CPUT’s first December Graduation kicked off today with the capping of Faculty of Informatics and Design students in the Major Sports Hall on Bellville campus.

In total some 5 220 graduands from six faculties will be capped at 12 ceremonies, which will include the conferring of 49 Masters and 10 Doctoral degrees over four days.

“Graduation is a major highlight of the academic year and we are very pleased to end off this rather challenging year with such a big celebration of our students’ achievements and our institution,” says Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr Chris Nhlapo.

Nhlapo will be present at all 12 ceremonies, some of which will be presided over by CPUT’s new Chancellor Thandi Modise.

He looks forward to sharing in the joy of the graduands and their families. “I am greatly honoured to witness our students reaching the pinnacle of their academic journeys so far. It is indeed a great cause for celebration and I feel really privileged to have a front-row seat,” Nhlapo adds.

The Faculties of Business and Management Sciences, Informatics and Design as well as Education will award Dean’s Medals to their outstanding students.

There will be three ceremonies per day at 09:00, 14:00 and 19:00 and all ceremonies will take place on Bellville campus.

Each ceremony will be live streamed.

Use the hashtags #WeAreCPUT and #CPUTsummerGrad2017 when posting memories on social media.

Written by Abigail Calata

Deputy-Vice Chancellor of Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo has contributed to a publication that will guide the higher education sector on all matters related to internationalisation.

Nhlapo was one of several international experts, hand-picked by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to contribute towards the publication, Approaches to Internationalisation and Their Implications for Strategic Management and Institutional Practice.

The publication will guide higher education institutions on how to address various challenges associated with internationalisation.

This groundbreaking publication forms part of the OECD’s Higher Education Programme - Managing Internationalisation - which takes an in-depth look at governmental policies and how they relate to the higher education sector.

The project saw experts participate in a series of online focus groups over a two-year period. These perspectives where then compiled in the 47-page publication, which was recently released.

Nhlapo was the only expert selected from the African continent to participate in this initiative and was also the main contributor to the chapter dealing on “Internationalisation and intellectual property.”

He is also responsible for driving internationalisation at CPUT, which is one of the seven focus areas of the RTI Blueprint.

Nhlapo says the publication will play a crucial role in the development of polices in South Africa and at CPUT.

“This publication will add impetus to the international strategy that we are finalising for the institution,” says Nhlapo.

To download a copy of this book, please visit the following site:

http://www.oecd.org/edu/imhe/Approaches to internationalisation - final - web.pdf

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News

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CPUT’s Dr Chris Nhlapo will play a key role in research and innovation in the South African mineral sector.

Nhlapo has been appointed by South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Susan Shabangu, to serve as a member of the board of Mintek.

Mintek is a leading research and innovation organisation that specialises in minerals processing, extractive metallurgy and related areas.

The organisation is also responsible for developing and transferring new technology for the national and international mineral sector.

Nhlapo, who is the Deputy-Vice Chancellor of Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships at CPUT, will serve a three-year term on the board. 

Nhlapo, who is actively involved in the national and international discourse on innovation and technology transfer, will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the board.

Earlier this year Nhlapo was also tasked with developing a new framework for innovation in South Africa, as a member of a national task team set up by the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI).

NACI was created to advise the South African Minister of Science and Technology on the role and contribution that innovation plays in addressing economic, social, scientific and technology challenges.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News

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The past year has proved to be an exciting year for CPUT researchers. From publishing research papers to registering patents and even launching companies, CPUT researchers were doing it all in 2011.

And their efforts have not gone unnoticed by the university, who recently acknowledged and celebrated their activities at Research Day 2011.

Held at the Cape Town campus, this annual event is one of the highlights of the CPUT calendar.

CELEBRATE: The Research Day attracted a large number of CPUT staff members.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo said this year CPUT has much to celebrate as researchers have had an exceptionally productive year.

“Research is growing in leaps and bounds at this institution,” he said.

Earlier this year CPUT was rated the top university of technology in terms of research.

In addition, the work of the university’s researchers was recognised by the National Research Foundation, who during the past few months awarded new ratings to a number of researchers.

“Three years ago we started off with just a few rated researchers. Now we have close to 30 rated researchers,” said Dr Nhlapo.

CREATIVE RESEARCH: Prof Brenda Schmahmann, from Rhodes University delivered an address on the processes to be employed to accredit creative and non-conventional research. Dr Chris Nhalpo watches on.

