CPUT’s NRF-rated researchers were acknowledged during a recent ceremony, held at the Bellville Campus.

The event also recognised the institution’s postdoctoral fellows.

NRF ratings are allocated based on a researcher’s recent research outputs and impact as perceived by international peer reviewers.

The ratings fall within the following categories:

• A – Leading international researchers
• B – Internationally acclaimed researchers
• C – Established researchers
• P – Prestigious Awards
• Y – Promising young researchers

Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo, who served as the institution’s first Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, said the institution has come a long way since 2006 when CPUT’s NRF-rated researchers could be counted on one hand.

“Some people joined us recently and they will think that we have always had over 70 rated researchers. We’ve come from far and it was incredibly challenging.”

He said there was no room for complacency and CPUT would continue to strive to improve its ratings.

Prof Marshall Sheldon, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, also delivered a message of support.

“As an NRF-rated researcher myself, I am deeply appreciative and acknowledge the work that you've done so far,” she said.

She said the researchers had contributed to shaping the institution’s reputation.

“Your ratings for me are not just metrics. It’s symbols of years and sometimes decades of late nights, early nights, whole nights, years of peer reviews, revisions, feedback, and sometimes very devastating feedback and rejections. But you keep going. It's years of revision, revision, revision leading to what we can today call our flagship projects and breakthroughs that we’ve achieved as an institution.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Researchers at CPUT are planning to take innovation to another level with the development of the institution’s first satellite.

During the next two years, postgraduate students, specialising in Satellite Systems Engineering, will build a nano satellite.

This venture into space science and technology is being backed by the National Research Foundation, who recently approved funding of R21 million for the Satellite Systems Engineering Programme.

The rollout of the programme comes just months after former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe signed the SouthAfrican National SpaceAgency Bill that will drive space-related activities.

Prof Robert van Zyl, who will drive CPUT’s space activities, said with the Bill in place, the institution saw an opportunity to develop students for the South African Space Industry.

“The new Space Policy opens up opportunities for our students. This will be a viable industry in the future,” he said.

The programme is based in the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI), a specialised unit at CPUT that focuses on Electronic Engineering.

The students will work alongside Prof van Zyl, F’SATI staff members and several external specialists, developing the satellite. A network of collaborators, including the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory, the Space Applications Centre, EADS ( France ), and ClydeSpace ( Scotland ) are some notable partners in this venture.

“This is a very ambitious project, but we will succeed,” he said.

Prof van Zyl said they will develop a CubeSat, which will measure 30 by 10 by 10 cm and will weigh three kg.

If all goes as planned, the satellite will be completed in 2011.

It will then be showcased at the International Astronomical Federation Conference, which will be held in Cape Town in October 2011.

“We already have commitment from the European Space Agency to facilitate the launch of the satellite,” said Prof Van Zyl.

The programme has also received backing from the Department of Science and Technology ( DST ), which has listed space science and technology as one of its grand challenges.

According to a 10 year plan drafted by the DST , South Africa must grow the local satellite industry and increase research, development and innovation in space science.

Dr Thandi Mgwebi, director of the NRF Human Capacity Programme, said to ensure this industry thrives in South Africa , higher education institutions must develop human capacity in the space arena .

She said F’SATI, which has a strong focus on innovation, can contribute to developing skills in this area.

Dr Chris Nhlapo, CPUT deputy vice-chancellor for Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, said CPUT wants to be at the forefront in contributing to the implementation and success of South Africa ’s National Space Strategy.

By Candes Keating
Photograph: Prof Robert van Zyl, who will drive CPUT’s space activities with students enrolled in programmes offered at the French South African Institute of Technology.
Written by CPUT News
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Two academics from the Media and Communication Department recently presented their work at the Annual South African Communications Association (SACOMM) Conference, hosted by the Departments of Journalism and Visual Arts at Stellenbosch University.

Lecturer Dr Adelina Mbinjama presented on her National Research Foundation (NRF) Thuthuka grant project, which ran from 2021 to 2023. Her presentation was titled: An Investigation of Cyber-Ethics among Digital Media Marketers in a changing Media Landscape: A Case Study on Black-owned SMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Upasna Maharaj, nGAP Lecturer in Film Production, presented her research article: Decolonising Film Education in South Africa: A Review of Approaches and Challenges, as part of the New Pedagogies panel at the Conference.

