The Department of Student Affairs (DSA) has committed to conserve water.

The DSA signed a water saving pledge, along with the City of Cape Town (CoCT) and the Department of Water Affairs (DWA).

The pledge forms part of Water Month Celebrations, an initiative of the City that aims to raise awareness of the importance of sustaining the country’s water resources.

Dean of Student Affairs, Cora Motale says CPUT is an institution that creates futures, and thus will play a crucial role in ensuring that there are adequate water resources for future generations.

“We are pledging that we will conserve water and respect it,” she says.

The pledge will see CPUT work closely with the City and the DWA in conserving water.

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services, Councillor Ernest Sonnenberg says it is vital that all members of society play a proactive role in conserving water.

He says the pledge is important for the City as it will raise awareness of water related issues amongst students.

“We hope that students will take what they learnt at university and apply it in their homes and their future workplaces,” he says.

Representatives from the DWA commended CPUT for making a commitment to sustain the country’s water resources.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News

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Taking care of the environment is everyone’s responsibility and the Department of Student Affairs is getting CPUT students involved.

Last year the Green Team, a Student Affairs initiative, organised CPUT’s first Green Week, an event aimed at raising awareness about the importance of living a greener lifestyle.

The Green Team also regularly engage in community outreach programs, including beach clean-ups. Their most recent outreach program is a visit to Baviaanskloof Nature Conservation in the Eastern Cape. Students will be spending their July vacation volunteering at the reserve to track and protect the reserve’s rhino population.

Another of Student Affairs’ green initiatives is their Environmental Education Weekend, set to be held at the Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve in Cape Town. This event, which will take place from 2-3 August, aims at providing students the opportunity to learn more about their environment and to see first-hand the effects of not taking care of the environment.

“There is a real difference between telling students about the effects of what could happen if the environment is not cared for and showing them. We want to educate students and show them that they can make a difference,” says Student Affairs' Anette Grobler.

Students interested in participating in these and other green initiatives can contact Anette Grobler at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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The Bellville Campus Quad was brought to a standstill in early October 2011, when South Africa’s new singing sensation, Zahara, sang and strummed her guitar to the jubilation of scores of music revelers who came to witness her talent.

Brought to CPUT courtesy of the Department of Student Affairs as part of its Wellness Day entertainment programme on campus, the songstress hypnotised her fans with songs from her new album, Loliwe.

‘Zahara’, whose real name is Bulelwa Mkutukana, has catapulted to iconic status all over the country after the release of her album earlier this year, which went double platinum within two weeks of its release. Her popularity could be witnessed by students and staff singing along with her during the renditions.

Student Development Officer, Lindi Gayiza, who was involved in organising the event, said it was for the first time that the Quad got to be packed as it was during this event.

Zahara told Moja she was overwhelmed by the manner in which she was received by the CPUT community and described her show here as quite fulfilling.

By: Thami Nkwanyane

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A group of inspirational CPUT students with a passion for the environment and maintaining Cape Town's status as one of the world's most beautiful cities appeared on national television this week. Mentored by Anette Grobler from the Department of Student Affairs, the Green Team’s mission is to focus on environmental clean-ups and keeping the city's beaches spotless. Their back-breaking labour earned them an insert on the educational programme YoTV after the producer of the renowned TV show logged on to the CPUT Facebook page and saw some of the team’s impressive work.

Twice a month, about 85 students sacrifice their weekends to turn previously rubbish-strewn areas into spotless, attractive and livable spaces. Using black bags, gloves, brooms, and a whole lot of elbow-grease, they pick up all the litter they possibly can, and with the help of a CPUT bakkie, dump bag-loads of refuse and rubbish at a waste disposal site.

Grobler says she is extremely proud of the whole team: “The students don’t get paid a cent, but still arrive every second Saturday to do their bit for the environment. There’s a lot of effort going into this campaign and their willingness and can-do spirit is just amazing.”

The Chairperson of the Green Team, Anita Sikutshwa, decides where they clean up, but they only work in Cape Town and within a 50 km radius outside the inner city. She says team spirit is very high on their priority list: “We have a lot of enthusiasm regarding the protection of the environment. We also have a lot of fun together and there is a strong feeling of unity in the group. It’s shameful to see the dirt around our beaches. It’s amazing how much people pollute and then just don't care about the environment. After cleaning, we feel proud because we have made a difference. “

Grobler adds that at the moment, the work of the Green Team is completely unsponsored. “Nedbank is looking into it and there might be a possibility that they sponsor this campaign, because they are a green bank. Red Bull currently gives us a few drinks and I’m making sandwiches, just for the students to eat whilst they’re busy working.” According to Grobler sponsorship would go a long way in bolstering the efforts and pride of the already committed students.

