There are no shortcuts to success in the sporting world.

“For those females who would like to make sport their career, know that talent alone is not enough, you have to put in the extra work (training) to get even better,” says Shela Lekalakala, a Sports Development Officer in the Department of Student Affairs.

Lekalakala’s words of advice stem from her own experience in the sports world, having been an active member of the national netball community since her university days when she first started playing at provincial level for the under 19 team.

Her natural talent on the court saw her being awarded coveted sports opportunities, from representing South African at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland to participating at the World Student Games in Russia and South Korea.

After enjoying a successful career as a netball player, Lekalakala is now using her experience to drive the development of netball at CPUT as well as in the rest of the country.

“I love using sports to contribute positively to the lives of young people,” says Lekalakala.

In the past few years she has managed to grow the CPUT netball team, and under her leadership they have experienced a winning streak, having clinched the top title in the premier section three times in a row.

Several of the netball players coached by her have also been selected in provincial teams, while another has secured a coveted spot in the under 21 team that will compete at the national netball championships.

Apart from coaching the CPUT team, Lekalakala has coached Team SA as well as the Spar Netball team. She has also held post in various sports structures, such as the Vice President of Western Cape Provincial Sports Confederation, Vice President Western Province Netball and Treasurer University Sports South Africa Football.

Lekalakala has no regrets when it comes to her career choice.

“My main reason for choosing sport as a career was because it is a dynamic area. Your day is never the same. Things evolve all the time and as a sport administrator, you must always keep up with the changes.”

Lekalakala says females who would like to become involved in the management side of sport, must get involved with the sport they have an interest in as well as volunteer their services.

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

At CPUT research results are not confined to journals.

Researchers are thinking out of the box and using their research to develop products, devices and services that can contribute to the development of all spheres of South Africa.

One such researcher is Prof Veruscha Fester, who is based at the Flow Process and Rheology Centre.

Fester is one of CPUT’s leading female innovators and recently shared details of her groundbreaking work with the CPUT news:

You are one of a few female innovators at CPUT. Can you tell us more about your patent?

We are developing a one-step treatment reactor using locally developed nanopowders for treating textile wastewater. This treatment system offers an almost instantaneous removal of the colour from the water.  

This treatment system will not only be able to treat waste water to standard for disposal to municipal treatment systems, but to a standard suitable for re-use. If the water can be re-used, millions of litres of potable water will be saved.

We have already scaled up our laboratory prototype from 6L/hour to 72 L/hr. The next step is to get it to treat 1000L/hr or more and then an installation in industry. The interest shown in our technology (using a syringe filter and producing a few ml/min) at the CPUT Innovation Showcase in August 2015, encouraged us to quickly proceed with the development of a product.

What do you enjoy most about being a researcher?

I love the entire research process, the element of surprise and the endless opportunities to understand and discover new things, the excitement of finding answers to problems and guiding postgraduate students through the exciting journey of research. It simply leaves me astounded that I am able to add to science and engineering theory and practice in some way.

What do you attribute your success to?

Loving what I do - that is the driving force behind hard work and commitment.

I recognize the opportunities afforded me and I take time to be thankful for it and that motivates me to do well. I appreciate the government’s efforts to promote and train researchers to improve the wellbeing of our country. Having benefited from the training program, I want to make a contribution.

Do you have any words of advice for the generation of women researchers behind you?

In the field of engineering there is no male nor female, only projects completed successfully within time. It helps to know your strengths and your weaknesses. Most of all…recognize that you were born for a time such as this. There is a task that only you can do. Find it, and do it well, whether it pays or not or whether it brings fame or not.

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.

Christelle Dreyer caused a sensation when she appeared on the cover of CPUT’s Grad Mag in 2015.

Since then, she’s been inspiring and educating audiences across the country with her strength, focus and resilience.

Born with a condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Christelles’ bones are very brittle and she uses a wheelchair to support her petite frame. Though small in stature, Dreyers’ achievements are huge.

Having completed her BTech in Graphic Design in 2008, she now works freelance as a graphic designer, but her true passion is dance. Amongst her many titles, Dreyer won the World Championships in Holland in Ballroom and Latin American dance in 2007.

More recently, Dreyer has been performing No Fun Ction All anguage, produced by the Chaeli Campaign and funded by the National Lottery Commission. She says the Chaeli Campaign stresses the importance of diversity and inclusion and how society can benefit from the lessons that can be taught by differently-abled people.

