The Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships (SIP) Directorate recently hosted high-profile delegations from three esteemed international universities: The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) from the Netherlands, along with Hainan University and Sanda University from China.

The delegation from Hainan University was here with a clear mandate to establish strong partnerships between the two institutions, focusing on collaborative opportunities for faculty and student exchanges, as well as joint research initiatives in critical areas such as agriculture, food sciences, and engineering.

Sanda University’s objective was unequivocal: to forge an intercollegiate relationship with CPUT, facilitate meaningful student exchanges, and promote research cooperation. Simultaneously, THUAS aimed to solidify collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment and explore further opportunities with the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences.

Dr Tasmeera Singh, Manager of International Relations at the SIP Directorate, highlighted the significance of THUAS’s visit, which included productive discussions at Newlands Stadium and plans to actively pursue a joint Erasmus project. The potential for collaboration with both Sanda and Hainan universities is substantial, and follow-up meetings with CPUT academics are already underway to advance these initiatives.

Singh is delighted that there will “be future meaningful collaborations with these partners in the near future”. She continued: “We are extremely positive about the future developments of these visits. We look forward to collaborations in terms of the internationalisation of research and internationalisation of the curriculum.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Internationalisation has become accepted as one of the critical processes advancing the fundamental business of universities, as such CPUT recently hosted a delegation from Réunion Island.

Dr Tasmeera Singh, Manager: International Relations, said the initial exploration of this research collaboration between CPUT and the University of Reunion Island commenced in 2020 in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE). Singh said the collaboration was placed on hold due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2022, Dr Marco Leroy Adonis and Deon Kallis travelled to Reunion for the first exploratory discussions regarding research collaboration and student mobility/exchanges.

In addition to these meetings, two FEBE staff members will also present lectures to students of the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (DEECE) and possibly the wider FEBE. “The delegation is also interested in expanding the partnership and hence the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS) has also been invited to this meeting,” said Singh.

The delegation included Prof Richard Lorion - Head of the Institut Universitaire de Technologie) at the University of Reunion Island, Prof Edel Lynch - academic at the Department of Sustainable Construction at the University of Reunion Island, Jean Pierre Faucon – Research and Telecommunications and Dr Florence Trentin - International Relations of the University of Reunion Island.

The CPUT representatives included Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr David Phaho, Prof Judy Peter – Director Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, Dr Singh, Dr Marco Adonis: FEBE, Ian Van Zyl: FEBE, Deon Kallis: FEBE and Andiswa Mrasi: FBMS.

“There is motivation and enthusiasm to grow the partnership into a sustainable collaboration,” said Singh.

Phaho said CPUT has prioritised Internationalisation as an integral part of our Research, Innovation and Community Engagement agenda and welcomes collaborations, especially from countries in the Global South. “The Delegation from Reunion were enthusiastic about collaborating with CPUT in a number of areas now that we are post-Covid. The pandemic had interrupted initial engagements.

“There are already identified areas of collaboration by the CPUT Faculty of Engineering and their counterparts from the Reunion University. Also, the primary focus on student mobility especially for undergraduate students from both institutions is welcomed,” said Phaho.

He said the CPUT benefit from the partnership will be more international collaboration opportunities, not just in research but also in teaching and learning for “our undergraduate students.” “The proximity of the Island to South Africa also negates long travels and hence less costly for the institution.”

Mrasi said the interest from the FBMS was to strengthen the relationship between the two institutions. She said the meeting was very positive and fruitful. “[The] Engagements have already started with the Marketing Department from FBMS. [We are]Looking forward to collaborations that will emanate from this partnership.” Mrasi said the highlights of the meeting were the research collaboration, internship opportunities for students from both institutions, as well as staff and student exchanges.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships (SIP) Unit recently hosted a delegation from the Nouvelle-Aquitaine academic region in France at the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (DEECE).