CPUT’s newly rated researchers took the stage at Research Day, with each being awarded a large sum to further their research activities.

However, the highlight of the day was the coveted research awards.

A platinum award was given to Prof Daniel Makinde for research publication, and Prof Raynitchka Tzoneva for postgraduate supervision.

ACHIEVEMENT: Dr Espe Makinde (right) received two awards on behalf of her spouse, Dr Daniel Makinde. He clinched awards for research supervision and publication.

Prof Alvin Lagardien from the Water Research Unit scooped a platinum award for generating external research funding in excess of R1 million. Close on his heels was Prof Kamilla Swart from the Faculty of Business, who clinched a gold award in this category.

TOP AWARDS: Director of Research Dr Tembeka Mpako-Ntusi (left) hands over an award to Prof Kamilla Swart (right). She scooped awards for research funding, supervision, publication and posters.

Researchers in various other categories were presented with gold, silver and bronze awards. A number of researchers and postgraduate students also received awards for the best research posters.

POSTER: Prof Christa van der Walt judges one of the research posters. This year 89 posters were entered.

JOURNAL ARTICLES: Dr Ken Barris (left) from the Engineering Faculty received a silver award for research publication.

SUPERVISION: Prof Rajendra Chetty from the Education Faculty scooped a silver award for research supervision.

Director of Research Dr Tembeka Mpako-Ntusi applauded CPUT researchers for their commitment.

“I am very proud of the research being done at CPUT. If it was not for the hard work of the researchers, we would not have anything to celebrate,” she said.

By Candes Keating

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CPUT is fast becoming a leading institution in the national higher education research arena.

Based on an analysis of journal publications, conference proceedings and book publications, CPUT has achieved a research output of 152.12 for the 2012 period.

This is the highest research output in the history of CPUT and more than 30% than the previous year’s figures.

The reason for this surge in research output is clear – during the past few years, the university’s research mandate has been strongly emphasised.

Several new research groups have been established, and there has been an increase in research-driven staff appointments. The institution has also invested significantly in research infrastructure, secured additional funding and implemented various research strategies.

These impressive research statistics have been welcomed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo, and the Director of the Research Department, Dr Tembeka Mpako-Ntusi.

Dr Nhlapo and Dr Mpako-Ntusi are both instrumental in driving research at CPUT, having conceptualised and implemented various reliable strategies to enhance research at the institution.

Dr Nhlapo, who is driving the Research and Technology Innovation Blueprint, says the CPUT community must now build on this impressive record.

He says the challenge now is for the CPUT community to see how they can use research to impact positively on the development of communities and industry, and to inform government policies.

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.

In the year that the Hospital Welfare and Muslim Education Movement (HWMEM) celebrates its 75^th anniversary, it again generously supported 35 CPUT students in their endeavours for further learning.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr Chris Nhlapo thanked this long-term benefactor of the institution for its continuous contribution recently when MWMEM officials visited the Bellville Campus to hand over its annual cheque.

“We are deeply humbled by your support. Your organisation is proof that the contributions of ordinary men and women can ensure access [to higher education]. It is my sincere hope that our relationship will grow from strength to strength,” says Nhlapo. Donations to the HWMEM for education come mostly from black communities and not corporate sponsors.

HWMEM President Akbar Khalfe pointed out that the organisation’s first cheque to tertiary institutions in 1972 amounted to only R720. “The initiation of the bursary scheme was encouraged by a few ANC /PAC stalwarts during the heart of the Apartheid years. The theme at the time was Education before Liberation.

"Any deserving student, irrespective of race, creed, religion or colour can apply for a bursary which comes in the form of an interest-free loan,” he adds. Beneficiaries are encouraged to pay back their loans and in so doing to see it as their social responsibility to aid other needy students.

Zulfikar Umar, assistant general secretary of the organisation, found it very rewarding to be on the other side of the table so to speak. “Twenty years ago I was a loan recipient. I am currently also enrolled at the university for a BTech in Mechanical Engineering,” he explains.

Students are encouraged to apply for funding directly to the HWMEM on their website. The closing date for applications is 31 January 2018 and funding is granted based on merit.