“The production features a diverse group of collaborators who challenge mainstream narratives around communication, ability, access and inclusivity. It takes a microscopic look at the in-between spaces where words fail us – where we desperately search for meaning – between vowels, consonants and silences.”

The work has been performed at the Masque Theatre, Family OBS Festival and the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown and parts of it can be seen here: 

Dreyer also works with a non-profit called WOW, who use arts and culture to teach impoverished children about their creativity. Her old wheelchair is reaching the end of its functionality and she is raising funds for the design and manufacture of a new specially-adapted wheelchair. Please click on this link if you would like to help this incredible alumnus: http://www.fundfind.co.za/projects/666-christelle-s-wheelchair-project

Written by Janyce Weintrob
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Theresa Williams made maritime history by becoming the first female marine pilot on the African continent, in 2001. She’s also a committed alumnus, having recently being voted onto CPUT’s Alumni Association (AA) executive by fellow alumni.

Williams completed her National Higher Diploma in Maritime Studies in 2010, having initially completed her certificate in 1998. We spoke to this trailblazer for more insight into her life and aspirations.

Tell us about your time at CPUT – your lecturers, classmates and general experience?

Head of the Maritime Studies Department, Associate Prof Captain Snyders, was a great mentor and teacher. He was instrumental in the earlier years when I started studying and was struggling to understand various concepts related to the maritime world. He was a consistent believer when I was a student and also gave me great support later, when I lectured in the department.

I’d also like to acknowledge Captains Stohr, Pawley and Pearson for their positive contribution, especially as they embraced change in the early 90’s, when larger groups of previously disadvantaged students entered this sector.

Since graduating, please tell us a little of your career progression, your current position and what this entails?

I’ve been active in the maritime industry for more than 20 years. Over the past two decades I have progressed from being a Ship Navigation officer to becoming the first woman to pilot a ship in Africa. I’ve worked as a Marine Operations Manager at Transnet, and am currently running my own consultancy as a Maritime Specialist. I work with the European Union as an independent consultant, developing and delivering maritime training materials to the Western and Central African region. I work closely with Maritime institutions of higher learning there.

What are the things you love about your job – and what personality traits would you say are essential for dealing with the inevitable stresses?

The maritime industry is ever-changing and I’m always learning new things. I’ve been to many countries on various continents, which is a huge plus! I’ve met many different people, experienced different cultures and enjoyed all kinds of cuisine.

I’m an adventurous person by nature. I love exploring and have an ability to be away from my family and country for long periods at a time. The longest I was away was for eight months in 2014, serving on a vessel which operated between the Republic of Congo and South America. That was very exciting.

Being able to remain focused on long-term goals is a good trait to have in this job. I don’t give up when facing challenges - I always keep my eyes on the prize.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now and what advice would you give to new graduates (especially women) about to enter the world of Maritime Studies?

I’d like to play a more active role internationally in the Maritime industry through my consultancy. My advice would be to stay focused and have a positive attitude – it definitely determines your altitude. Don’t be afraid to give this industry your best. The maritime sector is one of the fastest growing economic sectors worldwide. It’s an industry that still has real employment opportunities, with jobs internationally.

As newly-elected to the executive of the AA, please tell us about the plans you may have for taking the AA from good to great?

Together with the AA Exco team, we’d like to ensure that we help CPUT achieve its strategic objectives and strengthen its African footprint in this regard. Part of our mandate is to build greater relationships with current learners and previous alumni. We’d especially like to develop partnerships in giving unemployed graduates access to the workforce. We can only do this by working closely with other partners, such as the SRC. I’m humbled by this opportunity to serve on the AA Exco and hope to make a real impact over the next 3 years. My favourite quote, by Ralph Waldo Emerson, says it all.

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

Written by Janyce Weintrob
Tel: +27 21 460 3514
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Alumnus Cindy Waxa is making a name for herself in the media industry.

In 2005 she graduated with a National Diploma in Photography and a decade later she is now the senior photographer at Independent Newspapers (Cape Argus, Cape Times, Weekend Argus) covering everything from news to sport and features.

From photographing the luminaries like Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Kofi Annan and the late Nelson Mandela, Waxa has no regrets about following her passion.

“Photography has taken me out of my comfort zone and into places that I would never have access to if I was not behind the lens. I have definitely experienced fear and danger, but excitement and joy too,” she says.

Waxa is renowned for documenting the Cape Town International Jazz festival for the past 10 years and has also held several successful photographic exhibitions of her work.