Grobler herself will be hitting the headlines soon as she aims to become the first person to walk the Skeleton Coast of Namibia completely solo and unsupported. During this expedition, which is a fundraising exercise for deaf and hard-of-hearing adults at the National Institute for the Deaf College, Grobler will have no transport whatsoever, taking all she needs to survive on her back and on her sled. Grobler leaves for Windhoek on the 22nd of March in her quest to make history. In 2005, she became the first person ever to walk the Angolan desert coastline without any support or backup team and has also climbed Kilimanjaro.

Membership of the Green Team is growing substantially and all students who want to help keep Cape Town green can contact Grobler at 021 460 3499 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Bellville campus students can call Lindelwa Gayiza at 021 959 6335 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.By: Mariette Adams

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CPUT’s Cape Town campus piazza was packed with students and staff this week as multi-award-winning Afro-Soul artist Lira wowed the crowds at the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) Welcoming Event and Market Day.

Packed to the rafters:  The expectant crowds wait patiently for multi-award-winning songbird Lira to perform.

The annual outdoor event is project managed by Student Development Officers (SDOs) Annette Grobler and Derek Stocken with the support of their colleagues and the technical audio-visual team.

Putting in the extra effort:  Students Affairs staff members monitor proceedings and see that all runs smoothly.

“Market Day is an initiative aimed at boosting students’ morale. Seeing as the DSA wants students to develop holistically, we feel this gives them an opportunity to grow their entrepreneurial skills, amongst other things”, said Grobler. “Last year we had Freshly Ground as part of the World Cup Kick-off promotions, so we thought that this year we needed to bring an artist that can match that standard”, she added.

Hearty Culture: The Department of Horticulture’s beautiful stand sold a variety of flowers, including daisies and red roses for Valentine’s Day, proving to be one of the busiest stalls on Market Day.

A golden performance: Lira won the South African musician of the year award in 2010. The beautiful songstress set the CPUT Cape Town campus alight with an all-round singing and dancing display that will long be remembered.

Apart from enjoying the items on sale at the stalls on display, most people gathered to catch a glimpse of one of South Africa’s most-loved and praised songstresses. Lira delivered a strong vocal performance, helping the crowd forget the sweltering heat.

Master of Ceremonies (MC) for the event was campus radio station Uni FM DJ and second year Marketing student Sikhombiso Mangcu, who did a spectacular job of welcoming the students to the new academic year and sharing the services offered by the DSA. 

Dean of Students Cora Njoli-Motale reminded students to acknowledge and practice the day’s theme ‘Peace, Love and Happiness’.  “These are the best years of your young adulthood, so while you are here to learn, to be a well-rounded individual you must also remember to have a little fun, and be safe while doing it.”

In the driving seat:  Dean of Students Affairs, Ms Cora Njoli Motale, welcomes staff and students to the Cape Town campus.

A moment in time:  Lira prepares backstage as she is about to entertain CPUT students at the Piazza on the Cape Town campus.

By:  Thando J. Moiloa

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Green Week is in full swing at CPUT.

The Green Week is an initiative of the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) and the student Green Team and aims to create awareness of environmental issues on all campuses.

The programme kicked off in style on Monday when multi-award-winning house band, Micasa, entertained more then 4 000 staff and students at the Cape Town campus.

“We invited Micasa to draw students’ attention to the initiative as we know that they are popular among the students,” explains Student Development Officer Annette Grobler.

This afternoon students will hike up Lions Head to clean the mountain, on Friday they will carry out renovations at a local Pre-Primary school and on Sunday morning students will clean up Macassar Beach.

The Green Team is urging all CPUT staff and students to support this initiative by sporting a green item of clothing to campus this week. Those who are spotted wearing green and are able to explain the purpose of the week will win a spot prize.

To join in the Green Week activities contact Annette Grobler on 021 460 3499 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Written by Kwanele Butana

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The CPUT Green Team has joined forces with the City of Cape Town’s Solid Waste Management Department for a more environmentally friendly campus.