Written by Abigail Calata

Delegates were welcomed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo, who highlighted, among other developments, the establishment of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies on the Bellville and Cape Town Campuses.Prof Liz van Aswegen of the Research Directorate also stressed that CPUT’s research output has increased over the last three years in terms of the Department of Higher Education and Training’s publication subsidy allocations. External funding has also increased, with funding exceeding R1 million sourced by six researchers.Guest speaker Dr Edith Madela-Mntla from the Medical Research Council congratulated CPUT for creating an environment conducive to research, but also warned that universities were facing the danger of becoming diploma factories, with fewer students progressing to post-graduate studies. Dr Thandi Mgwebi, from the National Research Foundation (NRF) outlined some of the financial deterrents facing budding academics from advancing in their research, but also indicated how the NRF helps institutions of higher learning with research and funding.Outstanding CPUT researchers were honoured at the event, with a platinum award given to Prof Daniel Makinde for research publication, and Prof Raynitchka Tzoneva for postgraduate supervision. Both professors hail from the Engineering Faculty.Prof Stephanie Burton from the Biocatalysis and Technical Biology Research Group was also honoured with a platinum award, while Prof Robert van Zyl, also from the Engineering Faculty, scooped a diamond award for the generation of external funding in excess of R1 million. Researchers in various other categories (publications, successful postgraduate supervision and sourcing of external funding) were presented with gold, silver and bronze awards. Postgraduate students, supervisors, and researchers also received awards for the best research posters.
Other highlights of the day included a presentation by Prof Kamilla Swart from the Faculty of Business who investigated the Fifa 2010 World CupTM initiatives in the Eden District Municipality, their impacts and whether planning initiatives were integrated or not. The findings of Prof Swart’s research will be valuable for the future planning and hosting of sport mega-events in South Africa. Prof Rainer Haldenwang from the Engineering Faculty delivered a presentation titled ‘Everything Flows’, while Prof Jeanine Marnewick of the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences spoke about the potent health benefits of South Africa’s wonder-plant Rooibos.Dr Nhlapho summed up the sterling advances made by CPUT in the research sphere by saying that CPUT’s scholarship is recognised as one that has touched the academic lives of many young scholars. This through research and study support from the university research fund and innovation fund. “Our strategies and policies are aimed at encouraging research productivity by rewarding quality research output.”By Andiswa Dantile

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CPUT showcased its diverse research activities on Research Day, held on 28 November 2008.

The event, the first of its kind, celebrated research excellence in order to promote a culture of research at the University. It is envisaged that it will be a regular feature on the CPUT events calendar.

CPUT is rated second among Universities of Technology on the research league tables in respect of research output (after Tshwane University of Technology). It boasts 11 NRF-rated researchers, and invests considerable funding into research activities within faculties and research centres.

Addressing delegates in the Auditorium on the Bellville Campus, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Dr Chris Nhlapo emphasised the importance of the commercialisation of research, which to date had not been a focus of South African higher institutions. A new CPUT venture would enable researchers to convert their findings into commercial products or services.

“Research should not just end up on library shelves”, said Dr Nhlapo.

CPUT is currently in the process of appointing a Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation, who will oversee the commercialisation process, as well as a Manager of Commercialisation. CPUT has also set up an Innovation Board to evaluate research conducive to commercialisation. This should ensure CPUT’s leadership in technology and innovation in Africa, according to Dr Nhlapo.

Director of Research at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth, Dr Pieter van Breda, applauded CPUT for its research activities, noting that research thrived within a strong research culture and ethos, coupled with an effective research office. He encouraged CPUT academics to focus on relevant research: “(Research) must make the world a better place.” He also emphasised the integration of research with technology and innovation.

Zena Scholtz briefly outlined the importance of women in research at CPUT, focusing on the establishment of the Women in Research Association earlier in 2008. Assoc Prof Liz van Aswegen analysed CPUT subsidy-generating research outputs from 2005 to 2007.

The afternoon programme showcased research within each of CPUT’s six faculties, concluding with a presentation by Mr Mahlubi Mabizela, Director of Higher Education and Development Support at the Department of Education (DoE). In his outline of DoE research funding policy, he noted that many institutions were losing subsidy funding through incorrect or incomplete reporting, especially of conference proceedings.

The day concluded with the presentation of awards to individuals who had demonstrated research excellence, based on work completed between 2005 and 2007.