Mbinjama, who is the Chair of the Media Department Research Committee at CPUT, where she chairs the master’s proposal defences, also serves as a mentor on the Sisonke 3.0 Mentorship Programme, where more experienced supervisors give support and advice to CPUT employees who are new to postgraduate supervision.

Through a qualitative approach, her study investigated the use and practices of cyber-ethics among digital media marketers and employers in 50%-100% black-owned Small and Midsize Enterprises (SMEs). The study revealed the ethical and moral behaviour-related challenges that black businesses encountered during the period of COVID-19. Limited technological and legal infrastructures proved challenging for SMEs considering their loss of revenue during the pandemic.

“Due to my work on cyber-ethics for Thuthuka, I noted certain topics that emerged from my study but need to be expanded on, so I have a call for book chapters with Emerald Publishers, which I am working on with two other editors with research interests in the digital world, Dr Janelle Vermaak-Griessel (Nelson Mandela University) and Prof Bianca Wright (Coventry University in the UK).

She is also part of the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) CPUT Cohort as a supervisor to master’s and doctoral students.

Mbinjama recently attended the Humanities International Spring School at North West University, where postgraduate supervisors and students are capacitated to do research.

“The exposure to research is important to me as an emerging scholar and postgraduate supervisor. Through conference presentations and attendances, I believe that I will be able to enrich my knowledge and speciality in cyber-ethics and digital media. I also feel that my research activities will expand from an interdisciplinary approach to a more multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach.

Maharaj joined CPUT in November 2023.

“My presentation explored the ‘decolonisation’ of film education in South Africa, attempting to address questions of how to make film education more relevant, accessible, and context-specific in the post-colonial university. Decolonisation in film education involves interrogating and decentring Western and dominant theories, methodologies, and assumptions. It requires experimenting with curriculum design, teaching delivery, and shifting power relations within the classroom, where new approaches are underpinned by a desire to make education more relevant and accessible to students.

“The study synthesises existing literature and insights from South African film educators to investigate how ‘decolonisation’ translates to tangible efforts and specific actions that assist in equipping students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in our current globalised/glocalised mediascapes. Additionally, the research explores barriers and challenges faced by academics and institutions attempting to engage meaningfully in context-sensitive pedagogy.”

She will be presenting an updated version of this research at the CPUT Research Festival on 31 October 2024.

Maharaj serves as an editorial intern for Intellect's Journal of African Cinemas and freelances as a story consultant in the film industry.

She holds an MA in Media Theory and Practice from the University of Cape Town and is currently pursuing a PhD in Film Studies.

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), National Research Foundation (NRF), South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) and Centres of Excellence (CoEs) hosted a two-day Strategic Institutional Engagement at Bellville campus recently.

The purpose of the engagement was to reflect on CPUT’s Research Strategy and current implementation alignment to the Decadal Plan with a particular focus on areas of advanced readiness, areas of envisaged future readiness as well as Human Capacity Development and other potential opportunities over the next five to 10 years. “And an indication of the envisaged support required,” says Dr Elma Maleka, Manager Research Uptake: Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships.

The NRF/DSI meeting came about at the right time for CPUT, says Prof Dina Burger, Director of the Research Development Directorate. “It gave us a comprehensive understanding of the respective funding streams and opportunities available, and it also provided insight in the reporting requirements.”

There were three presentations on the first day:

• Department of Science and Innovation presented on Overview of Decadal Plan, priorities, status of implementation with a view to extrapolate areas of interest and opportunities for Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs)."
• National Research Foundation presented on Overview of the NRF's Vision 2030, Strategy 2025 and its Strategic Investments and in particular SARChI and CoEs.
• Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology,
  Innovation and Partnerships, Dr David Phaho did a presentation on CPUT opportunities to expand Research and Innovation Agenda in line with national and global imperatives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the National Development Plan.

“There are several opportunities at CPUT and some of our existing or proposed centres and institutes could benefit from this external funding in areas such as Agri-Food, Biotechnology, and Teacher Education,” Phaho said.

He also highlighted CPUT’s readiness to host any of the new NRF Research Chairs in areas where “we already have expertise, such as Biotechnology, Food Security, and Energy”. “We also seeded the idea of a School of Veterinary Science at CPUT to support the farming sector in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape seeing that we only have one school in the country at the University of Pretoria.”

