The Faculty of Business hosted its annual Achievers’ Dinner at the Hotel School in Granger Bay on Friday evening, 2 March 2012.

The purpose of the event was to celebrate staff achievements in various categories, such as teaching, research and community engagement.

With the Chairman of Council, Mbulelo Bikwani, the Faculty Dean, Prof Mzikayise Binza and other Executive representatives present, the evening turned out to be one filled with much celebration.

Associate Director, Ivan Van Der Heever, acted as the master of ceremonies introducing Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation Technology and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo, as well as the keynote speaker, the Council Chair.

In his address, Bikwani encouraged the nominees with anecdotes saying: “Each of us are endowed with seeds of greatness and it’s what you do with them that matters most. Always try to have a positive attitude.”

All the nominees were presented with certificates to award their work in the faculty, while all 14 category winners each received a specially engraved trophy.

One of the front runners in the achievement awards was Prof Simeon Davies, Head of the Sports Management Department. He received a total of three awards for Researcher of the Year, Departmental Award for Research and Head of Department of the Year.

A WINNING STREAK: The Faculty Dean, Prof MS Binza (left) with the top achiever Prof Simeon Davies (right).

The Hotel School itself also scooped awards in two categories relating to community engagement.

Another great talking point was one of the Faculty’s own postgraduate students, Ifriky Tadadjeu Sokeng, who delivered sterling classical performances as the evening’s entertainment.

“I thoroughly enjoyed his singing; it added to the wonderful ambience of the evening”, said enthused faculty member Andre Du Toit, who was also a nominee in several categories. 

CLASSICAL GENIUS: The evening's entertainment was delivered by postgraduate student Ifriky Tadadjeu Sokeng who sang three classical items.

During his vote of thanks, the Dean reiterated that everyone was a winner and that he appreciated the hard work and collaborative efforts visible throughout his faculty.

He also mentioned that he would like to partner with other faculties, like Informatics and Design, in the near future to strengthen ties and achieve the institutional vision.

The Faculty will sponsor prizes ranging from R10 000 to R15 000 to the various category winners.

By: Thando J. Moiloa

Photos by Clive Galant (Fundani CHED)

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT bade farewell to some of its longest-serving councillors in a gala dinner at the Cape Town Hotel School recently.

During the emotional dinner, speakers thanked the councillors for the passion with which they executed their responsibilities, even during times of disagreement.

Council chairman Mbulelo Bikwani says it is a privilege for anyone to serve in the council and that everyone served the institution with pride.

He added that all councilors were passionate about attending and engaging in robust discussions at council meetings, making important decisions that impacted on well over 30 000 students.

Registrar Nikile Ntsababa says that according to the council’s constitution, members cannot serve more than two terms (eight years) and therefore had to be released.

The longest-serving council member, Gerry Ferry, says the council gave them wonderful memories and he was commended with a standing ovation from the audience.

SRC President Mbongiseni Mbatha thanked the councils’ secretariat for dedicating long hours to keeping documents up to date and councillors abreast of developments.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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To honour the legacy of CPUT’s first Vice-Chancellor, the university unveiled an official portrait of Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga at the Council Chambers on the Bellville Campus.

Mazwi-Tanga was at the helm of CPUT for eight years and prior to that held various positions at the former Peninsula Technkion.

Speaking at the unveiling, Mbulelo Bikwani, Chairman of the CPUT Council, commended Mazwi-Tanga for her contribution to the higher education sector.

Bikwani says during her tenure, Mazwi-Tanga consolidated CPUT’s position as one of the top UoT’s in the country, created a conducive environment for teaching and learning and restructured the whole university from nine faculties to six faculties.

“When the next history of CPUT is written we know that Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga’s name will be right up there with the legends, and that future generations will talk about a simple woman from kwaNomaheya that passed here and left an indelible mark not only in the history books of this university but in the hearts of those that came into contact with her.

Bikwani says the unveiling is a symbol of collective sacrifice and accomplishments by those who pioneered the establishment of CPUT under her leadership.

Deputy-Vice Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Prof Anthony Staak, commended Mazwi-Tanga for the role she played in developing CPUT.

“You showed us that leadership is not about being popular, but about being firm and taking decisions that will benefit CPUT,” he says.

Mazwi-Tanga says she is humbled by the gesture and thanked the CPUT community for including her into the CPUT history.

She says she owes this recognition to the many women in higher education and other spheres of life who have gone before her as well as those who are still struggling, especially those in rural areas.

She also encouraged women in all spheres of life to not shy away from hard work and to always strive to do their best.

Written by Candes Keating
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