Exams have now ended for the 375 learners who participated in CPUT’s Centre for Co-operative Education 2^nd Chance Matric Rewrite Project. A partnership aiming to help matriculants who opt for a second chance to write matric exams, the project is jointly funded by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Education Training and Development Practises SETA. (ETDPSETA)

Through the collaborative efforts of Calvin Maseko, Director of the Advancement Department, Jacqui Scheepers: Acting Director: Centre for CE and WIL (Service-Learning Unit), and Dr Karen dos Reis from the Faculty of Education, CPUT was successfully awarded the tender to tutor the nearly 400 learners to prepare for their finals. Subjects taught include Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Sciences and Accounting, but learners were able to rewrite any additional subjects to maximise their chances of tertiary education access.

Some of the educators on the project are CPUT alumni. They are supported by tutors who are final year students and top achievers selected from CPUT’s Faculty of Education. All final exams were written at the CPUT-registered exam centre in Ravensmead. Invigilators from the education sector and the community were provided with training by the project.

Scheepers says that the project has tangible benefits for all involved.

“Our students are given an ideal opportunity for experiential learning and to develop critical leadership skills. Learners get a 2^nd chance to get great marks for their matric. This in turn opens up opportunities for learners to study further and access the job market. Educators and invigilators (especially those who are unemployed) are given the chance to become productive citizens while earning an income. CPUT project staff (Project Managers, Project Administrator, Procurement and Venue Administrator) develop new skills and enhance the image of CPUT through Community Engagement and the development of local and national partnerships. And the sponsors benefit from the additional resources we’ve provided to meet their objectives. It’s truly a win-win situation all round.”

Scheepers adds that future plans include rolling out the project model to universities nationally under the banner of the South African Higher Education Community Engagement Forum.

“We’re so looking forward to the release of the learner’s marks in early 2016 – we feel sure that the results will reflect the passion, hard work and dedication that everyone involved in this remarkable project has shown.”

Written by Janyce Weintrob

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The Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS), Prof Paul Green, recently heaped praise on a celebration of academic achievement, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence by the CPUT staff members and students who have completed the SAP S/4 HANA course as well as candidates from our industrial partner Shoprite.

Green was speaking at the SAP S/4 HANA graduation ceremony, recently organised by the Centre for Enterprise Research Partnership and Innovation in Africa (CERPiA) and the Advancement Department and held at the Cape Town Hotel School. “It is with great pleasure that we gather here today to honour the dedication and hard work of our graduating students who have successfully completed their SAP S/4 HANA certification under the auspices of the Centre for Enterprise Research, Partnership, and Innovation in Africa (CERPIA),” said Green.

CERPIA is an institutional centre established by Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo. CERPIA through CPUT is a member of the SAP University Alliance (UA) since 2009, which seeks to transfer theoretical and practical scarce digital business systems skills to university students in preparation of entering the job market. These digital business systems skills are driven by Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) principles using SAP Software as a tool. CERPIA education partners are SAP University Alliance, University Competent Centre (UCC) and the industry partners.

CERPIA SAP education manager and trainer, Jerry Ansen, said the purpose of these courses was to equip student and staff with the knowledge and skills required to effectively use SAP software for managing business operations and processes. Ansen added that the courses are for students and staff to master SAP ERP skills, and enhance their digital business skills and to enhance students employability.

He said BANKSETA sponsored 38 students of which 31 graduated and ETDPSETA sponsored 29 staff of which 23 graduated. The SAP programmes were introduced to CPUT by Ansen, and he has been the pillar behind the skills development of staff and students since 2009.

All students are welcome to attend the courses as there is no selection criteria, “We depend on funding for students from Advancement Department”. “Graduates get to learn 21st-century ICT digital skills, be empowered to take current job opportunities and be competitive in the market space.” Addressing the graduates, Ansen said: “Congratulations!! And I wish you all the best in your professional digital business skills careers.”

31 CPUT students graduated from SAP S4 HANA in:

• Human Capital Management
• Financial Accounting
• Materials Management
• Master Data Management
• Project Management

There were three staff members in SAP S/4 HANA – TS410 and eight candidates from Shoprite Group ltd and SAP S/4 HANA- Materials Management. CERPIA, as the driving force behind advancing digital business skills, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of “our students and the broader community,” Green remarked. “As part of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences… We are committed to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen fields.”

He added that through the FBMS integration of SAP skills into their curricula and the provision of certifications, “we empower our students to stand out in a highly competitive industry”. “This strategic focus on SAP not only enhances graduate employability but also ensures that our students are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the digital economy. It is this emphasis on practical, industry-relevant skills that makes our graduates more marketable and sought after by employers.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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