Day one concluded with discussions on potential collaboration and support from the DSI, NRF and others. On day two, the NRF provided insight on the SARChI and CoE Governance. Burger and Research Chairs: Prof Glenda Davison, Prof Bongani Ncube, and Prof Zayd Waghid presented their research activities. The discussions included challenges regarding research office chair implementation and the solutions were provided.

“During this important meeting we had the opportunity by our DVC; RTIP to make a presentation on our Vision 2030 and the role that his portfolio will be playing in the implementation of the vision, the NDP and Sustainable Development Goals of Africa. We could articulate our specific needs to the delegation for ongoing and future support. It was an opportune time for CPUT to understand how to strategically further position our research entities and research chairs to align with the funding support available from the DSI/NRF,” Burger observes. She says the well-organised meeting did provide a springboard for “us to carefully craft the next steps in advancing our relationships with these two important stakeholders and to take hands to further support key initiatives that align well with those of these institutions”.

Phaho adds: “My overall impression about the engagement is that it was fruitful and productive and both the NRF and DSI have a deeper appreciation of the significant role CPUT as a UoT [University of Technology] can play in our national system of Innovation.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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Farmers, research institutes and academic institutions have started conducting field trials and commercial cultivation of medicinal plant species that are in high demand.

Prof Francis Lewu, HoD: Agriculture, said this during his Inaugural Professorial Address titled, “Cultivation and Conservation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs): an Interface between Botany and Agronomy”.

The C3 National Research Foundation- rated established scholar was appointed a full professor of Plant Science in 2018 after he had been an Associate Professor at CPUT since 2013.

Lewu said that a global increase in the demand of medicinal plant products is estimated to be worth R2.9 billion per annum. He added that in South Africa a large business venture has been created in the interest of plant-derived medicines with an estimated value of R270 million per annum.

“Specifically in KwaZulu-Natal, it is estimated that 1.9 tons of indigenous African ginger is traded annually,” he added. “The aerial part of the Khoisan traditional plant “Buchu” is sold at R840/kg, and the seeds are sold for R20 000/kg.”

He observed that the utilisation of MAPs as a source of primary health care to human beings and their livestock is an inherited practice which has been passed down from one generation to the next. Lewu said 80% of black South Africans use MAPs mainly for herbal drugs or condiments.

“On a global scale, an estimated 70-80% of the world’s population relies mainly on MAPs for their primary healthcare needs and the global demand for herbal medicine is growing,” he observed.

He said that between 1991 and 2000 the international trade in MAPs was dominated by 12 countries including temperate Asia and Europe, where the former was responsible for 42% of the annual global importation, and the latter 34%.

“Over the past three decades, the demand for MAPs across the world has tremendously increased, with consistent annual increase in demand by up to 15% in Europe, North America and Asia.”

In South Africa, Lewu has graduated nine Masters and two Doctoral students and currently supervises four PhD candidates.

“Currently, we are investigating fertilizer requirements for the proper establishment of the species on cultivated land,” said Lewu. “The first of the trials are completed, and two Masters students are compiling their reports at CPUT.”

Written by Kwanele Butana
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Providing small medium micro enterprises (SMMEs) with support in order to develop high efficiency low energy products saw Prof Mohamed Tariq Kahn, Head of CPUT’s Centre for Distributed Power and Electronic Systems, clinch a top award at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Technology Awards.

This annual event celebrates successful research projects which were funded by three Innovation and Technology Programmes set up by the South African government.

This includes the Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP), managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF), the Support Programme for Industrial Innovation, managed by the Industrial Development Corporation and the Seda Technology Programme, managed by the Small Enterprise Development Agency.

Prof Khan was declared the national winner in the THRIP SMME Development Category at the awards, which took place on 22 October 2009.

THRIP’s mission is to improve the competitiveness of South African industry, by supporting research and technology development activities and enhancing the quantity of skilled people.

It does this through a partnership programme which challenges private companies to match government funding for innovative research and development in South Africa.

Prof Khan said the award the award is “quite an achievement.”

During the past three years, Prof Khan, provided advice and technical support to three companies that are involved in the production of low energy high efficiency products.

Supported by research assistant Fazel Mongalo , Prof Khan worked on various research projects in collaboration with Phoenix Contact, Green Solutions and LMP Enterprises.

The research projects ranged from the production of low energy cookware to an off-grid project which involved supplying solar or renewable energy to rural villages.

Prof Khan said currently South Africa has an energy capacity of 40 gigawatt, with a usage of 37 gigawatt. Machinery in South Africa alone makes use of 10 gigawatt, he said.

