The CPUT community has shown its compassion and commitment to supporting students in need by donating generously to the Division of Student Affairs’ Food and Sanitary Drive.

Head of Department for Student Counselling, Leanie Brits, said staff, students and other institutional stakeholders donated non-perishable and sanitary items which were collected throughout July.

“The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) would like to thank the CPUT community for their caring spirit, and their willingness to make a difference. Each and every item donated will benefit a student in need.

“A special thank you to Libraries for their willingness to receive donations throughout July, DSA student peer leaders and DSA staff for their enthusiasm and support in mobilising all their networks, the Marketing and Communication Department (MCD) for the initiative to collect donations as part of the Shero Fun Run, and last but not least the staff and students from Consumer Sciences.”

She said the Biotechnology and Consumer Sciences Department collaborated with DSA to host a soup drive on District Six Campus on 18 July.

“This initiative was driven by the commitment from the Consumer Science students.”

Excluding the donations from the Fun Run, Student Affairs and CPUT volunteers packed 141 food packs and could include sanitary items in all packs.

“We have received over 400 sanitary pads collectively, of which MCD and the General Education & Training Department from Mowbray campus made bulk donations.”

Brits said the drive was continuing and invited staff and students to continue donating.

“People can still donate as student hunger remain a challenge for many unfunded students. All donations can be dropped off at Department Student Counselling, or any Student Affairs office on their respective campus. As the Dean of Students, Mrs Nonkosi Tyolwana noted during the welcoming at the Mandela Day, the Food and Sanitary Dignity drive should be a 365-day initiative, and we will brainstorm how we can continue the momentum of this collective drive.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) commemorated World Mental Health Day with a week-long campaign aimed at raising awareness about mental health.

World Mental Health Day is commemorated on 10 October every year and this year’s theme focused on mental health at work.

The DSA hosted mental health days at all the Wellington, Bellville, District Six and Mowbray campuses.

Leanie Brits, Head of Department: Student Counselling, said the objectives of the mental health days were to:

• Promote mental health education
• Empower students with knowledge and skills
• Reduce stigma concerning mental health
• Inform students of support services and support avenues to address mental health challenges
• Mental Health awareness through social mobilisation of students on campus by peer leaders

Students and staff were given the opportunity to interact with CPUT’s student counsellors, diversity and inclusivity champions, peer helpers, peer educators, and other mental health advocates. 

Brits said there was a specific focus on suicide awareness and prevention, substance use and abuse awareness and general mental health promotion. 

Some of the external exhibitors that are partnered with Student Affairs include: LifeLine, Ramot, Syked and Cape Mental Health

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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From green spinach to vine-ripe beetroot, the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) in partnership with the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Nautical Company and Convocation are celebrating the success of their joint Green Campus Initiative (GCI) initiative called One Residence, One Garden at the Catsville Residence.

Earlier this year, the Student Services Council Committee (SSCC) led by its Chairperson, Dr William Mapena, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Operations, Prof Gilingwe Mayende and Dean of Student Affairs, Nonkosi Tyolwana planted the first seedlings at Catsville to mark’ the 2024 Mandela Day and his passion for ending hunger.

Tyolwana says the Catsville Residence was identified as the first case study for this project. “Staff and students worked tirelessly to make this project a resounding success,” Tyolwana enthuses.

Nikhanye Sitoza, a Marine Engineering student residing at Catsville feels “incredibly proud and happy” about the success of the GCI project. “As a member of the team, I've seen firsthand the impact that this project has had on our community. From providing fresh produce to students in need to promote sustainability and community development, this project has exceeded our expectations,” she boasts.

Nikhanye is also grateful that the Catsville residence was chosen as the first case study in District 6 for this project. “It's shown that even in a residence with reputation issues, we can make a positive impact and create change.”

It took a lot of hard work, dedication, and teamwork to get the project to where it is now. The team faced several challenges along the way, including logistical issues, funding constraints, and initial scepticism from some stakeholders. However, they persevered and worked together to overcome those obstacles.

“Our team has been amazing, and everyone has brought their unique skills and perspectives to the table. We've also had incredible support from our dean and Deputy Dean of Student Affairs [Njabulo Maphumulo], residence coordinators, Convex, and [Faculty of] Applied Science, who have provided guidance and resources whenever we needed them,” Nikhanye remarks.

The project has been a game-changer for this community as it has not only provided a sustainable source of fresh produce but also created “a sense of community and cooperation among those who reside in Catsville”.

