The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment once again demonstrated its commitment in supporting students to achieve their highest potential when it delivered its first woman to graduate with a Doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering.

Nomzamo Tshemese-Mvandaba was one of the PhD candidates from Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment [FEBE) who obtained their Doctoral degrees during the one-day Summer Graduation today, 13 December 2022, at Bellville Campus. Her research title was: Modelling and controller design of a flotation column. Tshemese-Mvandaba’s doctoral study addressed the advanced controller design for a multivariable system. Advanced controllers are needed to address the intricate interactions that characterise complex industrial processes.

Tshemese-Mvandaba who was born in Tsolo, a small town in the Eastern Cape, attributed her success to her late supervisor, Prof Raynitchka Tzoneva. “I have mixed feelings, I am very excited but at the same time I am very emotional right now. I always dreamed that she [Tzoneva] would be here to witness and celebrate with me, however it wasn’t meant to be. We always discussed my future, we both decided that at 35 I must have PhD, and it really happened,” Tshemese-Mvandaba reminisces.

“I believe she is currently looking at this moment from above and congratulating me. Thank you to all my colleagues at DEECE [Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering].”

Tshemese-Mvandaba also acknowledged the role played by her co-supervisor. and colleague. "I would like to thank Dr Mkhululi Mnguni for his dedication and support throughout my work, especially during the writing-up process and when Prof's health started to be a challenge. Last but not least, I thank Dr Carl Kriger for his leadership and the excellent job that he accomplishes today."

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) invites prospective students hoping to study this year to apply for any of the 18 qualifications in the faculty.

FEBE’s Student Engagement Coordinator, Luvuyo Kakaza, says the Faculty has a total of 18 qualifications which are still open, from undergraduate qualifications which require a matric certificate to be accepted.

Kakaza says there are six qualifications that matriculants can apply for and 12 for students who would like to finish their incomplete studies or add on their attained qualifications. “Students who would like to follow a career in engineering and learn how to solve engineering problems should apply for one of these qualifications. They will learn how to solve ‘real-life’ challenges that face the country, the continent and the world at large,” he adds.

“All the skills and knowledge they acquired in the classroom will be applied in the private and public sector as proud engineering graduates of CPUT, demonstrating a wealth of knowledge and expertise obtained in the various programs which learners can choose from at the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment.”

The closing dates for these available spaces vary from 1 to 8 March and prospective applicants must read the information on the website carefully. The spaces are limited and are filling up quickly on a daily basis. It is advisable for prospective engineers to complete their applications without delay as this may be the last chance for them to join the CPUT engineering community. To apply  go to the applications page: https://www.cput.ac.za/study/apply/step-4-online-application

The engineering discipline is filled with opportunities because it is a scarce skill. Kakaza says not many disciplines equip graduates with the skills and abilities an engineer is equipped with. “It is those skills and demand for those skills that make engineering a fulfilling career path for those who can commit to the discipline.”

The engineering graduates can follow a career as engineers in the public or private sector; in fields such as marine engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering and even industrial engineering among others.  

Applicants are advised to do the following before attempting to apply:

• Consult the list of programmes with available spaces and for submission during the above time frame.
• Ensure that you meet the minimum admission and subject requirements for your programme of choice
• Ensure that you have checked for any additional admission and supporting documentation
• Certify all your supporting documentation. Certification must be less than three months old.

For further information:

• Construction Management and Quantity Surveying; Andre Burt This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Clothing and Textile Technology: Andre Burt, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering: Wendy Stoffels, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Industrial and Systems Engineering: Andre Burt, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Maritime Studies: Zaheera Rawoot, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.