“Ritual Entry to Womanhood is one of the projects I am most proud of. This came about when I was in Qunu covering Madiba’s funeral,” she says.

“This is a ritual that prepares young women to learn about the social responsibilities that comes with womanhood. It's one of the important rituals for all Xhosa girls.”

In 2014 she was also part of the 20 Years of Democracy exhibition at the Artscape, a showcase of images of South Africa after 20 years of democracy.

Waxa encourages future photographers to equip themselves with the correct skills.

“Equip yourself not only with photography but skills like multimedia and videography. The world is moving to a digital era so it’s wise to combine photography with emerging technologies,” she says.

Written by Janyce Weintrob
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Anything is possible.

This is the mantra of the Acting Assistant Dean of Research in the Faculty of Business and Management Science, Prof Rozenda Hendrickse, and her career path demonstrates this.

Over a space of 15 years, Hendrickse transitioned from a typist to an Associate Professor in Public Management. And earlier this year, she was appointed as Acting Assistant Dean of CPUT’s largest faculty.

However, Hendrickse's success did not come easy, but is the result of hard work and an attitude to never give up.

“My mom died when she was only 41. We had to fend for ourselves as kids and I could decide at that moment to sink. Instead I chose to swim.”

“I joined UWC in 1988 as a typist, holding a secretarial diploma.  By the time I joined the old Cape Technikon, I was pursuing a Master’s degree.  My husband died unexpectedly in 2007, yet in 2008 I acquired my PhD.  All academic qualifications were acquired whilst studying part-time and being a mom to two beautiful daughters,” she says.

Hendrickse says women are much stronger than they give themselves credit for.

“We have a resilience that I find astounding at times.  We can achieve so much through persistence and hard work.  Anything is truly possible if we believe in our capacity to achieve.”

As one of the leading researchers at CPUT, Hendrickse has been helping students to achieve their dreams and over the past few years has been recognized by CPUT for her role in supervising postgraduate students.

Her research currently focuses on postgraduate supervision at universities of technology.

“As research and research supervision were not traditionally within the realm of the activities of technikon education, I am keen to understand how universities of technology have transitioned from vocationally-based training, to research-intense institutions where postgraduate supervision has become a key function of academics,” says Hendrickse.

“I want to gauge the capacity of postgraduate students to undertake postgraduate studies, and the capacity of research supervisors to supervise at a university of technology.”

Written by Kwanele Butana
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From lecturing to authoring text books and securing millions in funding for international projects, Merle McOmbring-Hodges never shies away from any challenge.

The Director of International Affairs at CPUT, McOmbring-Hodges plays a crucial role in the internationalization of CPUT and the South African higher education sector.

She was elected as the first female president of the International Education Association of South Africa and was also celebrated by the European Union as one of five women who are making a difference in the higher education sector.

Apart from being a guru on all things international, McOmbring-Hodges is a highly qualified scientist and has contributed to the development of science teachers in South Africa.

She shared some of her career highlights with CPUT news.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy making things happen, negotiating new ideas and establishing novel initiatives with school children, students, academics, researchers and community members. Growing an international perspective located within the local, at all times.

Can you point out a career highlight?

I have many career highlights but I will discuss three of them because they happened in different phases of my career.

In my early career, just after I completed my Masters at Leeds University, I was employed by the British Council to develop teachers’ professional development in science. We wrote science text to support teachers. When I saw my name on the first textbook, I was elated! I jumped with excitement because my name was in print.

My mid-career highlight was when I was asked to do my first keynote address at an international conference organized by the Scandinavia and the International Universities Association.

And now in the autumn of my career, months before my retirement, I was elected as the Chair of a Provincial Environmental Organization. This is indeed a career highlight!  

What do you attribute your success to?

To people who believed in me, who mentored me to believe in myself, to dream and to follow my dreams. They taught me to respect human dignity, to be truly non-racial and to develop my own set of values that can guide me throughout my life.

What woman inspires you and why?

My mother. She had very little formal education, but she was a true scholar. Always asking questions, always sharing her own knowledge but most of all always supporting her three daughters to become what she could not.

Do you have any words of advice for the generation of women behind you?

Be true to yourself, believe that you can do it.

Enter any domain you set your heart on and do the best that you can at all times. Do not allow bureaucratic oppression to stop you from achieving and reaching your dream and do not think other women will automatically support and guide you.

Support others to grow, both female and male, respect public funds as you would respect your own. Do not use your power and authority to undermine the development of others.

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.

Melanie Marais has dedicated her life to helping students achieve their full potential.