“One of the biggest challenges we faced was the initial scepticism from some stakeholders. Some people didn't think that the project would work or that we would be able to sustain it. However, we proved them wrong, and the project has been a huge success.

“Another challenge we faced was the reputation of Catsville Residence. Some people had preconceived notions about our residence and its residents, but we've shown that we're capable of great things,” Nikhanye says.

Residence Coordinator Xolani Jafta adds that the success of the GCI project means a lot to the residence and CPUT at large. “It shows that we're committed to innovation, sustainability, and community development. It also provides a model for other residences and institutions to follow,” Jafta continues.

“For our residence, it's a chance to change the narrative and show that we're more than just a residence with a reputation for behavioural issues. We're a community that's committed to making a positive impact.”

Jafta who is the advocate and great champion of One Res, One Garden across residences also urges the CPUT community to strive to make a positive impact on the environment. He says the GCI project shows that even small actions can add up to make a big difference. “I encourage everyone to get involved, think creatively, and work together to create a more sustainable, innovative, and compassionate community.

“As members of the GCI project, I've seen firsthand the impact that we can have when we work together towards a common goal. Let's continue to strive for greatness and make CPUT a better place for everyone.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Personal and leadership development were among the objectives of the annual Young Women Empowerment conference, which was once again a great success.

Close to 60 female students from CPUT and neighbouring post-schooling institutions participated in the event which took place at the weekend and was held in a webinar format due to the coronavirus pandemic It was hosted by the HIV/Aids Unit of the Division of Student Affairs.

Melanie Marais, Head of the HIV/Aids, said the conference is aimed at developing students holistically outside the classroom in terms of leadership, health seeking behaviour, social justice and healthy lifestyle choices.

“Some questions that were raised included how we can involve students with disabilities in the peer education programme, the role of our male counterparts in addressing gender-based violence and starting your own business,” she said.

The speakers included Higher Health Regional Manager - Cape Region, Joy Oba , alumna, philanthropist and former CPUT mentor and peer educator,  Ntombozuko Bota, alumna and youth sector speaker on emotional intelligence wellness, Siyasanga Nokama, Student Affairs Dean Prem Coopoo, Central SRC President Phinda Swaartbooi and Marais.

Some of the comments about the conference posted to social media included:

“Today's conference was the best. It helped me get out of my comfort zone and I really felt empowered. Empowered to go out there and be the woman I am destined to be. All the speakers had so much to say and I am really inspired. So much was unleashed, and I am so equipped. Thank you for this webinar for it has changed my life for the better”. 

Another participant wrote: “I so wish every young girl/woman had an opportunity like this one to actually realise that they have value”.

Marais acknowledged Higher Health and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for generously sponsoring the event. She also thanked Peer Education Officer Dr Elma Maleka, Tumiso Mfisa and peer educators “for putting together such a successful event.”

*For the duration of Women’s Month, we will be profiling several phenomenal CPUT women whose achievements and activities help us to become One SMART CPUT. 

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Empowering young women is at the heart of an exciting initiative recently launched at CPUT.

Attendees at the inspiring EmpowHerSA-CPUT launch event, presented by the Centre for Diversity, Inclusivity and Social Change and the Division of Student Affairs, were invited to join the programme as mentors or mentees with the aim of empowering undergraduate students to reach their full potential.

Prof Driekie Hay-Swemmer, Executive Director in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, said she was excited about the event and told the students that they could not have been at a better place than at the event, surrounded by inspiring women being part of the EmpowHer project.

She said it was sad that the playing fields were still not equal and added: “We will get there”. “What I see across the country and at CPUT is that women are taking up their legitimate space in various platforms.”

The Faculty of Applied Sciences’ Prof Beatrice Opeolu said the EmpowHer idea was conceptualised last year during her sabbatical at the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

She said women globally have limitations to their career progression for many reasons, including the roles that traditions and cultures have placed on them, and this impacts on their productivity.

“We know there are opportunities mostly for postgraduate students but not for undergraduate students and that is the gap. I thought if I had opportunities as an undergraduate student that I had much later, maybe my career trajectory may be different from what it is and maybe it would be more productive.”

With two colleagues in Nigeria, Emi Alawode and Prof Ganiyat Olatunde, along with Nonkosi Tyolwana, Director of Institutional Transformation, Social Cohesion CPUT, the idea was conceptualised.