• The platinum award for industry funding in excess of R1 million went to Assoc Prof Oscar Philander of the Engineering Faculty, who brought in funding in excess of R5 million.
• The platinum award for the most completed Master’s and Doctoral candidates supervised went to Prof André Slabbert of the Business Faculty.
• The platinum award for the highest number of DoE publication subsidy units went to Prof Theo Haupt of the Engineering Faculty.

An exhibition of student and staff research posters was held outside the auditorium. Awards were given to the top three posters in the staff and student categories.

• The prize for best poster in the staff category went to Snyman Ohlhoff of the Department of Tourism Management in the Faculty of Business.
• The prize for best poster in the student category went to Ilse Nadia Frederichs and Maricel Keyser of the Department of Food Technology in the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

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Photograph: Prof André Slabbert receives the platinum award for the most completed Master’s and Doctoral candidates supervised.

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Cape Town has been short-listed as one of three cities vying for the prestigious World Design Capital in 2014 title. Great news for the city, and for CPUT, given the university’s involvement in a proposed design and informatics hub as part of the bid. Dr Chris Nhlapo is tremendously excited by the news. The Deputy Vice Chancellor of Innovation Research & Partnerships says this latest development will add impetus to CPUT’s dream of establishing a Design Park and Innovation Hub (DPIH) in the East City and give a global profile to the excellent work of the Faculty of Informatics and Design. (FID)

Cape Town faced stiff competition in the bid, jockeying for position against 56 other cities. The city must now outbid Dublin, Ireland and Bilbao, Spain to be given the honour of World Design Capital 2014 when the final announcement is made in October.

Nhlapo says, “I’m certain when the winner is announced Cape Town will come first. Although losing is not an option, if it happens the process will have catalyzed our vision around the science of design, and cemented our bond with our triple helix partners – government and industry. Already we have seen a wonderful spirit of regional collaboration between diverse partners, and the coming together of a wealth of creative and design fundis.”

CPUT's FID is helping to spearhead the drive to create The Fringe: Cape Town's Innovation District. An area in which design, media and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) innovation can be incubated and showcased, The Fringe aims to give credence to the university's mission – to be at the heart of technology education and innovation in Africa.

According to FID Dean, Prof Johannes Cronje, "The Faculty has as its mission to be at the heart of design innovation in the City. This bid, supported by our initiatives in the Fringe, is proof of our commitment to asking, "What can we do for the City?"

Reporting directly to Prof Cronje on this project is Associate Professor of Informatics, Shaun Pather. Pather says CPUT is currently leading a new and visionary academic response to the escalated importance of design worldwide.

“We refer to this as ‘Design Thinking’ and it traverses all academic disciplines. The importance of the bid to FID and CPUT is that it elevates our status as a Faculty of Design located in the heart of a city which could potentially be a World Design Capital.  It gives weight to our academic innovation in the form of ‘Design Thinking’ and affords us global status in the design field. It also adds a special vibrancy to the way we apply ‘Design Thinking’ across the academic project - including teaching, research, innovation and community engagement.”

By Jan Weintrob

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The partnership between Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and Germany’s Hochschule Wismar University of Applied Sciences, Technology, Business and Design finally came to fruition last week, when the first group of students of the Master of Business Systems (MBS) dual programme attended their inaugural lectures. The course is offered by the partners as MTech: Business Information Systems and Masters of Business Systems respectively, with graduates obtaining both degrees on completion.

Dr Chris Nhlapo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation & Partnerships at CPUT and Prof Uwe Laemmel, Head of the MBS program, delivered opening addresses at the Cape Town Hotel recently to mark the first contact session for the dual qualification. Nhlapo described the course outline, which touches amongst other things, on knowledge management, data management, and business informatics as very impressive. He sees the venture as a special vehicle to accelerate staff development with about twelve CPUT staff members participating in the programme.

During his presentation, he gave facts and figures in terms of where we stand as a country in human resources development. “Indications are that we are sliding down. We need more initiatives geared towards supporting the new generation of academics.” Nhlapo added that, “the element of internationalisation is going to give our staff a totally different dimension and advantage in being taught by some of the best researchers in Germany. We also commend the initiators of the program for the part they played”.

