”

Reflecting on his four decades at CPUT, he has many positive memories.

“There are so many memories working with students and helping them where I can. I was always prepared to listen to students who had personal problems in their lives. You can say I was like a father figure to them when they needed advice. Every day, from the first day I started, has been good memories. I will miss CPUT; it was awesome working for them.”

He has the following words of wisdom for younger staff members:

“First thing – always be on time for work. Go the extra mile even if that is not your responsibility – get the job done. Be helpful to colleagues where you can and to students. Take the opportunities that CPUT gives you. Stay focused on the task at hand and always be thankful for the job you have at CPUT."

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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CPUT recently celebrated the unwavering commitment and dedication of 175 staff members during its annual Long Service Awards ceremony, recognising employees whose years of service have helped shape the institution's growth and success.

Among the recipients were Donovan Lategan and Desiree Jansen, who were each recognised for an exceptional 40 years of service.

Addressing the awardees, Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo praised their loyalty, commitment and the invaluable contribution they have made to the university over many years.

“As we celebrate this remarkable journey of service, let us recommit ourselves to the values of excellence, integrity and collaboration that define us as CPUT,” he said.

“Today we celebrate those who do not see CPUT as merely a workplace, but as a home.”

Nhlapo said the purpose of the annual ceremony has always been to provide university management with an opportunity to recognise and reward loyalty, dedication and hard work.

“It is a platform to pay respect, honour and acknowledge your contribution. Most importantly, it is a platform to say thank you.”

He encouraged long-serving staff members to preserve the knowledge and experience they have accumulated over the years for the benefit of future generations.

"The fact that you are Long Service Award recipients means many of you have seen and experienced it all during your time at CPUT. You possess a wealth of institutional knowledge. Let us write it down for future generations because institutional memory is critical to the efficient functioning of any organisation."

Nhlapo noted that long-term service has become increasingly uncommon.

“We live in a culture where spending just a few years in a job is often considered long service. Over the years, many of you may have received attractive offers elsewhere, yet you chose to remain at CPUT. For that loyalty, we are deeply grateful."

Prof Driekie Hay-Swemmer, Executive Director in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Operations, echoed these sentiments, describing each award as a celebration of far more than years of employment.

“Each award presented here today represents far more than the passage of time," she said. “It reflects years of dedication, perseverance, resilience and commitment. It represents challenges overcome, opportunities embraced, knowledge shared, friendships formed and countless contributions that have helped shape this university and its future."

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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CPUT acknowledged the dedication and loyal service of 190 staff members during the recent Long Service Awards ceremony, held at the Bellville campus.

Among the recipients were 11 staff members who each boast 35 years of service while nine staff members received awards for 30 years of service.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo also celebrated 15 years of service with the institution.

The Marketing and Communication Department’s Cathy Cloete, who received an award for 30 years of service, said she started studying in 1989 at Peninsula Technikon and was employed by the institution in 1992.

“When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. I’m blessed to be here for so long and I’ve grown so much. Both of my daughters have also studied at CPUT and the institution has allowed me to further my own education.”

Driver Cyril Klein, who received an award for 35 years of service, said he enjoys the comradery of the CPUT community and working with executive management including watching someone arrive as a nervous interviewee, helping to calm their nerves and eventually being appointed to CPUT.

Hlokane Terence Mabela from the Faculty of Applied Sciences’ received an award for ten years of service and said a decade isn’t a long time when you are where you are supposed to be.

Asked what he enjoys most about his job, he said: “Being able to share my skills and field expertise to make a difference in the academic learning journey.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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The loyalty, commitment and dedication of 240 staff members who have collectively served the institution for 4190 years, were celebrated during the recent CPUT Long Service Awards ceremony.

Among the recipients were ten staff members who have each served the institution for 40 years. They are:

• Darrol Abrahams
• Adenaan Abrahams
• David Bailey
• Gillian Khan
• Charmaine Nutt
• Patricia Samuels
• Sonja Swanich
• Elizabeth van Zyl
• Jessy Van Wyk
• Vidonia Viviers

Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, thanked all recipients for the many years of dedication and sacrifice and said all of them had helped to “build up this institution brick by brick”.

“The fact that you are Long Service awardees means that many of you have seen and done it all during your tenure and have a wealth of institutional knowledge. Institutional memory is critical for the efficient functioning of any organisation.”

Nhlapo added: “CPUT will never forget what a marvellous job you have done, and you’ll always be one of us.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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