“We were able to deliver on two workshops that will empower two cohorts of students at the Federal University of Agriculture and the Olabisi Onabanjo University. For me what was interesting about those two cohorts, when we started most of them didn’t know that they could actually put a CV together.”

She said many of participants in the Nigerian cohorts now had profiles on LinkedIn and the two cohorts were vibrant and growing.

“They have been able to tap into some opportunities since we started the programme.”

Tyolwana encouraged attendees to be part of the first cohort of EmpowHer-CPUT and said there would be an induction of the mentees and mentors.

Other speakers included Central SRC secretary-general, Nonele Ganyile and Wendy Kondlo, chairperson of the District Six Local SRC while attendees were awarded the opportunity to ask questions and share experiences.

Several inspiring young women who have excelled in several areas, including sport and academics were recognised during the event.

They will be profiled during an upcoming campaign.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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DigitALL: Digital Innovation and Technology for gender equality was the theme of the annual International Women’s Day event recently held at CPUT.

The event was presented by the Division of Student Affairs and Centre for Diversity, Inclusivity & Social Change, in collaboration with the Faculty of Informatics and Design, in partnership with HERS-SA.

In his opening remarks, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, said women are grossly underrepresented in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) fields in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“It is also a fact that we need more girls in Africa in STEM and the key question is how to get them there. My observation is that if this is not addressed, if this is not changing, women will remain in jobs that are likely to be replaced by technology. These are low paying jobs or less economically impactful jobs. And you don't want to fall into that particular trap.”

He said the mindset that STEM is the domain of men must change.

Prof Driekie Hay-Swemmer, Executive Director in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, said this annual event “reminds us of women’s achievements, challenges and ongoing gender equality struggles”.

“Whether we like it or not, women are still fighting for their place in the sun. On the other hand, a day like today also reminds us of women’s remarkable progress in various fields.”

Hay-Swemmer outlined the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Schools STEM Project to the audience and said this empowering initiative had not only made a significant impact on the lives of women but also plays and will play a pivotal role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal number five: Gender Equality.

“This programme at CPUT stands as a beacon of hope, breaking down barriers and stereotypes about women in STEM and it has provided a platform for women to showcase their talents and skills and intellect, providing that gender should never be a limitation to success.”

Central SRC President, Sinelizwi Notshikila, said International Women’s Day is a day “that we're compelled to reflect not only on the contributions and progress that we've made, but on the challenges that still confront us, particularly as young black women navigating the digital landscape in South Africa”.

“As we navigate the exciting possibilities and challenges of the digital age, let us not forget that for centuries women have fought against discrimination and inequality and, while significant strides have been made, we cannot be ignorant about the unique struggles faced, particularly by young black women in our society.”

The event included a presentation by Louise Banahene from the University of Leeds titled: Student inclusivity: A case of Leeds University using a gendered lens.

The keynote speaker was Dr Kolosa Madikizela, a CPUT alumna, whose 20-year career spans across the construction, property development and engineering sectors, where she has occupied senior management, executive management and CEO level positions at various multinational organisations.

“There is importance in days like this. We still need them. For a very long time women were at the back of the bus and very often we weren’t even on the bus. So, these days are about making us get there. But I think if all of us as women take on this baton of being pioneers and bring other women along, the fight can actually be won. We can have a voice instead of being just the noise.”

Other speakers included Prof Tembisa Ngqondi, Dean of the Faculty of Informatics and Design who spoke on the topic of Bridging the gender-digital divide through mentoring and Brightness Mangolothi, Director, HERS-SA, who spoke about coaching and mentoring as an integral part of young women’s student development.

The programme also included a panel discussion, with the panel made up of Thandekile Ndlovu, SRC member, Ayabonga Sawula, Amajita/HeforShe Ambassador and Tshitso Mosolodi, Snake Nation Africa Director & Co-Founder.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) recently held the Presidential Youth Employment Stimulus (PYES) Programme Graduate Interns Induction Training workshop at the Bellville campus.

The PYES Graduate internship programme officially commenced on 5 July 2023 and will run up until December 2023. On the first day of training at the library seminar room, the graduates were welcomed by Melani-Ann Hara, Student Development Officer at the Student Governance and Leadership Development, who is also a co-ordinator of the DSA Graduate Internship Programme.

The interns also received inspirational words of wisdom from the Acting Dean of Students, Nonkosi Tyolwana. Amongst those present were staff members and Central Student Representative Council members, Xolani Booi and Ramano Mpfunzeni, who provided their messages of support to the graduates.