At CPUT, Marais heads up the HIV/Aids Unit, and together with her team, are daily making a difference in the lives of students.

She shared her story with CPUT news.

Why did you become involved in the field of HIV/Aids?

I am a registered nurse, so caring for people is part of my existence. When I worked for Sanlam Health (around 1998) the employer was looking for a volunteer to be the contact person between Sanlam Health and the service provider that was contracted to do HIV Disease Management. It meant that I would have to do this work over and above my existing job role at the time and I was happy to do it without any additional compensation. I did my own research to learn more about HIV and its management. Looking back now, I realise this was God's plan for my life, to make a difference in the HIV and related field.

What initiatives have you, together with your team, rolled at CPUT?

We teamed up with the College of Cape Town through a mentorship program to support them with the establishment of an HIV Program at their campuses and we trained 10 of their students as peer educators. We also increased male participation in HIV Counseling Testing and Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision programs.

We launched the annual Youth Leadership HIV&AIDS Conference in 2015 in collaboration with neighbouring higher education institutions. Students engaged on social and HIV related issues that affect them directly.

We also supported Musa Morgan, a CPUT Mechanical Engineering graduate, with establishing a more inclusive brand & marketing strategy for his innoviation Uyindoda MMC Underwear that is now registered and marketed as Circumfort MMC Underwear. CPUT receive a lot of exposure because of our robust program and this is only through great teamwork and managing stakeholder relationships.

Can you point out a personal career highlight?

Being able to take the HIV/AIDS Unit to another level through skills that I have learnt through the years.

I also obtained a Master’s Degree in Nursing and I am currently busy with my PhD.

I wrote and published a poetry book in 2000 titled: "Yes, God Can!” and also supported a gospel artist with the launch of three albums through project management, from the raw material to the final product and the launch.

What is the secret behind your success?

Passion, passion and more passion.  You need to have a heart for people no matter what. My faith also plays a huge role in my approach to life and the field that I am working in.

What woman inspires you and why?

Diana Ferrus is a woman who inspires me a lot. She made a huge impact through a poem that she wrote for Sarah Baartman "I've come to take you home". This poem inspired the French government to send Sarah Baartman's remains back home and Diana was asked by the South African government to accompany Sarah's remains home.  That's the kind of impact I hope to make through something really simple.

Do you have any words of advice for other women?

The sky is the limit. Let nothing stop you from achieving greatness. Let’s show the world it cannot survive without us.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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From exploring issues of water governance to finding solutions for farmers battling with drought, Dr Bongani Ncube is using her skills to make a difference in South Africa and the rest of the continent.

A researcher at the Centre for Water and Sanitation Research at the Bellville Campus, Ncube has been recognised internationally for her outstanding work in the field of water and agriculture.

She recently gave the CPUT news some insight into her life as a researcher.

What is your research area?

My research is focused on two areas, water and agriculture, which is also the name of the niche area that I lead.

In water research our focus is on the impact of the water allocation reform processes on access to water/equity and water governance. In agriculture we cover drought impacts on agriculture and document coping and adaptation strategies adopted by different types of farmers.

We are also in the early stages of developing options for smallholder farming systems, such as drought resistant fodder crops, conservation agriculture and organic farming.

We hope to contribute to improving smallholder farmer livelihoods and developing strategies for coping with drought and adapting to climate change.

What do you enjoy about being a researcher?

Research is full of fun, each day is different. I feel so privileged that I spend a lot of time out in nature, chatting to farmers, working together to find solutions to food security problems.

Being a researcher has taken me to so many parts of the world, and it’s always interesting to see how other countries cope with farming challenges. I previously worked for WaterNet, a network covering Southern and Eastern Africa, and it was so exciting to work with scientists from over 60 organizations and all over world. I learn from other cultures as I go about my work.

What makes a good researcher?

A good researcher is someone who does their work with integrity and honesty, with the aim of solving real problems and discovering new things.

In my previous jobs and PhD I was supervised by world renowned scientists. I realized that their secret to greatness was the ability work with others to solve real issues. The collaborations that they created have lasted for decades, and they are still growing strong.

A good researcher is also someone who knows that they will retire one day, so they make it a priority to train the next generation of researchers.

What has been the highlight of your career?