Great enthusiasm and appetite for knowledge were written in the faces of the students as Dr Roger Silberberg, their lecturer from Hochschule Wismar University, guided them through the coursework. Silberberg said in the 21st century the focus is on business processes and underlying information systems and technologies. “We are getting people to understand how business is run and how to use information assets optimally,” he said. Silberberg said they expect graduates of the innovative course to walk into employment anywhere in the world as “the number of employers needing these skills is accelerating every day.” The course work and dissertation will take two years to complete.

by Thami Nkwanyane

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The importance and value of the National Research Foundation (NRF) rating, evaluation and eligibility issues as well as incentives associated with this international benchmark were the key issues discussed during an inaugural meeting with CPUT NRF-rated researchers recently.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Dr Chris Nhlapo met with 15 NRF-rated researchers to support them in acquiring, improving and maintaining their ratings, which are an indicator of research excellence. Maintaining one's NRF status is a daunting task of not allowing the rating to lapse.

Nhlapo said the aim of the meeting was to show sincere appreciation to NRF-rated researchers for acquiring status and to help those who already rated to stay motivated. “Perhaps we should put a mechanism in place for the already-rated researchers to attain higher status such as an A-rating,” added Nhlapo. Mazwi-Tanga briefly shared with researchers aspects of Vision 2020 - an attempt to transform CPUT into a leading innovation academy. According to Mazwi-Tanga, she’s fully behind Dr Nhlapo and Director: Research Dr Tembeka Mpako-Ntusi in their quest to increase CPUT research outputs.Nhlapo’s presentation centred around where CPUT is within the national system of innovation and should be in terms of research. He explained, “Universities should aspire to have at least 25% of their academic staff members rated by the NRF to be regarded as a research-intensive university and CPUT needs to work even harder in order to achieve this.” His office is currently putting strategies and operational plans in place to ensure that this happens.“We are encouraging young academics to be more involved in research and to pursue their PhD. There is sufficient support in our Research Office for people to continue with their research work.”Prof Christopher Vaughn from the Medical Research Council and University of Cape Town was a guest speaker and delivered a presentation on “How to get to an A-Rating and sustain it”.Among other tips given during Vaughn’s presentation, he encouraged researchers to never settle for local journals if there is a chance of making the pages of international publications. “Present your research at international conferences and ensure that your presentation is really great and that it will be remembered. It is vitally important to be visible in the scientific community,” he added.By:  Andiswa Dantile

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In a major boost for the reputation of CPUT, there has been a surge in research outputs for 2009. The university now leads all other Universities of Technology in South Africa in terms of research output, including traditional rivals, Tshwane University of Technology.

The latest Research Outputs report released by the Department of Higher Education and Training shows “impressive growth in publications output (above 10%) at CPUT… a good sign of research potential and development.”

Based on an analysis of journal publications, conference proceedings and book publications, the report highlights the fact that among the Universities of Technology, CPUT improved its research productivity by a hugely substantial 77% between 2007 and 2009. This is a full 14% more than the nearest competitors Vaal University of Technology, and 31% more than Tshwane University of Technology.

The reasons for this are clear – during CPUT’s gradual transition from a tuition-based vocational institution to that of a University of Technology, incorporating both tuition and research, the university’s research mandate has been strongly underscored. Four new research groups and units have been established, including the Biocatalysis and Technical Biology Research Group and The Centre for Multigrade Education. In addition, the Institutional Ethics Review Board was established in 2008 to pay ongoing attention to ethics as the research environment expanded at CPUT. Several researchers received new or improved NRF ratings, more post-doctoral fellows have been appointed, and more research-driven appointments have been made than at any other time in the university’s history.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo adds that two critical offices are now fully up and running and are providing comprehensive support to CPUT’s researchers and innovators. These are The Technology Transfer Office, “a fantastic resource where advice about patents, copyright and holistic intellectual property management can be obtained."

The office was established as a result of the Intellectual Property from Publicly Funded Research Act of 2008, which recognises the important role universities play in research and innovation to promote economic growth. The act obliges universities to establish a TTO to foster Technology Transfer - essentially the process of taking a concept from research into a useful product or new service using the primary tool of Intellectual Property (IP).

In addition, the Centre for Postgraduate Studies, established 2 years ago, is enhancing the profile of post-grad activity at the university, attracting more and more students into the research community and raising awareness of potential technology innovation as an outcome of postgraduate research.