The 23 Interns were selected from a large number of prospective graduates who applied for the programme from numerous departments such as Project Management, Office Management, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Photography, Events and Sports Science. These interns are funded through the PYES Programme.

The workshop also comprised of presentations from various heads of departments within DSA namely Leanie Brits, Student Counselling; Melanie Swanson, HIV Campus Health; Dr Amanda Ismail, Disability Unit; Sammy Elie, Student Development & Leadership Development; Chris Williams, Student Life and Residential Services and Tumiso Mfisa from Centre for Diversity Inclusivity and Social Change.

Hara said the aims of the presentations were to “educate and provide an overview of the services offered within the DSA”. “The interns were made aware of what is expected of them and [they were] provided with an overview of Vision 2030,” she continued.

“The graduate interns now understand their role in creating awareness to students about the resources that these departments contain, and to fully utilise and develop their network and connection to better their future.”

The second day of training focused on team building and cohesion, with Hara curating various activities and visual aids to help the graduates settle in and “create strong chemistry between the new interns”

Written by CPUT News

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

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

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

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

There were currently 976 requests from students for food.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Teamwork between the Division of Student Affairs and the Student Representative Council (SRC) culminated to the first ever Institutional Student Parliament (ISP) at CPUT.

The milestone launch of the CPUT Institutional Student Parliament, under the theme: Promoting Transparency and Accountability in Student Governance. was recently held at Bellville Campus. The establishment of ISP reaffirms the University's position on inculcating and institutionalising an ethos of transparency, fairness and accountability in both student governance and institutional governance.

Njabulo Maphumulo, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, said it’s important to note that the ISP was not a body that will replace the SRC and its work, nor is it a creation of an extension of the SRC, “as it has its sole mandate that is to instil and preserve the principles of sound governance, accountability, transparency and efficient service delivery for the benefit and betterment of the greater CPUT community”.

“The objective of the ISP is to promote good governance, responsible citizenship, and ethical leadership at all levels. This milestone initiative demonstrates the University’s commitment to co-governance and interest in leadership development.” The ISP composition consists of the Central and Local Student Representative Council Members, delegates from the political, religious social and civil structures, delegates from the international student and differently abled communities and academic faculty representatives. The interim membership of the parliament amounts to 40 delegates among them, the executives such as the speaker, deputy speaker, secretary and campuses conveners.

Speaking at the launch, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, said: “After years of hard work, grit and sheer determination, our dream came true. A dream that has been unnecessarily deferred or perhaps for far too long... We are brave, curious determined to overcome the odds… It can be done. Nhlapo added that the student parliament will hold the SRC accountable and transparent. “[It serves as an advisory body to the SRC on policy matters, propel CPUT to majestic heights of knowledge vanguard, consciousness, and brotherhood/sisterhood.

“[ISP] keeps the SRC and its substructures accountable, transparent and rooted in the principles and values enshrined in the SRC constitution.”

In his keynote Address: Promoting Transparency and Accountability in Student Governance, Chairperson, Student Services Committee of Council and Council Member, Dr William Mapena, said the aim of the university accountability process should be to guarantee universities maintain the principles and ethical practices that protect the university population. He said the University students' involvement in student governance is an essential prerequisite for constructing a contemporary higher education community and undoubtedly, students play a crucial role in governance as participants. “To maintain their reputation and trustworthiness, student leaders are expected to act responsibly, transparently, and with integrity in the eyes of their constituency. The qualities of student leadership should include vision, respect for the law, transparent management, ethical values, and a sense of social responsibility.”

SRC president, Sinelizwi Notshikila, said the ISP will provide a structured platform for student representatives from different student formations, societies, and various faculties to come together raise and address concerns, shape ways forward and advocate for students interests effectively. “It signifies commitment to democratic principles within our university. The ISP will encourage the active participation in governance, fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership among students towards their academic and social environment.”

The interim selection process consists of the election of delegates by various affiliated student societies and SRC substructures.

The swearing-in of MPs and election of the executive is scheduled for 17 May 2024, which will be followed by a series of training and capacity development sessions in partnership with the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. The interim parliament will be focusing on the foundations of student parliament establishment through the development of rules, regulations and policies governing the body. The ordinary seating will alternate between Chambers of the CPUT Council, City of Cape Town Council and Provincial Legislature.