Obtaining my PhD from one of the best universities in the world, Wageningen University. When I was doing my first degree I wished I could study there one day! Being a Research Leader at WaterNet was the peak of my career, some of my best memories are from working for the network

I have been at CPUT for three years. In August 2015 I was selected to chair one of the sessions of the National Women in Water Consultative Conference. In addition, I was one of the women selected to feature in a video and special publication entitled ‘Amakhosazana Amanzi - Celebrating our Women in Water’ published by the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Water Research Commission. It was an honour to be recognized for my research when I have been in South Africa for such a short of time.

What words of advice do you have for the next generation of women researchers?

It is possible to be a wonderful mother and also be an excellent researcher! However, competition is quite high.

I have met and worked with great women researchers, many of them have a story about their journeys (I have mine too!), but it is better to be known for your hard work and integrity; in other words let your good work speak for you. Young women should not shy away from scientific research, South Africa and the rest of Africa needs them.

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.

Besides being part of a range of NRF-funded national research projects and organising Teaching and Learning with Technology events, Dr Daniela Gachago, a Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Innovative Educational Technology, recently completed her doctoral degree.

Gachago also played a cardinal role in the organisation of the first ever South African Digital Storytelling Festival.

The festival, one of the outcomes of an EU-funded project, was held in Cape Town earlier this year and saw 20 international digital storytellers sharing their practices.

“My field of research is focused on the use of emerging technologies to transform teaching and learning. Over the last few years we have piloted and written about a range of emerging technologies such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Clickers or Podcasting to support student learning and engagement,” she says.

She adds that since her work exposed her to the injustices and inequalities that students deal with on a daily basis, she has become more and more interested in what the literature terms socially just pedagogies.

“Socially just pedagogies have grown out of a critical or radical pedagogies movement, which encouraged a critique of political, social, economic, and sociocultural issues in education, whilst foregrounding the importance of transgressive transformation of the educational project.”

Her centre’s digital storytelling projects, for example, create a space for students to engage across difference and explore what Deborah Britzmann calls difficult knowledges, such as power and privilege in South African classrooms, in order to challenge existing power dynamics in the classroom.

“In particular, in the context of an increasingly vocal and empowered student body, education needs to be about more than content acquisition, but in Martin Luther King’s word, need to encourage students to think intensively and think critically.”

Gachago believes in people following their dreams even if that means taking risks.

“I have left my home and have lived and worked in many different countries before making South Africa my home, getting out of my comfort zone was the most important thing I have done and keep on doing.”

She encourages women to challenge themselves and never be too comfortable.

“Surround yourself with other women you trust and enjoy working together, I have found working in teams has allowed me to push boundaries I wouldn’t have been able to do on my own.

She also challenges them to look beyond their academic institutions, and instead develop regional, national and international networks as they are living in the global world.

“Be yourself. That’s good enough,” Gachago tells women.

Written by Marick Hornsveld

CPUT is home to leading academics s who are making huge contributions to research.

One such academic is Prof Tandi Matsha, who is the founder and lead researcher at the Cardiometabolic Health Research Unit, which is based at the Bellville Campus.

Matsha, who is also the head of the Department of Biomedical Sciences in the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, is renowned for her work in the field of genetic and environmental risk factors in obesity related diseases. 

CPUT news caught up with her as part of our Extraordinary Women series in honor of Women’s Month.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy facilitating and being part of the process of empowering others to succeed.

I also enjoy encouraging others to push themselves to do things that they thought were impossible for them to achieve… and the smile that comes with that is the cherry on top.

Can you point out a career highlight?

In my line of work the obvious highlights, to name a few, would be publications, award of research grants, NRF rating, recognition by my peers in the form of either being invited to review manuscripts or invited to give a plenary session, as well seeing my students to graduation.

However, the major highlights of my career are seeing those that I have guided become successful in their own right. Just recently, my doctoral candidate, who was also my undergrad and master’s student, was selected for a post-doctoral fellowship at Cambridge, London.

What do you attribute your success to?

Success was never my goal. The reason I am here today is because I realised my potential and I did not want it to just remain a potential. I wanted my potential to be made into something tangible. I wanted to take that potential and make it kinetic.

The ability to overcome diversity, the determination to stand for my beliefs coupled with instilled values of Ubuntu have made it possible for me to focus and achieve my objectives.  I am also inspired by my children to succeed and I believe that through my example, they too will find their own success.

Most importantly, I attribute my achievements to the strong belief that whatever stage I am in my life, that is where God wants me to be. Sometimes it’s not what I desire, but that makes it easy to accept.

Do you have any words of advice for the generation of women behind you?

Do not let go of the qualities that make you a woman when you enter the workplace. Those qualities are what make you unique and are needed for your progression in society.

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.