CPUT has beaten competition from hundreds of applicants to participate in the revered South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChi).

An initiative of the Department of Science and Technology, CPUT has been given the go-ahead to set up Research Chairs in the areas of Teacher Education and in Innovative Small Satellite Technology and Applications for Africa.

The Chairs aim to develop world-class experts in specific research areas who can contribute to the overall development of South Africa. 

Coordinated by the National Research Foundation (NRF) the Chairs are sought after in the higher education landscape as they provide universities with much-needed funds to achieve their research and developmental goals.

Combined the Chairs awarded to CPUT are worth R5 million.

Dean of Education, Maureen Robinson, says the Chair in Teacher Education will impact research activities in the Faculty.

“This will enhance the status of teacher education as a field of study in its own right, extend national and international links, and deepen our knowledge about the topic. In the longer term, one would hope that this would contribute to improving the quality of teaching in South Africa,” she says.

SCIENCE: One of the research chairs will focus on small satellite development.

Meanwhile, Director of F’SATI, Prof Robert van Zyl, says the Chair in Innovative Small Satellite Technology and Applications for Africa, will allow them to expand on their current research and innovation activities,

“It also provides us with the necessary long-term sustainability to plan strategically for the future.  The sky is truly not the limit for our Programme,” he says.

Deputy-Vice Chancellor Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo described the awarding of the Chairs as a milestone for CPUT.

He said it will ensure that the University becomes a research intensive institution and makes a meaningful impact in the regional system of innovation.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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The CPUT Education faculty is taking the lead in equipping teachers with the skills to roll out mother tongue education at primary schools.

With the country facing a shortage of Xhosa-speaking teachers, the Faculty of Education, based at the Mowbray Campus, hosted an Open Day for Xhosa-speaking learners.

The event attracted more than 200 Grade 12 learners from Thandokhulu Secondary School, Langa High and Isilimela Comprehensive School.

The training of Xhosa-speaking teachers follows the National Department of Education’s initiative to move to mother tongue education in the foundation phase of schooling.

Professor Maureen Robinson, Dean of the Faculty of Education said attracting students to the programme is vital to ensure quality education is rolled out at schools.

“It has come to our attention that most learners especially Africans are not interested in foundation level as a career,” said Prof Robinson.

According to research conducted by CPUT, most learners see the profession as a low-status job and there is a perception that teachers, especially at a foundation level, earn less money. Nobonile Ngeshe, a Foundation Phase Xhosa lecturer, said, “There are lies going around that if you teach at a foundation level, you earn less money and that is not true.”

The learners were addressed by various students who are enrolled in teaching programmes. Clara Machado, a second year foundation phase student, motivated learners by sharing her passion.

“There is nothing better than helping a child understand something. I love the feeling of being able to help. Teaching younger children is not only about telling them how to read or write, but involves a lot of nurturing and by that you are making a difference,” she said.

The Department of Education is also addressing the shortage of teachers through the “Foundations of Learning” programme that places emphasis on the roll out of quality numeracy and literacy programmes in the foundation phase.

By Andiswa Dantile, Marketing and Communication Department

Written by CPUT News

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