The purpose of the meeting which was held at the Bellville Campus was to define proposals, promote and strengthen the development of long-lasting partnerships between Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, universities and vocational training institutions in South Africa and institutions in New Aquitaine. The delegation from the Nouvelle-Aquitaine academic region, included Fabrice Methee, Inspector of National Education Industrial science and technology; Jean-Pierre Meau, Inspector of National Education Industrial science and technology; Franck Cazaurang, Director of Evering Aeronautics Engineering Bordeaux University; Yoann Gac, Chief Operating Officer of the Campus of Trades and Qualifications of Excellence Aeronautics and Space, Aérocampus Nouvelle Aquitaine; Laurent Marche, Franco-South African 3DEXPERIENCE Academic Centre and Philippe Senechal, Acting Inspector of National Education Industrial Science and Technology.

The visit included a meeting at the DEECE Block A, in which Prof Suresh Ramsuroop, Dean of Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE), provided a presentation and overview of the faculty and a presentation and overview by the French delegation. The two delegations also identified common areas of interest and synergy between the two institutions. This was followed by a campus tour to Satellite facilities, Energy labs, Mechanical Engineering laboratory and The South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre.

Dr Tasmeera Singh, Manager: International Relations, SIP, who was part of the CPUT delegation, said the meeting was successful based on the objectives of the visit and the outcomes thereof. “I think a striking aspect of the meeting is how close the university, TVET and industry are linked in the present set up with our visiting delegation.”

Assistant Dean: Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, Prof Veruscha Fester, said she was impressed with the integration of French universities, TVET colleges and companies to ensure student success. “We can certainly learn from this model.”

Singh added: “We strive to ensure that all delegation visits objectives are met and closely aligned to the intended outcomes.”

Assistant Dean: Teaching and Learning: FEBE, Prof Bingwen Yan said the French delegation visit had been “truly enriching for our staff, faculty members, and various departments from our university community”. “The insights and perspectives that you have shared with us have opened new horizons and possibilities for collaboration and mutual learning.”

In his closing remarks, Yan said: “Your remarks have been thoughtful, insightful, and inspiring, and we are fortunate to have had the opportunity to listen to them. The presentation of your research findings and our dialogue on best practices in engineering and the built environment have been stimulating, and the exchange of ideas will certainly yield tangible results.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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A delegation from Indiana State University recently visited CPUT as part of a study group tour of four South African universities.

The objective of the visit was to learn about South African history and culture and to understand the different institutional cultures, according to Dr Tasmeera Singh, Manager of international Relations in the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Directorate.

They visited three universities in the Western Cape and the University of Pretoria in Gauteng.

Prof Hanlie Dippenaar, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Education, said the visit also served to introduce the Faculty to their colleagues from Indiana State University, and to explore possible collaboration between the two institutions.

“Such collaboration can enrich the educational experiences of staff and students by offering diverse perspectives and cultural insights to students and Faculty alike. We as a Faculty are interested in exploring joint projects and initiatives, fostering innovation and addressing complex global challenges through collective efforts. “Ultimately, such opportunities cultivate a network of international scholars, graduates, and professionals, promoting cross-cultural understanding and contributing to the goal of internationalisation, which is a priority in the Faculty of Education.”

Written by CPUT News
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The Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Directorate (SIP) recently hosted an informative orientation session for international students.
The event also marked the launch of the Association of International Students (AIS) and provided students with important information to support them on their journey at CPUT.

It included presentations by the Admissions and Registration Centre which, amongst other things, focused on the renewal of study permits, while staff from the Division of Student Affairs and the Centre for Diversity, Inclusivity, and Social Change outlined their services, programmes and activities to students. Students were also introduced to the CPUT BRICS Student Commission.

External stakeholders, including Standard Bank and Momentum Medical Scheme also conducted presentations followed by lively question and answer sessions.

Students were welcomed by Dr Tasmeera Singh, Manager: International Relations, who encouraged the students to interact, learn and take advantage of the opportunities that will come their way.

Thato Masonganye, International Relations Officer for the Central Student Representative Council, also encouraged the students to seize every opportunity to engage with CPUT’s diverse community, both inside and outside the classroom.

“We recognise the challenges that may come with studying away from home but rest assured: you are not alone. Our university is committed to providing you with all the support and resources necessary to thrive academically, socially and personally.”