Colour-coded waste bin lids in strategic areas throughout the Bellville Campus, including residences.

The lids are fitted onto bins and indicate which waste should go into which bin in a bid to encourage the students to dump recyclable waste separately from non-recyclable waste.

TEAMWORK: The CPUT Green Team and staff members from the City of Cape Town’s Solid Waste Management Department

The Department of Student Affairs donated the 18 lids and student Zintle Ntshoko, an active member of the CPUT Green Team, says the project is being piloted on the Bellvile Campus to persuade the CPUT community to be aware of separating its waste and apply the three tenets of waste management: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

“We talk to them about the importance of minimising the waste that goes to landfill sites,” explains Solid Waste Management Department’s Neil Swart.

“The problem in Cape Town is that landfill sites are full and they take up so much space that could be otherwise used for infrastructural development.”

Swart adds that dumping litter is a health hazard which should be curbed so that the current generation can inherit a healthier planet.  

Written by Kwanele Butana

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Striving towards a better future, CPUT launched its first-ever Green Week at the Cape Town campus on Monday.

The idea for the awareness week came from the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) with the support of various stakeholders including Transet, Horticulture and the Department of Environmental Health.

The launch day highlights included a market day as well as music entertainment by South African celebrity DJ, DJ Fresh. Students turned out in droves to support their fellow student’s stalls as well as to enjoy the great entertainment on offer.

The overall message of the day and the week is to educate students about various ways of being environmentally friendly.

“The focus is really to create awareness and to encourage students to live a greener lifestyle. There are several ways that students can do this. These include switching off plugs that are not being used, not littering as well as being aware of paper consumption,” says Anette Grobler from the Department of Student Affairs.

The market day proved to be a great success and boasted 32 stalls, 99% run by students. Prizes were awarded to the best stalls. First prize was shared by The Green Team and Student Counselling, who equally promoted environmental awareness.

The message from various students at the event was clear. “It’s time to take back our environment, and keep the Mother City and the world clean and beautiful.”

The rest of the week’s informative and fun events include a Water Wise Campaign and an exhibition by the green team, a residence movie evening, a library exhibition, as well as a mountain cleanup, a tree-planting ceremony in Khayalitsha and a beach cleanup.

By Nurahn Ryklief

Pictures Clive Galant

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Norms and standards relating to disabilities could soon be implemented at all South African universities.

During a visit to CPUT, Deputy Minister for Women, Children and Persons with Disability, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, informed a delegation from the Department of Student Affairs of the government’s intentions.

Currently, Bogopane-Zulu is visiting higher education institutions and exploring their approaches towards students and staff members with disabilities.

During the meeting, a range of issues were discussed, from curriculum adaptation to application forms.

Head of the CPUT Disability Unit, Dr Nina du Toit, says the meeting gave the university an opportunity to share their best practices with the Deputy Minister.

During the past few years, CPUT has rolled out a number of strategies to support students and staff with disabilities. This includes Disability Units at the various campuses and specialised technical support.

Du Toit, who has been instrumental in setting up the CPUT Disability Unit, informed the Deputy Minister that all stakeholders at universities must take responsibility for students with disabilities.

“The Disability Unit must be seen as an advisory unit,” says Du Toit.

Dean of Students, Cora Motale says the meeting gave CPUT stakeholders insight into several good strategies that have been implemented at other universities.

“The meeting was very informative,” she says.

By Candes Keating

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The CPUT Choir has once again proven itself to be one of the best choirs in the country by winning a number of categories in the recent Satica Eisteddfod Choral Festival.

After being crowned the overall winner in last year’s competition, the CPUT Choir again won both first places in the HIV/Aids and the African Piece categories of the Large Section.

CPUT went on to take the overall second position in the Large Section, while the first and third positions in this category respectively went to The University of the Western Cape Choir and the Vaal University of Technology Choir.

CPUT also secured themselves second place in the rendition of the Own Choice Piece and third place in both the Duet and Western categories of the Large Section.

Hosted by the Department of Student Affairs in the Major Sports Hall last week, the Choral Festival started with a social concert, followed by smaller groups like female, male and duet voices on Tuesday. The standard and large categories were heard for the remainder of the week.

Satica President Velani Mbiza says the standards were so high that it was difficult to tell who was going to win.

“The type of music chosen for the competition gave a great level of output from the choirs. The quality of music could reveal the level of preparation the choirs went through,” he says.

