The first of three Welcoming Ceremonies kicks off at the Cape Town campus today.

The ceremonies welcome first years and their parents to CPUT and are an introduction to Vice-Chancellor Dr Prins Nevhutalu and his Executive Management.

The event moves to the Wellington campus on Tuesday and ends in Bellville on Wednesday.

Afterwards, students at the Cape Town and Bellville campuses are in for a treat.

For the first time this year, Student Affairs will host their Welcoming Event directly after the official event hosted by the VC. Cape Town students can look forward to being entertained by DJ Fresh, South Africa’s most successful house DJ.

In Bellville, Cassper Nyovest will rock the quad from 11.15 am onwards. Both artists have performed at CPUT before and attracted record crowds.

All Welcome Ceremonies kick off at 10 am with the student bash taking place directly afterwards.

Like the CPUT Student Affairs Facebook page to keep up to date on the variety of performances taking place throughout the year.

Written by Lauren Kansley
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Liaises with the media and writes press releases about interesting developments at CPUT.

CPUT’s new Vice-Chancellor Dr Prins Nevhutalu was the guest of honour at a special breakfast meeting welcoming him to the institution on Tuesday.

Nevhutalu only officially starts his duties in January 2014 but has already attended a number of key CPUT events, like the Spring Graduation, where he is being introduced to staff and students.

Yesterday it was the turn of the Management Committee members, like Chairman of Council Mbulelo Bikwani who, like the others, will be spending the next few years working closely with him.

Nevhutalu thanked outgoing Vice-Chancellor Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga for the opportunity to meet his colleagues, saying he looked forward to his tenure at CPUT.

“Only by working together can we do great things at CPUT and I look forward to doing that with you,” he says.

Nevhutalu has a rich academic career and has met many of his new colleagues in his previous positions as Executive Director at the Foundation for Research Development and as Deputy Vice-Chancellor responsible for Research, Innovation and Partnerships at Tshwane University of Technology.

View Dr Nevhutalu’s profile

Written by Lauren Kansley

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Liaises with the media and writes press releases about interesting developments at CPUT.

Student affairs is at the core of any well-functioning university and developing a deeper understanding of the needs of scholars is essential.

That is why an event like the annual conference of the National Association of Student Development Practitioners (NASDEV) is such an important event.

The conference was hosted by CPUT at the Bellville campus recently and aimed to deepen understanding on a variety of student issues and provide an opportunity for delegates and speakers to share experiences.

The conference theme- Crystallizing our calling: Development of sensitive intellectuals and critical citizens – not only qualified professionals”, challenged participants to develop students to be well-rounded graduates and responsible citizens.

In his opening address, NASDEV president Gugulethu Xaba challenged the delegates to think critically of their role as student development practitioners.

“Are we ready to produce the sensitive intellectuals that the country and the world needs?” he asked.

CPUT Vice-Chancellor Designate, Dr Prins Nevhutalu, told delegates that CPUT is dedicated to producing sensitive intellectuals who are also critical citizens.

Delivering the keynote address, Public Service and Administration Deputy Minister, Ayanda Dlodlo, shared her personal story about how her love for the people of South Africa propelled her to join the armed struggle against apartheid at a tender age.

She says her life story was one of resilience and patience and told the conference that students should replicate that.

Written by Kwanele Butana

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The CPUT Residences Department awarded certificates and trophies to excelling students in its residences during a recent Academic Awards gala dinner at the Bellville Campus.

The event was addressed by Dean of Students, Cora Motale, and Business Faculty manager Lulamile Ntonzima, while Vice-Chancellor Designate, Dr Prins Nevhutalu, handed over trophies to the overall winners.  

The overall sports winners are:

Easter Tournament:

• Soccer winners - Catsville,
• Netball winners - St. Peters
• Rugby winners - Cats Rugby

Mini-olympics:

• Soccer winners - Sandenburgh
• Netball winners - St. Peters
• Rugby winners - Cats Rugby

The overall academic award winners are all from residences in Cape Town:

• Goerge Ndjitaviua, an MTech student in Environmental Health, from Down Town Lodge Residence
• Natsai Ganyani, a BTech student in Retail Business Management, from Down Town Lodge Residence
• Selamrie Kenneth, a 3^rd year student in Office Management & Technology, from Catsville Residence
• Adonis Adonay, a 2^nd year student in Retail Business Management, from Catsville Residence

Written by Kwanele Butana

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Vice-Chancellor Designate Dr Prins Nevhutalu is planning on hitting the ground running when his term officially starts in January 2014.

