Without it thousands of people around the world would miss seeing their classmates and loved ones graduate.

Now CPUT’s highly successful live streaming project has another feather in its cap having scooped the prestigious Gold Quill Award from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

The Gold Quill Awards program recognizes business communication excellence globally and is acknowledged as one of the most prestigious awards programs in the industry.

CPUT’s live streaming has already been recognized locally as the leader in its field from the Marketing, Advancement and Communication in Education program (MACE).

It’s not hard to see why considering the live video streaming project attracted over 15 000 viewers during the recent graduation ceremonies.

The IABC award will be presented at an Excellence Gala, to be held in June in San Francisco.

“It’s great to receive an international reward for this project especially since this type of service is still in its infancy in South Africa due to a constrained broadband environment,” says Student Affairs Student Development Officer Derek Stocken.

“The Student Affairs Student Media team handle the video transmission from the venue while the website integration and streaming server management is handled by the Web Office. A great partnership with the CTS Networks division has ensured that the streaming goes smoothly with minimal impact to the network.”

Head of the Web Office Lovemore Nalube says the award puts CPUT on par with the best in the world.

Contact Derek (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to get your CPUT event, conference, workshop or seminar streamed for free.

Written by Kwanele Butana

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

CPUT recently hosted the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Africa Region during an evening of insightful talks and networking at the Cape Town Hotel School Restaurant.

The IABC is an international association of communications professionals. The event, themed: “Trends shaping the future of communication” provided an opportunity for connection and camaraderie between the communication professionals from different institutions, which included the University of the Western Cape and Nibble Africa.

Dr Garth van Gensen, Director of Marketing and Communication, delivered a welcoming speech on behalf of CPUT while Jo Eyre from IABC also welcomed the guests. Eyre also provided a brief overview of IABC and its programmes.

Creative Director at Nibble NIBBLE Africa, Glenn Kisela delivered a presentation on content and communication in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Gary Whitaker, Chief Executive Officer · Broadcast Research Council of South Africa, gave insight into the future of the radio. Eyre also provided insight into human connection in virtual workplaces. These presentations were followed by question-and-answer sessions and vigorous discussions.

Marketing and Media Manager: Institutional Advancement, University of the Western Cape, Gasant Abarder, who was amongst the guests, thoroughly enjoyed the event and said “it was most valuable in terms of re-thinking our strategic direction for the media and marketing office I manage”. Abarder was particularly impressed with the AI part of the presentations, and for him it was great to network with friends, colleagues but also to meet new people in the industry.

“I think the lid has been lifted on AI. The chat really demystified some of the misconceptions about this tool for me. In addition, I think many managers and bosses can benefit from the session about flexible working,” Abarder observed.

Reflecting on the event, Van Gensen said it was very insightful to listen to expert opinions on topical matters like AI, the future of radio, as well as the human connection in virtual workplaces. “It provided a lot of food for thought and topics for institutional discourse,” he remarked.

“To me, the setting and timing for the discussions on topical matters was just perfect… cold winters evening, good food, a small but intimate group of people and excellent presentations.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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