Nhlapo says he is thrilled at CPUT’s research outputs for 2009, and has paid tribute to the active support given to research by CPUT’s management. He’s also praised the variety of internal support services helping researchers. These include the library and information support services, information technology, and the administrative and financial infrastructure, without which it would be impossible to conduct research.

By Jan Weintrob

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The year 2008 started on a high note at CPUT with the appointment of two Deputy Vice-Chancellors and a Dean of Students. The three senior management staff joined the institution at the beginning of February.

Dr Chris Nhlapo, previously with the National Research Foundation (NRF), has taken charge as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Technology Innovation, Partnerships, Community Engagement and Academic Planning.

Mr Jayanthlal Ramkisson Bhana, who has been attached to the Walter Sisulu University as Interim Registrar, assumed the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Operations. His portfolios are Human Resources (including transformation), Finance (including procurement) and Facilities (including safety, security, cleaning and special projects).

Mrs Cora Njoli-Motale has been appointed Dean of Students. She has been Executive Director: Dean of Students at the University of South Africa (Unisa).

Written by CPUT News

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Postgraduate students at CPUT will receive the necessary support to ensure they achieve their goals of becoming academics, researchers or expert practitioners in their chosen field of study.

Addressing students at a welcome and orientation session hosted by the Centre for Postgraduate Studies on 9 February 2010 at the Bellville campus, Prof Stephanie Burton said the centre is a “visible, dedicated and interested point of contact” for all postgraduate students.

Established in 2009, the centre aims to enhance the profile of postgraduate activity at CPUT and attract students into the institution’s research community.

Prof Burton, who is at the helm of the centre, said they are also tasked with raising awareness of potential technology innovation as an outcome of postgraduate research.

However, the main task of the centre is to provide a range of support services to postgraduate students.

Prof Burton said pursuing a postgraduate degree is hard work and the skills required are different from those needed to complete an undergraduate degree or diploma.

“Postgraduate students need a wide vision and broad integrated training to understand what it means to be a researcher and what it means to be an academic,” said Prof Burton.

Referring to the centre as a “one-stop-shop” point of contact for postgraduate students, Prof Burton said they offer dedicated support and assistance in all of the processes involved in postgraduate study.

The support services include workshops, seminars, training, mentoring, bursaries and assistance with administration linked to postgraduate studies.

The centre is currently in the process of putting in place policies to ensure that their activities are in line with the priorities of CPUT and establishing committees that will oversee postgraduate activities.

Dr Chris Nhlapo, DVC Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships encouraged students to make use of the services offered by the centre.

He said it is vital for South Africa to increase the number of doctorate graduates.

Currently South African produces only 1 100 doctorate graduates a year.

However, Dr Nhlapo said he is positive, that with the help of the centre, CPUT will play a vital role in South Africa by producing highly skilled individuals.

By Candes Keating

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The face of research, innovation and technology at CPUT is set to be revolutionized with the official roll-out of the Research and Technology Innovation (RTI) blueprint.

This ten-year blueprint provides the institution with a strategic frame within which it can seek to produce research and innovation that is relevant to the needs of the province, South Africa and the world.

Speaking at the launch of the RTI, Deputy-Vice Chancellor Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo says the RTI outlines programmes and practical intervention strategies for breakthrough improvement in research activities at the institution and includes a number of key objectives.  

Some of the objectives include the establishment of Research Chairs in each faculty, the appointment of senior researchers in niche areas and an increase in postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellowships.

Nhlapo says the blueprint also aims to build on the institution’s strengths through the following seven focus areas: Bio-economy and biotechnology; Space science and technology; Energy; Climate-change and environment; Human and social dynamics; Economic growth and Design for sustainability.

CEO of the Cape Higher Education Consortium, Nasima Badsha commended CPUT for rolling-out the RTI.

“Your blueprint is an important and exciting step in achieving your vision of growing research at CPUT that responds to the needs of the province, the country and beyond,” says Badsha.

The RTI has also received support from CPUT’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga as well as from CPUT Chair of Council, Mbulelo Bikwani.

By Candes Keating

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The Research Directorate at CPUT celebrated research excellence at its annual Research Day on 4 December 2009. The event, which included an awards ceremony and poster exhibition, attracted a number of respected academics from both CPUT and other institutions of higher learning.

While praising the high quality research that has been produced by our researchers, many speakers voiced concerns about the decline of research output in South Africa and suggested ways that universities could confront this decline.