He has already spent months behind the scenes getting to know staff during intimate meet-and-greet sessions as well as bigger faculty visits.

Armed with this background knowledge, Nevhutalu is ready to start implementing his five prong approach at turning CPUT from good to great. His vision includes:

• To be a visionary leader who all CPUT staff feel encouraged to be working under.
• To improve business processes and efficiency at an administration level
• To bolster CPUT’s image outside of the institution
• To expand research output
• To drive staff capacity and encourage all members of the CPUT community to constantly up-skill

Growing up in the rural plains of Limpopo, Nevhutalu is himself a product of good education and he is keen to see his example replicated in the students of CPUT.

“Education is key to developing South Africa. The more people are highly educated the more they will benefit the country in terms of productivity,” he says.

He brings an extensive international network of contacts to his position which he hopes will benefit the institution and has invited staff to tap into this for their own academic improvement.

“I am straight forward and open” he told a gathering of staff recently.

“My office is open. If you have suggestions then let’s talk.”

Nevhutalo in a nutshell

Nevhutalu was born in Limpopo and has spent most of his career in the higher education arena. He studied Biochemistry at the University of Limpopo (formerly University of the North) and went on to lecture a variety of Health Science subjects when he graduated. He later resigned to join the University of Northern Illinois as a Phd student where his ground-breaking research on Bilharzia, a disease spread by parasites, was of particular interest to the US military. He continued his post-doctoral studies at the University of San Francisco. Upon his return to South Africa he re-joined University of Limpopo and later took a post at the National Research Foundation where he spent 12 years and his passion for empowering people of colour and women was implemented through the Thuthuka programme. In 2006, he was appointed as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Partnerships at Tshwane University of Technology. In 2013, he accepted a position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning at the University of Zululand. In July 2013, he was announced as the Vice-Chancellor at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

Related links

University leadership

Vice-Chancellor's profile

Previous Vice-Chancellors

Written by Lauren Kansley

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Liaises with the media and writes press releases about interesting developments at CPUT.

From publishing research papers to embarking on innovative studies, CPUT researchers have made the institution proud.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed by the university, who recently celebrated their activities at the annual Research Day, which was held at the Mowbray Campus.

Vice-Chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu, commended the researcher and says the university has surpassed its own research targets, with 23% of staff holding doctoral qualifications and 35 holding ratings from the National Research Foundation.

He says research activities were important as the university had embarked on a drive to go from a good to a great institution.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo, highlighted the university’s Research and Innovation Blueprint, an innovative document that plots to the way forward for research and innovation activities at CPUT.

Nhlapo emphasised the concept of research uptake, a process which sees the results of research turned into a patent, product or service, through innovation and technology.

CPUT also awarded the university’s top researchers, supervisors and industry funding recipients for 2013.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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In consideration of the promotion of international educational cooperation and educational exchanges, the CPUT’s School of Sport, Events, Tourism and Hospitality (SETH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ferrandi French School of Culinary Arts.

The two institutions will now seek to promote and offer joint or collaborative educational programmes and research projects.

The objectives of the renewable three-year agreement include the exchange of students for study and research as well as the exchange of lecturers who will participate in research and collaborate in offering academic programmes.

This development also paves the way for the two institutions to offer a master class for professional cookery in Paris and Cape Town.

The French delegation included Michel Mouisel, Ferrandi’s Head of International Development, Dr Yves Blanchard from F’SATI, and Adrienne Lorite, International Project Manager.

VISIT: The delegation from the Ferrandi French School of Culinary Arts enjoyed the company of CPUT managers ahead of the MoU signing at the Hotel School

The agreement was signed by the managers of both institutions during a ceremony at the Cape Town Hotel School. The signing was witnessed by the French Consul in Cape Town, Xavier d’Argoeuves.

D’Argoeuves says the agreement strengthens the relationship which already exists between the embassy and CPUT and thanked Ferrandi for engaging with the institution.

CPUT Vice-Chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu, says he is looking forward to some activity after the signing as CPUT enjoys great support from the French Embassy.

“I am happy to have this kind of partnership,” he says.