CPUT Student Development Officer Thando Moiloa thanked the entire CPUT team for making the event a success.

By Thami Nkwanyane

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In a bid to make a difference in poor communities in the Western Cape, the Department of Students Affairs supplied shoes to more than 600 needy children.

With the help of Crocs shoe manufacturers, the department was able to supply 690 pairs of Crocs to learners at Kalksteenfontein Primary and two local charity organisations. The donation from the shoe manufacturer totaled R207 000. Principal at the school, Jeff Arendse, said the learners were “over the moon” with the donation.“Our learners were so excited when I called them out to take receipt of their Crocs.

They were really happy to get it because they seldom receive anything,” he said. Arendse said many do not have shoes and will now be able to wear the Crocs to school. The Department of Student Affairs has been working closely with Kalksteenfontein for the last eight years. Arendse said they treasure the relationship with CPUT and its staff members who have contributed to the school.“Thanks to all of them who have given so much of themselves to make a difference here at our school,” he said.

Student Development Officer, Annette Grobler, said the department has assisted the school with obtaining a container that is currently used as a library.The department also ran a soup kitchen, organised hikes for females learners, sponsored books, completed maintenance work at the school and hosted a women’s day event for mothers in the Kalksteenfontein community

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Annually CPUT welcomes close to 9 000 first-years who have chosen to embark on of the more than 70 exciting programmes offered at the university.

From faculty orientation programmes to events hosted by the Department of Student Affairs, first-years can be assured of a warm welcome.

A highlight on the university’s calendar is the official First Year Welcoming Ceremonies, where Vice-Chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu will address students. The First Year Welcoming Ceremonies will take place at the following campuses:

Cape Town Campus: Monday, 2 February 2015 at 10:00 (All students enrolled at the Cape Town, Granger Bay and Mowbray Campuses)

Wellington Campus: Tuesday, 3 February 2015 at 10:00

Bellville Campus: Wednesday, 4 February 2015 at 10:00

Please note Parents, spouses and partners are welcome to attend the ceremonies.

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.

Students who performed well in everything from academics to community service walked away with certificates, shields and trophies during this year’s Excellence Awards.

The outstanding students were crowned at a glittering ceremony at the Fountains Hotel which was hosted by the Department of Student Affairs in conjunction with Student Counselling and HIV/Aids units.

The following students received prizes from the Department of Student Affairs:

• HoDs Excellence Award: Mbongiseni Mbatha
• Arts & Culture Award: Performance Arts Society
• Sports Club of the Year: Hockey Club
• Social Development and Environmental Award: Green Team
• Most outstanding event: Central SRC for the Mr & Miss CPUT
• Most creative student: Tshitso Mosolodi
• Academic Award: Surita Venter
• SRC of the Year: SRC Wellington Campus

All Peer Helpers and Peer Educators received certificates from the Student Counselling Unit and Hiv/Aids Unit respectively.

Nonkululeko Monatisa (Bellville), France Nyambi (Mowbray), Elize van der Spuy (Wellington) and George Wasekiwah (Cape Town) walked away with trophies as they were announced best Peer Helpers on their respective campuses.

The following winning Peer Educators were announced by HIV/Aids Unit Head, Melanie Marais:

• Volunteer of the Year: Hlengiwe Mbanjwa
• Senior Peer Educator of the Year: Avuzwa Ngubo
• Peer Educator of the Year: Viwe Mashalaba
• Role Model of the Year: Avuzwa and;
• Young Leader Award: Nomtika Mjwana

Advocate Lionel Harper, Acting Dean of Students, congratulated the winners as well as the departments which rewarded them for their contribution towards the welfare of students.

“We need ethical leaders who conduct themselves proprietary as CPUT has values which it holds dear to its heart,” says Harper.

LEADER PAR-EXCELLENCE: Staff members in the Directorate of Student Affairs and Services and the reigning Miss and Mr CPUT congratulate outgoing SRC President Mbongiseni Mbatha for scooping the HoDs Excellence Award for his outstanding leadership skills

Written by Kwanele Butana
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There are no shortcuts to success in the sporting world.

“For those females who would like to make sport their career, know that talent alone is not enough, you have to put in the extra work (training) to get even better,” says Shela Lekalakala, a Sports Development Officer in the Department of Student Affairs.

Lekalakala’s words of advice stem from her own experience in the sports world, having been an active member of the national netball community since her university days when she first started playing at provincial level for the under 19 team.