Maphumulo said: “The launch of the ISP concept was a massive success and significant to our efforts towards ethical leadership, good governance and responsible citizenship.” The launch was attended by the previous SRC presidents with their messages of support. “The student parliament project has long been on the agenda of the University, and this was confirmed through their messages of support as they pledged their support,” said Maphumulo.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) wrapped up Africa month with a celebration at the Granger Bay Campus, including an exhibition of African artifacts.

Guests proudly donned their diverse tradition attires while information sharing about the importance of the Africa Day was also on the agenda.

The DSA’s intention with hosting Africa Day was to commemorate and affirm the Division’s commitment to the CPUT vision 2030, in promoting the ‘oneness and smartness’. Commemorating Africa Day was crucial given that it allowed a platform for conversations. “In our quest to partner with relevant stakeholders to build relationships and enhance strong relationships between local and international students, Africa Day provided a platform to engage on common continental issues, this was done through conversations, exhibitions, learning from each country and providing opportunities that can benefit students and staff,” said Njabulo Maphumulo, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs.

The outdoor festivities included performance by a marimba band, African traditional dance groups and African countries craft stalls and exhibition. There was a screening of the “Preserving Khwe/Xam Heritage, a creative expression.

In his opening address, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, said Africa Day was an exciting annual event where the institution joins other Africans in celebrating the mother continent, its rich resources, its astonishing beauty, and its profound cultural diversity. “This is an important day to us as it gives us a very rare opportunity to reflect and to talk about issues affecting us as Africans. It’s an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to work collectively with other institutions on the continent and promote responsible internationalisation.”

Prof Simphiwe Sesanti from the Faculty of Education, University of the Western Cape, also took to the stage and shared his views on: Contextualising Africa Day and its meaning in the Higher Education Context. There were also messages of support from the diplomatic community, which included Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Angola.

The keynote speaker, Honourable Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister, International Relations and Cooperation, delivered his presentation on celebrating Africa Day through education, innovation and culture”. Alfonce Ngasirmoi from Kenya and Milka Bazeka, a Democratic Republic of Congo native, both shared their experiences of students and staff in a higher education context.

Reflecting on the event, Maphumulo said it was a major success, given that it was a unique project that combined the academic project by the Cape Town Hotel School Hospitality students who showcased their culinary skills as they prepared African cuisine during the day. “The event was further a success as it showcased the rich culture and diversity of our students who displayed their talents through music, traditional dance and cuisine.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Faculty of Business and Management Sciences in collaboration with the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Division of Student Affairs and Centre for Diversity, Inclusivity and Social Change recently hosted a Youth Month Commemoration event at Bellville Campus.

The event, themed, “Inspire Hope in the Student of 2024”. drew inspiration from the 1976 youth, who stood up in the hope of creating the tomorrow they envisaged. Manager: Strategic Initiatives and Projects, Andiswa Mrasi, said: “Today, our students are navigating various issues ranging from GBV, youth unemployment, and AI to mention a few. Therefore, this event seeks to encourage the students of 2024 to take up space and turn fear into hope as we work hard to build a better South Africa, Africa, and ultimately, the world we want.”

The event, which was also attended by the Dean of Students, Nonkosi Tyolwana, included a panel discussion, a live performance by a well-known international musician Cairo CPT, poetry, a public lecture on the role of the late great, Archbishop Desmond Tutu during the 1976 student uprising. On behalf of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Charlene Houston said: “The Arch always said to young people: ‘Go on dreaming that we are going to have a different world to the one we live in’”.

She said the quality of education was always an important matter for Archbishop Tutu. Houston said his father was an educator, and he became a teacher. “Both he and Mrs Tutu were teachers until they understood the implications of the newly introduced Bantu Education system. They resigned in protest.” She said young leaders needed to look at what platform they have, what influence they have, and “how you can use that to make a difference”.

Houston added that Tutu always urged the “oldies” to listen to young people and he encouraged youth to use their voices and to take action. “Dream you must, but you also need to take collective action.”

She also reminded the young people that they have “a wonderful heritage, you stand on the shoulders of brave courageous, and righteous people such as the Arch, Mbuyisa Makhubu, and the youth of 1976”. “Hopefully, you participated in the recent national elections. It doesn’t stop there. Learn about the ways to stay involved…. there are many channels to do so formally or informally. As the Arch said, ‘Don’t be infected by the cynicism of oldies who believe this world can become better for all’, The baton is yours to pick up!”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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