SETH is one of the four schools in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, and offers academic programmes in Sport Management, Tourism Management, Events Management as well as Hospitality Management.

Written by Kwanele Butana

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The RSVP’s are flying in thick and fast to the events planned for CPUT’s alumni in Gauteng, Namibia and Cape Town in the next few weeks. All graduates (alumni) of CPUT and the former Cape and Peninsula Technikons based in these areas are invited to attend.

Vice Chancellor Dr Prins Nevhutalu is jetting in specially to attend the Gauteng and Windhoek events. He’ll be using the opportunity to share both his vision for the university and CPUT successes and garner alumni input on taking the CPUT from good to great. Both the Gauteng (October 31) and Namibian (November 14) events cost R50 , with cocktail snacks, canapes and a cash bar included.

While the VC is unable to attend the Cape Town event scheduled for December 5^th, it promises to be a fantastically festive affair where all our Cape-based graduates can reconnect and network. Alumni  Officer Val Deelman says alumni can expect good food, good company, light entertainment and lovely prizes to be raffled to boost the CPUT Bursary Fund.

It’ll be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside hotel in Woodstock, with tickets costing R220 per person. To RSVP to this event, please email Helena Pietersen or call +27 21 460 3389/3786.

Written by Janyce Weintrob
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The biggest carrier of road passengers in the Cape Metropole, Golden Arrow Bus Service (GABS), has once again been given the nod by its passengers.

This came to light when the GABS recently handed over a survey conducted by the CPUT’s Mathematics and Physics Department to Donald Grant, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Transport.

When asked about their overall level of satisfaction, 75% of customers indicated that they were either ‘Somewhat satisfied’ or ‘Very satisfied’ with the service. Furthermore, 93% of customers indicated that they would be willing to recommend the service to others.

Lecturer Thomas Farrar said: “This indicates that GABS is serving its customers well across all indicators of service quality. There are, however, areas where improvements can be made”.

The response times when complaints are made, safety from crime at bus stops and termini, affordability of fares, availability of buses when needed and time spent waiting for a bus were identified as the highest priority areas for improvement.

Respondents for the survey were randomly selected by a team of 43 CPUT enumerators in Mitchells Plain, Nyanga, Cape Town (Golden Acre), Bellville and Mowbray.

Dr Prins Nevhutalu, CPUT Vice-Chancellor, commended the CPUT team that worked on the project, emphasizing that quality service is a challenge to us as a country. He said the survey results will go a long way in improving the service rendered by GABS.

Grant said one thing that he learnt while he was Minister of Education in the Western Cape was that good surveys are important. He said his ministry will go on to work with partners in improving the service levels of citizens.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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My School is celebrating their 17th birthday at the end of September, and for the 17 days leading up to their big day, from 14 - 30 September 2014, for every new card issued with CPUT as the beneficiary, they'll give the university’s Bursary Fund R17 cash.

That means if we sign up 10 new users in the next ten days until the end of the month, we'll receive R170, 100 new cardholders translates into R1 700 and should we sign up 1000 new cardholders, our Bursary Fund will receive a whopping R17 000.

Vice-Chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu has led the campaign to get as many CPUT staff, students and supporters as possible to buy-in to the My School Card Campaign.

It is one of South Africa's biggest community support programmes which raises funds to improve education and social development.

“This is one of the initiatives introduced by CPUT’s Advancement Department to bolster our Bursary Fund”, says Nevhutalu.

“It’s a simple and effective way to ensure that many more bright and deserving students denied an education due to financial constraints are given the opportunity to shine.”

If you don’t already have a My School card;

1. Apply for a free card at www.myschool.co.za or call 0860 100 445. You can also get a card at any Woolworths store.
2. Nominate CPUT as your beneficiary
3. If you already have a My School card, please nominate CPUT as your beneficiary. To do this log onto www.myschool.co.za/supporter/update/

When one swipes one’s card at any participating retailer, the partner donates a percentage of your purchase to the CPUT Bursary Fund.

Written by Janyce Weintrob
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The CPUT signed an exchange agreement with the Hochschule Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences in Germany. The agreement is to develop active cooperation in various areas between the two universities.

The promotion of international academic cooperation and the exchange of teaching and research experience between the two institutions are among the main core objectives of this agreement. This will entail the development of “friendship and mutual interests on a reciprocal basis of respect for the independence and equal status of each university”.