Prof Bongani Mayosi, Head of the Medicine Department at the University of Cape Town, stated that one can’t be an academic without being a researcher. Looking at our country’s share of publications, Prof Mayosi said in 1993 South Africa was above Argentina, Greece, New Zealand and Turkey, but those countries overtook South Africa during the period 1995 to 2000.

“We have not been reproducing ourselves. We have not been training new scientists. In 1990, 6% of the researchers who published were under 30 years and 2% were over 60 years,” he said.

Prof Mayosi, who was recently awarded the Order of Mapungubwe by President Jacob Zuma, said the reasons for this were related to lack of a national planning strategy, lack of infrastructure and lack of well-trained people. “You’ve got to build laboratories; you can’t rely on hospital facilities for research because these are meant for the delivery of a service. He said in a report to be released in January that they are calling for a national strategy.

While training as a cardiologist, Prof Mayosi decided to be “a doctor who can solve problems”. He published three papers during his studies. He said there was a point in his career when he published about 15 papers per annum. “People think once they get their PhDs they’re done and can now get a good job; that’s only the beginning. There are no shortcuts to building good researchers. It takes 10 to 15 years to make your mark,” he said.

Dr Chris Nhlapo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, said that at CPUT should not only be “at the heart of technology in Africa”, but that we should strive to be the heart of technology in the world.

“Some people say we are actually teachers and not researchers, we need to change that. We need to have at least two A-rated researchers come 2011. We need a more extensive, broad based approach to innovation,” he said.

Marlon Parker, a researcher at the Faculty of Informatics and Design, spoke about reconstructing communities through research and innovation, thereby alluding to his research which involved gangsters. Parker said, “We took the worst of the worst. If they can transform, everybody could transform. We taught them and they in turn taught the community. They taught people who used to fear them”.

Other speakers during the day included Sibongile Sowazi of the National Research Foundation, Prof Robert van Zyl of the French South African Institute of Technology, and Dr Sharhidd Taliep and Prof Simeon Davies of the Business Faculty, who delivered a speech on ‘The power of sport research to change the world’.

At the end of the day, prizes were awarded to researchers who performed well and projects that generated funds in excess of a million rand.

• Click here to view a list of award winners.
• Click here to view a list of poster winners.

By Thami Nkwanyane

Written by CPUT News
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The Department of Food Technology again successfully hosted the New Food Product Launch at the Bellville campus on 25 November 2009.

Both final year and BTech students participated in the event by showcasing what they have been working on for the past six months.

Since July 2009, the students have been developing their new products. Their work has covered a range of aspects, including food production, sensory evaluation, chemistry, microbiology, labeling, packaging, food safety and costs.

The first part of the programme involved a session where students’ products were assessed by industry assessors, who later allocated marks to their work.

The assessment took place in the afternoon, prior to the second part of the event that took off in the evening.

The new food product launch is an annual event for the department, but according to Joseline Felix-Minnaar, a Food Chemistry lecturer, every year, the event keeps on getting better.

The students were divided into 14 groups. The new products comprised the following: Goji berry drinking yoghurt, Savoury muffin premix, Energy³ crunch, Seafood pasta, Sorghum-based shake, Fruit and nut sandwich snack bar and Flavoured energy drink cubes.

Other products included Carob-coated fruit-flavoured jellies, Sorghum-based pasta with sauce, High energy smoothie, Soy-based jelly layered with muesli, Beetroot soup on the go, Peanut and apricot microwave muffin premix and a Fruit-based energy drink.

The students were required to develop products that can serve as a nutritious meal or snack that provides sustained energy for people leading active lifestyles.

DVC: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Dr Chris Nhlapo welcomed the guests which included representatives from the industry.

Dr Nhlapo said: “As a country, we have made constructive strides in support of research and innovation in line with the best in the world.

“As CPUT, we have recently interrogated our strategic plan and direction in order to reposition and ground ourselves in our context if we aspire to be a blue chip organisation. We aspire to be the hot bed of innovation and fully address the three arenas of innovation competence, which include leadership, education and application.”

The programme also involved public judging and voting. Attendees were required to go around food stalls to taste and they later voted for the product that they thought was best done.

Dr Helgo Schomer, an ex-lecturer at the University of Cape Town, a psychologist and a radio personality was a guest speaker.

