Universities of Technology are key to poverty eradication in Africa according to CPUT’s Prof Dhiro Gihwala.

The Dean of the Health and Wellness Faculty made the statement while addressing the recent Joint International Conference on Science and Technology for Development in Africa where he explained the important role of UOT’s in the South African context.

Prof Gihwala told delegates the programmes of an institution like CPUT were tailored to the demands of the country and industry- making it a key provider of skills and training.

And he emphasized the importance of upskilling our nation.

“South Africa currently produces around 1500 PHD graduates per year and that number should be much higher,” he says.

“UOT’s can champion the causes of Africa because of the distinctive nature of our offerings,” he says.

“Africa needs educated people with a special skills set to alleviate poverty- the most untapped resource in Africa is its people.”

By Lauren Kansley

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

Two leading CPUT researchers will deliver their inaugural professorial addresses this week.

Professor Tandi Matsha of the Health and Wellness Faculty and Professor Rajendra Chetty from the Education and Social Sciences Faculty will deliver their inaugural professorial addresses this week at the Bellville Campus.

Prof Matsha’s address is titled, ‘The Increasing Waistline: A Global Emerging Phenomenon’, while Prof Chetty will explore the ‘Theoretical reflections on critical literacy: an engagement with power and marginalisation’.

Both academics are leaders in their respective fields and have made a huge contribution to education and research at CPUT.

Prof Matsha heads up the Obesity and Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle Research Unit that is located at the Bellville Campus. A C-rated researcher, her work focuses on the genetic and environmental risk factors in obesity-related diseases. 

Prof Chetty, who heads up the Research Department in the Education and Social Sciences Faculty, is also a C-rated researcher.

His areas of research include postcolonial writings, literacy and language, and social issues in education. He has also published two seminal works on South African Indian writings.

Prof Chetty is also the leader of a national collaborative Teacher Education research project funded by the NRF. The project explores various problems in the public schooling system.

By Thando Moiloa

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

The first in a 900 strong class of Health and Wellness Faculty graduates are ready to enter the workforce. Amongst them are the first graduates in the new four year Emergency Medical Care Degree programme.

Dean of the Health and Wellness Faculty Prof Dhiro Gihwala told the graduating class that they are entering the industry as an international global healthcare crisis threatens to cripple the sector.

“There is a shortage of 4.2 million healthcare workers in the world and Africa is the worst hit,” he says.

“So I am glad to be at a university that heeds the call to produce these graduates. You are part of a class of 900 health care graduates who will help improve patient care and make a difference here and beyond.” 

In concluding his address Gihwala reminded the graduates that they would need ample discipline to have a successful career in the healthcare sector.

“Discipline is absolutely critical; a person’s life will rely on your attitude, state of mind and intuition.”

News of CPUT’s extraordinary alumni can be found in our Grad Mag 2016.

Written by Lauren Kansley
Tel: +27 21 953 8646
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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