Professor Dr Uta M. Feser, President of Hochschule Neu-Ulm, says they are particularly looking at joint research on Business Intelligence and Health as a start. She says their focus is to work with a number of universities in Sub Saharan Africa.

Professor Louis Fourie, CPUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Knowledge and Information Technology Services, says the relationship will make provision for students and staff to expand their horizons. “They will get an opportunity to work with other students and staff while experiencing another way of thinking,” he says.

The relationship will also see both institutions holding joint international conferences, conduct joint research projects and engage in other activities to better enhance mutual understanding and cooperation.

Fourie says this agreement also brings with it the potential to provide the necessary training for people working at the SKA project as they are dealing with ‘big data’. After signing the agreement, Dr Prins Nevhutalu, CPUT Vice-Chancellor, and his counterpart Professor Dr M. Feser exchanged gifts.

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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Academics from leading African universities gathered this week at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) to attend the 2nd U6 International Conference, a consortium of six African universities. The conference’s theme is “Research and Innovation for sustainable development”.

During his opening address, CPUT Vice-Chancellor Dr Prins Nevhutalu said as a university that aims to be at the heart of technology and innovation in Africa, “we cannot successfully achieve that if we do not immerse ourselves in the ambitions and aspirations of Africa as a whole”.

“You all need no convincing of the potential of Africa and African Institutions – and particularly African intelligentsia, which is well represented here. It is this human capital, not just the rich deposits of Gold in Ghana or Platinum in South Africa or oil in Nigeria, or wildlife resources across the African plains, or any of the other natural resources that have made Africa the go-to continent, that will light a fire to propel this giant called Africa forward. It is this human force that has to be used for the good of Africa rather than a force of destruction that we humans have often become to ourselves and our finite environment,” Dr Nevhutalu said.

Professor Is-haq Oloyede, former Vice-chancellor of the University of Ilorin in Nigeria, said the idea of the U6 came as a result of the need for collaboration between African universities. He said when CPUT signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of Ilorin, they got to know about other relationships that the two have with other African universities ultimately realising that “your friend’s friend is your friend”. The Vice-Chancellors of these universities finally met to form the U6 from the bilateral relationships they had in February 2012.

Keynote speaker Professor Philip Lloyd spoke about renewable energy and sustainable development. He mentioned that society is faced with the challenge of balancing the social, economic and environmental challenges of sustainability and development. He said while energy is a source of wealth creation, the perceived costs to the environment is overstated. He said there was a gap between what science has discovered and what society stresses about. The conference covered a variety of subjects including Agriculture and Food Sciences, Environmental Issues, Technology Innovation and Energy Efficiency, and Business and Education.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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CPUT recently hosted the 2^nd International Conference of the Leadership & Management in Projects Driven Industries in South Africa (Lamipisa) at the Cape Town Campus.

Some of the topics discussed by academics included the management of mega projects focusing on social development such as South Africa’s National Development Plan, non-governmental development organizations, community participation and entrepreneurship.

The four-day conference was organized by the Department of Management and Project Management and saw scores of academics in management and leadership presenting research papers.

Addressing the conference CPUT Vice-chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu, encouraged the delegates to invite industry role players to their future conferences in order to become more attuned to world trends adding that as a career-focused institution, CPUT should continuously build rapport with industry leaders.

He emphasized the importance of research outputs stressing that the conference resonated with the university’s goal of becoming a great university.

“Research is fundamental to our journey towards greatness,” he said.

About 50 papers was presented by academics from Germany, India, Uganda, Nigeria, Zimbabwe as well as various parts of South Africa.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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CPUT recently welcomed members of its new council at a gala dinner at the Cape Town Hotel School Restaurant.

During the dinner Vice-Chancellor Dr Prins Nevhutalu presented the university’s profile, history and organogram as well as its strategic imperatives stressing that council’s role is integral in taking the university from good to great.

His plan includes boosting the current 17% of staff members with doctorates to around 30% in five years’ time. He also outlined the university’s seven Research Focus Areas and announced that five more research chairs have been approved by the previous council.

He said the university’s priorities for the future will be addressing academic challenges, improving the quality of service to staff and students as well as devising more focused fundraising initiatives.

NEW COUNCIL: Outgoing council chairman Mbulelo Bikwani with some members of the new council attended a welcoming dinner at the Cape Town Hotel School Restaurant  

He said the university should reduce its utility bill, student debt and student drop-out rates, but increase pass and throughput rates.