Dr Schomer highlighted things that make people want to eat more.

“Smoking will kill your brain cells, while eating your breakfast every day is the best. Eating good food, having a good sleep, maintaining the correct weight and laughing as often as possible are the best principles in life,” he said.

The students were later awarded with prizes ranging from R2000 to R3000. Sorgo pocketed R3000 for the most potential product in terms of marketability, while Soylicious walked away with the R2500 prize for the packaging most fit for purpose.

Energy³ was awarded a R2000 prize for coming up with the most innovative product.

The best product in terms of marketability, innovation and technical level R2500 prize went to Energy³ and Peanut Power Muffin. At the same time, Soylicious and Peanut Power Muffin were voted as the most popular products from the consumer’s point of view.

According to Dr Maricel Keyser, a Food Microbiology lecturer, putting together the event was a great exercise for them.

“As a department, we worked well together. It was really a team effort,” she said.

By Andiswa Dantile

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT staff members have once again been noted for their impact on the world of design with two of its members being chosen for Cape Town’s World Design Capital 2014 (WDC2014) board.

Dr Chris Nhlapo - Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships and Bruce Snaddon - Chairman of the Cape Town Design Network and Senior Graphic Design lecturer were announced as members of the board. CPUT is the only organization that has two individuals selected from amongst the 103 nominees for the board.

“I am very excited about this great opportunity to represent CPUT. This is an opportunity to contribute to the city’s legacy for 2014 and beyond. This is a chance to showcase how design can be used as a tool to bring about social change,” says Dr Nhlapo.

Speaking on the huge task at hand, board member, Bruce Snaddon says: “At CPUT we recognize how design and innovation are close companions in the way that they foster open and explorative processes that yield results, which are relevant and sustainable in the long term. Design thinking provides us with a theoretical and conceptual underpinning for our faculties’ applied research activity and, we hope, will increasingly provide a framework for projects of a poly-disciplinary nature across our institution as we venture toward 2014.”

Snaddon adds: “May I ask that anyone interested in developing WDC related projects please contact me so that we can start a planning forum around our institutional role over the next two years. We are one year away from the start of 2014 but two years away from the end, so let’s get designing.”

Those interested are urged to please contact Bruce at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Munira Allie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

By: Nurahn Ryklief

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT Executive Management paid homage to staff members at the annual Long Service Awards.

The event is a highlight on the CPUT calendar and provides Executive Management with the opportunity to recognise staff members who play a vital role in the running of the university.

Held at the Bellville Campus, this year 203 staff members were honoured. Awards were given to those who have been employed at the university between ten and forty years.

During this period, the 203 recipients of the awards had spent a collective of 3 465 years working at the university.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof Anthony Staak expressed his gratitude towards the staff members.

“Such loyalty and dedication is something really special in this day and age,” says Prof Staak, who received an award for 30 years of service.

This year, two staff members where recognised for 40 years of service – Cornelius Botha and Michael Sebastian.

Botha, a laboratory technician in the Applied Science Faculty, says working with students has been the highlight of his career at CPUT.

“I enjoy being able to help students. Every day is different at CPUT and I enjoy that,” he says.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo says CPUT will continue to invest in its staff members.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT is playing a vital role in producing South Africa’s next generation of academics and researchers.

At the university’s Postgraduate Research Day, CPUT students showcased their research activities and proved that they have what it takes to become leading academics.

From case studies on the eradication of poverty to virtual vehicle designs, students presented research papers on a variety of topics. Each student had 15 minutes to present and also field questions from a panel of CPUT academics who assessed their research and presenting skills.

Director of Postgraduate Studies, Senior Prof Daniel Makinde commended the students for their efforts as well as research supervisors, who are key to the development of CPUT’s postgraduate class.

Makinde says such events are vital for the development of young academics.

“Research communication is an integral part of postgraduate training, and is a skill that needs to be mastered early by our postgraduate students in their academic careers. If the knowledge generated is not shared in forums that provide assessment, then it may be of little or no use to the public at large, policymakers or the research community,” says Makinde.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo, says currently the research and innovation sector is driven by mature academics.

“I am encouraged to see young researchers coming to the fore," says Nhlapo.

The event, which took place at the Bellville campus, was a first for the university, but will become an annual feature on the CPUT calendar.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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