Her natural talent on the court saw her being awarded coveted sports opportunities, from representing South African at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland to participating at the World Student Games in Russia and South Korea.

After enjoying a successful career as a netball player, Lekalakala is now using her experience to drive the development of netball at CPUT as well as in the rest of the country.

“I love using sports to contribute positively to the lives of young people,” says Lekalakala.

In the past few years she has managed to grow the CPUT netball team, and under her leadership they have experienced a winning streak, having clinched the top title in the premier section three times in a row.

Several of the netball players coached by her have also been selected in provincial teams, while another has secured a coveted spot in the under 21 team that will compete at the national netball championships.

Apart from coaching the CPUT team, Lekalakala has coached Team SA as well as the Spar Netball team. She has also held post in various sports structures, such as the Vice President of Western Cape Provincial Sports Confederation, Vice President Western Province Netball and Treasurer University Sports South Africa Football.

Lekalakala has no regrets when it comes to her career choice.

“My main reason for choosing sport as a career was because it is a dynamic area. Your day is never the same. Things evolve all the time and as a sport administrator, you must always keep up with the changes.”

Lekalakala says females who would like to become involved in the management side of sport, must get involved with the sport they have an interest in as well as volunteer their services.

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 Department of Student Affairs recently held a Green Market Day on Cape Town Campus to inform students about their impact on the environment and how they can minimize their own footprint.

Representatives from the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation and Clean C gave talks and Johannesburg-based musician Cassper Nyovest entertained the crowd.

Other activities included the CPUT racing car outside the Administration building, the HIV/AIDS Unit tested volunteers in the Student Centre and 70 stalls were on display around the Piazza.

Marketing students also demonstrated the knowledge they learnt this year when they ran profitable stalls during the Market Day.

Personal Selling lecturer Tania Petersen, who co-ordinates the annual event, says the initiative was for

academic assessment and the proceeds from the sales will be donated to  Al Noor Orphanage in Woodstock.

The event challenged students to apply all the skills they acquired from their subjects such as marketing, personal selling, accounting, and End-User Computing.

Working in groups of up to 15 students they also utilized other skills like entrepreneurship, project management, team building and conflict management.

Petersen says students would also have to prepare income and expenditure statements after the event, so their knowledge of accounting was also tested.

It took the students two months to conceptualize and plan for their projects. They also had to do the branding and advertising of their projects using posters and social network sites.

The groups erected stalls around the Piazza and sold different foods, snacks, sweets and meat products to staff and students.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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The Department of Student Affairs recently held the first-ever Student Assembly for the Central SRC to inform students about its activities.

The parliament-styled assembly took place in the City of Cape Town’s Council Chamber and saw students debating pertinent reports from the Central SRC leaders including its financial expenditure.

Malinge Gqeba, Head of the Department of Student Affairs, says the assembly was a milestone for student governance at CPUT and that it should be an annual event.

Gqeba urged student leaders to put their political differences aside and work together for the betterment of the general students’ body.

“Do you ask yourself why other students invested their votes on you?” he asked.

SRC president Mbongiseni Mbatha said the SRC’s mission is to improve student governance adding that students from high schools and Further Education and Training Colleges find it difficult to get into universities.

Student Development Officer Lindelwa Gayiza outlined the programme run by the Women in Leadership project such as personal development and leadership skills.

Gayiza challenged female delegates to define what their role in society is.

Student Development Officer Bernard Sebake addressed the delegates on the value of clean governance adding that the SRC should submit audited financial system at the end of its term.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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The Department of Student Affairs (DSA) has introduced a Learn to Sail programme, which equips students with a set of life skills while enjoying sailing.

Students learn skills such as diversity management as everyone on the boat is equal, the importance of teamwork, discipline, commitment, communication, time management and dealing with stressful situations from the programme for free.

“Your needs and desires are secondary to those of the group - as a group you have to navigate the boat to safety regardless of the weather or swell of the dunes,” says Student Development Officer Anette Grobler.    

The programme, which is made possible by SA Sailing Western Cape, Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs, the Sailing Academy, the Royal Cape Yacht club and DSA, started recently at the Royal Cape Yacht club with 18 students from all CPUT campuses.

It will continue until October and will resume in January next year and each programme lasts for five weeks.

Training takes place on Sundays.

“Currently, CPUT is the only university that offers this programme to its students,” adds Grobler.