Registrar Nikile Ntsababa presented an overview of the university’s governance structures and explained their respective functions.

Ntsababa emphasized that the council is the highest decision-making body in the university, while the Senate is the highest decision-making body on academic issues and that the Institutional Forum advises council on issues affecting the institution.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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CPUT is set to bestow its first honorary doctorates during the institution’s Autumn Graduation, which will take place at the Bellville Campus next week.

Two of SA’s most respected citizens, Dr Brigalia Bam and Dr Christo Wiese, will be honoured by the institution for their outstanding contributions to education and industry.

The awarding of the honorary doctorates is a first for the institution.

Bam will be honoured with a Doctorate in Education, DEd, for her outstanding work as an educator, while Wiese will be awarded a Doctorate in Technologia, Marketing (DTech) for his outstanding contribution to industry.

Bam is best known for her role as the Chairwoman of the Independent Electoral Commission between 1999 and 2011. This position earned her respect locally and internationally and as well as the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Peace and Reconciliation.

Wiese is regarded as one of South Africa’s most successful and influential businessmen. He is controlling shareholder of Shoprite Holdings Limited, Africa’s largest retailer.

CPUT Vice-Chancellor Dr Prins Nevhutalu says he is honoured that two individuals with the outstanding profiles of both Bam and Wiese have accepted their honorary doctoral nominations.

“Dr Brigalia Bam and Dr Christo Wiese are not only being commended for their stellar working careers but also for the contribution they have made to South Africa and its people,” he says.

The institution will also cap 7 148 students during 15 graduation ceremonies.

Of the graduation class, 84 will receive their Masters qualifications and 12 will be awarded their Doctorates.

All graduation ceremonies will be streamed. Watch them live at: http://www.cput.ac.za/live

Share the joy of graduation with us, use #CPUTgrad2015 on social media and remember to tag us:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cput.ac.za

Twitter: @CPUT

Instagram: @wearecput

Written by CPUT News

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Twenty engineering students graduated cum laude in their various courses this morning at the second day of CPUT’s Autumn Graduation series.

Blaine Amon was the first of them to get capped by Vice-Chancellor Dr Prins Nevhutalu in front of a packed hall of graduates and loved ones.

This series will see 7148 students graduate with 84 Masters and 12 Doctorates included in that total.

To pass cum laude a student needs to pass all subjects with a minimum of 75% in all subjects.

The key note address was delivered by General Manager of Chevron SA, Price Njokweni who shared his personal story of working as a petrol attendant when he first matriculated.

“Perhaps that is where my love for the industry first started,” he joked.

Njokweni told the audience he had to stay focused while working the mundane job and do his best to believe that a future was awaiting him.

He did such a good job that he was eventually promoted to forecourt manager and the owner of the garage assisted him in getting a bursary.

“I believed I deserved better so my message to you is that hard work and determination always pays off when you go after something you really want,” Njokweni told the audience.

This afternoon Business and Management Sciences students will have their second graduation ceremony and this evening at 6pm students from the Faculty of Education will take to the stage.

Dr Brigalia Bam, a former Independent Electoral Commission Chairwoman and respected educationalist will receive an honorary doctorate from the institution for her contributions to the education sphere tonight.

Written by Lauren Kansley

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Liaises with the media and writes press releases about interesting developments at CPUT.

Graduates who were capped during this afternoon’s ceremony for the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences were encouraged to make choices they can be proud of.

Addressing the ceremony as guest speaker, Santam’s Corporate Social Investment manager Tersia Mdunge told the graduates to stay focussed on their goals and pursue wisdom if they want to achieve their dreams.

Mdunge warned them to be cautious of challenges facing their communities such as Aids and Sexually Transmitted Infections and materialism.

“Think about the poor and know that you are the product of your community,” she said.

She added that the graduates are likely to encounter corruption as well as corner cutting mechanisms as they enter the world of work but encouraged them to look for relationships that will enhance their careers.

“Avoid spending time with loafers, you don’t need them because they’ll retard your growth and success.”

More than 500 diplomas and degrees were awarded at the ceremony.

