Transformation and diversity is at the core of all functions at CPUT.

The Department of Office Management and Technology recently hosted a Diversity Management Seminar at the Cape Town Campus to provide a platform for students and staff to engage each other about the benefits and challenges of these issues.

The seminar featured perspectives from social entrepreneurs, young CPUT graduates and an ability activist who fights for the rights of the disabled.

It also emphasized the necessity for students and staff to not only respect and value all members of society but encouraged an inclusive environment for all people.

Delivering her keynote address at the seminar, Co-founder of The Chaeli Campaign Michaela Mycroft inspired the audience by sharing her personal life story of overcoming her adversities.

In 2011 Mycroft,19, was awarded the International Children’s Peace Prize for her work and life as an ability activist, and last year she received the first ever medal for social activism from Nobel Peace Laureates at their annual Peace Summit.

Reconstructed Living Labs (RLabs) founder, Marlon Parker, told the crowd how he uses digital media and mobile technology to solve the social ills in his community by giving it hope.

Started in Athlone in 2008, the RLabs is a global movement which spans across 19 countries worldwide.

Parker, an alumni of President Obama’s Young African Leaders initiative and an ex-CPUT staff member, has been listed as one of the 100 World Class South Africans in 2013.

Written by Kwanele Butana

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CPUT values transformation and diversity in all of its functions.

The Department of Office Management and Technology recently hosted a Diversity Management Seminar at the Cape Town Campus to provide a platform for students and staff to engage each other on these issues.

Under the theme, Overcoming Adversity: Looking Beyond, the seminar featured perspectives from social entrepreneurs.

Delivering his keynote address at the seminar, Reconstructed Living Labs (RLabs) founder, Marlon Parker, told the crowd how he uses digital media and mobile technology to solve the social ills in communities by giving residents hope against all odds.

Started in Athlone in 2008, the RLabs is a global movement which spans across 22 countries.

Another speaker at the event was Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, founder and Executive Director of Embrace Dignity, an NGO advocating for the abolition of sexual exploitation.

Madlala-Routledge warned the audience not to become bystanders but active opponents of sexual abuse.

Lecturer Mandie Richards says the speakers were inspiring and commended them for making a difference, and contributing towards social upliftment in communities.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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First-year students in the Department of Office Management and Technology donated almost R250 000 to the Children’s Hospital Trust over the past five years.

As part of their Business Administration 1 syllabus, students embark on an entrepreneurship project in which they are required to raise funds for the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.

Having raised almost R250 000 for the hospital, CPUT now has plaques on the hospital’s donor walls.

“I think this is a major achievement not only for the students but for the Faculty of Business and the Institution as a whole,” says lecturer Belinda Berman.

Berman says what motivates the department to keep donating to the hospital is that all monies raised by the students and donated to the Trust are directly used on the projects selected and no part of the funds go to staff salaries or administrative costs.

It takes the students two and a half terms to put the project together, which culminates on a Market Day where each group sells its products such as food, snacks and sweets on campus. However, in line with the hospital’s values, no alcoholic or tobacco products can be sold.

Besides equipping the students with holistic skills which are essential, the department promotes social responsibility as the donation to the hospital responds to a social need in not just the country, but the continent as a whole, says senior lecturer Mandie Richards.

From the project, the students acquire various skills including diversity management, business and administrative skills, teamwork, creativity, conflict resolution as well as managing finances.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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