The second half of the event consisted of the launch of the AIS and Mathias Shimwetheleni, AIS executive member for Bellville Campus, outlined its mission and vision.

“Our mission for AIS is to preserve the fundamental values of peace, love, unity, diversity and democracy.

He said AIS wanted to build sustainable relationships with both local and international institutions.

“Our vision is very straightforward. We really just want to be the ambassadors of our respective branches and the international community at large and, through our actions and the initiatives, we seek to promote understanding and tolerance and unity among all members of the academic community.”

To achieve this vision, AIS outlined some objectives which include: advocating for international students’ rights at the highest levels of the institution; collaborating with various stakeholders to support the universities, vision of internationalisation and fostering social and cultural tolerance among our peers.

“But perhaps the most important one is we're here to support each and every international student, academically, intellectually and socially.”

He extended the association’s gratitude to the SIP Directorate for organising the event.

Dr Elma Maleka, Research Uptake. Manager at SIP, thanked all internal and external stakeholders for their contributions to making the day a success.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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In a significant stride towards fostering international collaboration in higher education, CPUT and Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences (EhB), based in Belgium, have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The MOU signing ceremony marked the formalisation of a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing academic cooperation, research collaboration, and student exchanges between the two institutions. Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences delegation came to CPUT to explore opportunities with the Nursing, Urban and Regional Planning, and other departments. “The purpose of the meeting was to explore how they can collaborate not only in terms of student or faculty mobility but also in research (Research Focus Area 5: Human, Health and Social Dynamics and Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute),” Manager International Relations: Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships. Dr Tasmeera Singh remarked.

Singh said the collaboration and exchange agreement that was signed on the day allows for the exchange of students and research and that the collaboration was initiated by the Faculty of Applied Sciences. The event was attended by key representatives from both CPUT and EhB, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr David Phaho, along with dignitaries from the academic and administrative spheres.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo said CPUT places a premium on internationalisation. “We believe that problems are now global in nature, that’s why we subscribe to addressing sustainable development goals because problems know no boundaries and higher education do have a role to play in terms of actually addressing the sustainable development goals and other problems affecting the mankind,” said Nhlapo.

Reflecting on the occasion, Singh said: “It was a resounding success as there is a deep commitment by both parties to engage and collaborate. The goals were achieved as the MOU was signed and an invitation to visit Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences was extended to the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

The delegation was taken on a tour of the Department of Food Science and Technology laboratories where they witnessed CPUT's chocolate-making in progress and managed to sample some as well. They were also informed about the brewery and the mechanics behind making beer. “It is always the mandate and objective of the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Directorate to ensure that every visit is a success aligned to the objectives of the visit and CPUT's strategic focus areas,” enthused Singh.

It was also revealed that the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor will visit Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences in July to solidify the commitment of the partnership.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Manager: International Relations at the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships (SIP) Directorate, Dr Tasmeera Singh, is “extremely delighted” with the success of the visit by Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) and the possible outcomes it may yield for the Space Engineering programme at CPUT.

CPUT hosted the visitors, Prof Dr Masayoshi Noguchi – Vice President for International Affairs/Executive Director, International Centre; Hidetaka Masuda – Director, International Affairs Office and Satomi Suzuki, International Partnerships Coordinator at Bellville Campus recently. Amongst the CPUT delegation were Prof Suresh Ramsuroop: Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE); Prof Veruscha Fester, Assistant Dean: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships – FEBE; Dr Oluwaseyi Babalola - French-South African Institute of Technology / Africa Space Innovation; Nyameko Roy – Acting Director ASIC; Dr Marco Adonis - Head: Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (DEECE); Singh and many others.

The objective of the visit was to explore avenues for collaboration in shared areas of interest, such as space engineering. Reflecting on the meeting, Singh said: “It was an extremely productive visit with tangible outcomes for the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment for the Space Engineering programme.”

During the meeting, Singh also provided an overview of CPUT. Fester presented an overview of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. Royi narrated the overview and success stories of the of French-South African Institute of Technology / Africa Space Innovation Centre. As a result of the meeting, two follow-up meetings have been set up and a F’SATI delegate will visit TMU.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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