LEADERSHIP: CPUT Vice-Chancellor Dr Prins Nevhutalu and Santam Corporate Social Investment manager, Tersia Mdunge, who was the guest speaker at this afternoon’s ceremony

Graduates Luthando Tyhulu (Office Management and Technology) and Anthony Ezeonwuka (Internal Auditing) obtained the diplomas with cum laude and each walked away with a Dean’s Medal for their outstanding academic achievements.

Luthando obtained 15 distinctions out of 15 subjects with a final aggregate of 86.5% over the three years of study.

Anthony obtained 18 distinctions out of 19 subjects with a final aggregate of 87% over the three years of study.

Written by Kwanele Butana

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“Don’t fall into the trap of entitlement,” Nic Cronje, Golden Arrow Bus Services CEO, warned CPUT graduates that their qualifications would not necessarily guarantee them preferential treatment or a job.

Cronje was the guest speaker at this afternoon’s graduation ceremony for the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences where more than 500 diplomas and degrees were awarded, including three Masters and two Doctorates.

He told students that jobs are scarce and that is why some graduates are unemployed.

EXECUTIVES: CPUT Vice-chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu, welcomes to CPUT Nic Cronje, CEO at Golden Arrow Bus Services.

He added that the world of work is changing due to technological developments and other social factors and that to take full advantage of these changes requires special skills.

To inspire the graduates to be pathfinders and not follow trends he profiled three of South Africa’s most successful businessmen: Richard Maponya, Patrice Motsepe and Herman Mashaba.

He said that despite few entrepreneurial opportunities these men pursued their respective visions and fulfilled their dreams.

This evening will see hundreds of diplomas and degrees awarded to graduates in the Faculty of Engineering.

Written by Kwanele Butana

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The HIV/AIDS Unit, in partnership with the Campus Health Clinic, the Department of Health and TB/HIV Care Association, has launched a Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Campaign.

The campaign, which targets male students, is being piloted at the Cape Town Campus but will be rolled out to other campuses in due course. CPUT is the first university in the Western Cape to launch such a campaign.

With the primary objective of encouraging males to get circumcised, the campaign also aims to encourage males to lead a positive lifestyle that is governed by risk-free behaviour and physical fitness, as well as a positive mental attitude.

Addressing yesterday’s launch at the Cape Town Campus, Vice-Chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu encouraged the audience to talk frankly about sex and not treat it as a taboo subject.

Nevhutalu warned the audience that HIV is prevalent and that prevention is its only cure.

Male staff members from the HIV/Aids Unit and its partners also addressed the audience and emphasized the benefits of medical male circumcision. They all agreed that while circumcision reduced the risk of contracting HIV it is no substitute for condom use.

“Circumcision does not mean that you don’t need to use a condom,” said SRC President Mbongiseni Mbatha

Endorsed by the Global Fund Project, Higher Education HIV/AIDS Programme (HEAIDS) and the Department of Health, the campaign will achieve its goals through emphasizing the benefits of medical male circumcision as well as the various structures and NGOs that are educating the targeted audience at their exhibition stalls.

The campaign will also be launched between 10:00-14:00 at the following campuses:

• Wellington Campus, in the CP Van Der Merwe Hall on 18 August
• Bellville Campus in the Student Centre on 4 September

Written by Kwanele Butana
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You have to work hard and remain disciplined in order to achieve your dreams, says CPUT’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu.

The Vice-Chancellor recently addressed the Grade 12 class at the Bellville South Secondary School who, along with their counterparts across the country, are set to start their June matric exams this week.

The motivational talk formed part of a series of events that marked the school’s 50th birthday celebrations, says Cyril Klein, a member of the school’s governing body.

Bellville South Secondary is one of the most well-known schools in the Northern Suburbs and shares a long history with CPUT. A large number of past learners are alumni of the institution and a number of former and current staff members, including several CPUT directors, matriculated at the school.

During the talk, Nevhutalu reflected on his own upbringing, which saw him rise above his impoverished circumstances to complete his schooling and tertiary education.

Nevhutalu attributes his success to discipline and says that whilst studying at the then University of the North, now known as the University of Limpopo, he followed a stringent study pattern, which included studying in the library each evening from 7 pm till 9:30 pm.

“If you do not study, then you cannot expect to get good results,” he says.

He encouraged the Grade 12 class to put extra effort into their remaining months at school and reminded them that because they reached matric, they have already overcome difficulties in life.

“The moral of the story is that the future is yours and the direction your future takes depends on you.”

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.