In order to take part in the programme students must be able to swim. If not, they will still be trained in the art of sailing, but their training will mostly be focussed on the important role a person working on the “bridge” plays.  

Later this year, part of this programme will also include a “Learn to Swim” phase.

Students must attend at least four of the five Sunday sessions in order to receive a certificate at the programme’s graduation ceremony.

Students are transported to the yacht club and the bus from Cape Town campus will depart from the Admin Building at 09:30, while on the Bellville campus it will depart at 09:00 from the parking area in front of the New Library building.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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Adventure and expeditions will act as a catalyst to promote environmental awareness amongst CPUT students.

Next month, the Department of Student Affairs along with the organisation Explore4Knowledge, will launch the Water Warriors, a student body that will advocate understanding and concern for South Africa’s water resources.

Student Development Officer Annette Grobler says the group’s activities will be adventure-based and see them work closely with the Sports Management Department, the Human Performance Laboratory and Explore4Knowledge, an organisation run by CPUT alumnus John Lucas.

Explore4knowledge promotes scientific methodology in an environmental education setting, using adventure, says Lucas.

“Our partnership is aimed at developing environmental awareness through outdoor activities and capacity building with all students. This will involve camps, research based outings and various ad hoc activities,” he says

The first adventure will take place from 13 to 16 March at the Beverlac camping site in the Southern Cedeberg area, were students will do sampling with scientists and interact with members of the community residing on the river banks.

Students that form part of the Water Warriors will also stand the chance to become one of only 23 selected students to embark on an expedition of a life-time, when they will have the opportunity to row one of South Africa’s rivers for 16 days, non-stop during their September vacation.

Any registered student from any CPUT campus can apply to form part of the Water Warrior Programme as long as they can swim, are fit and have a passion for their environment.

Interested students can also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and visit www.explore4knowledge.com for more information

More information about the Water Warriors programme

Water Warriors Application form

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.

Two CPUT students have started a campaign in aid of residents who lost their belongings during a devastating fire in Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay recently.

Accounting students Luchulumanco Nanto and Siziphiwe Refiloe Dlulane have appealed to the CPUT community to donate clothing, food and toiletries to assist the residents.

The fire left thousands of people homeless.

“When I heard about the fire I immediately wanted to do something to help. I sent out a message to students on our Whatsapp groups. Siziphiwe said she wanted to be involved and we started working together in terms of mobilising students.”

Luchulumanco said there had been a good response thus far from the CPUT community, mostly from students in residences, with sanitary products, canned goods and clothing already collected.

He said the Mowbray local SRC had come on board in terms of collections on the Mowbray campus, while the Department of Student Affairs is also providing assistance.

“We plan to keep on collecting until the end of the month,” said Luchulumanco.

He said there were also plans to host an open mic event with the aim of collecting more goods for distribution.

Members of the CPUT community who want to make a contribution can contact Luchulumanco on 062 685 4615.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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To celebrate World Day Against Trafficking in Persons the Department of Student Affairs and NGO Stop Trafficking of People (STOP) held a seminar to disseminate information about combatting the illegal trade. 

Adv Lionel Harper, acting Head of Student Affairs, said the university’s management denounces the scourge of human trafficking that is confronting the world.

“The entire CPUT community takes a strong stand against human trafficking, even the Council has pronounced that CPUT should create greater awareness among our communities,” said Harper.

“Human trafficking targets the most vulnerable in the society, the poor as well as the uneducated.”

He added that social media has often been used by traffickers to lure young unsuspecting victims into the trade and acknowledged the trafficking of people born with albinism as one of the threats facing the nation, including that of forced drug addiction that is associated human trafficking.

Bertha Bresler, STOP national office administrator, discouraged the audience from wearing or carrying personalised clothing or regalia as well as posting photos revealing their whereabouts on social media.

To demonstrate how gullible and desperate people get tricked into the trade STOP volunteer Sam Stokesberry offered audience members an opportunity to star in a movie to be filmed overseas for R2 000 per day. Most audience members expressed interest by show of hands only for Stokesberry to reveal that in that moment she had managed to traffic many people.

“If an opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” she emphasised. “Think before you act.”

Videos highlighting the extent of the human trafficking in South Africa and the plight of its victims were screened during the seminar. The clips revealed that people are sold and bought for forced labour, sexual slavery, commercial sexual exploitation and organ harvesting.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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