“We have to look as way to use energy more efficiently,” said Prof Khan.

Although South Africa’s energy problems are not as severe as that of other African countries, Prof Khan said the industry must look at decreasing energy use and in turn reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.

Prof Khan said he is planning to further research in this area and focus on how to take devices off the energy grid and instead generate power from wind, the sun and other resources more effectively.

Dr Chris Nhlapo, DVC Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships at CPUT said the institution’s Executive Management is excited about the achievements of Prof Khan and his research team.

“It added the necessary impetus in a quest of being a world class innovative university by contributing to the competitiveness of South African industry through research and technology development activities and enhancing the quality and quantity of appropriately skilled people, which is a core mission of THRIP,” said Dr Nhlapo.

He said this achievement proves that CPUT is playing a meaningful role in “bridging the innovation gap” and thus reclaiming its integral role within the National System of Innovation (NSI).

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT is playing a key role in developing a new generation of scholars.

And to make sure it meets this goal, CPUT has set up a number of support structures for postgraduate students, including access to a wide range of bursaries.

The bursaries range from R20 000 to well over R100 000 and are funded by external organisations and the university.

CPUT is encouraging postgraduate students to make use of this opportunity.

Local and international students can apply for the CPUT Postgraduate Bursary, which offers funding for full and part-time students enrolled in postgraduate programmes across the six faculties.

Students in the Science, Engineering and Technology as well as in the Social Sciences and Humanities fields have the option to apply for funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF).

The university also receives funding from the Mauerberger Foundation, which supports top students registered for Master study in various fields.  The Webb Trust, on the other hand, funds needy students.

To qualify for funding, students must meet certain criteria. More information on the bursaries and application forms can be found at http://www.cput.ac.za/postgraduate-student-funding

Students can also contact the Centre for Postgraduate Studies at 021 953 8600 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The cut-off date for CPUT bursary applications is 8 March 2013, while for the NRF it is 15 March.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News

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With the national energy sector facing a shortage of staff, CPUT has set itself up to play a key role in training highly skilled electrical engineers.

Recently the university launched the Centre for Substation Automation and Energy Management Systems– the only one of its kind in South Africa. It will offer specialised training, research and development in new technologies, which will improve power systems in South Africa.

The Bellville-based centre already received a thumbs-up from the government and industry, who has noted its role in the contribution of a skilled workforce.

EQUIPMENT: The centre received a large number of donations from industry, which included high-tech equipment.

Prof Raynitchka Tzoneva, who is spearheading the centre’s activities, said in 2004 new technology was introduced in the area of Substation Automation Systems, which are complex computer programmes, used by electrical engineers to operate substations and ensure an uninterrupted power flow to consumers.

“All over the world people are using the new equipment and technology. However, in South Africa there is a lack of skills in this sector. Universities are also not producing engineers who are properly trained in the new technology,” she said.

Tzoneva said the centre, equipped with a state-of-the-art substation automation laboratory, will provide students with hands-on experience, ensuring they hit the ground running when entering industry.

TRAINING: Postgraduate Electrical Engineering students and staff members who are currently utilizing the centre for training and research.

The centre, which was funded by the National Research Foundation, a development arm of the Department of Science and Technology and CPUT, will also provide much-needed training for engineers and technicians employed in industry.

LAUNCH: Members of the CPUT community and government officials attended the launch of the Centre for Substation Automation and Energy Management Systems, which recently took place.

Tzoneva said the appropriate training of student and energy practitioners will alleviate a number of problems currently facing the national energy sector.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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In a bid to increase the limited pool of expertise in the national energy sector, the Electrical Engineering Department is establishing the Substation Automation and Energy Management Centre.

The centre, which will be based at the Bellville campus, will be headed by Prof Raynitchka Tzoneva, who is also the leader of the National Research Foundation (NRF) niche area ‘Real-Time Distributed Systems’.

Prof Tzoneva said the move to establish the centre comes after the International Electrical Commission (IEC) put in place the new IEC 61850 standards, which govern the building, implementation and operations of Substation Automation Systems.

These systems are highly complex computer systems, which are used by operators in the energy sector to control substations.

Prof Tzoneva said a substation can be defined as a node in an electrical power network where lines and cables are connected for transmission and distribution of electric power. A substation has the capability of transforming electricity, usually from high to low voltage for distribution by a low-voltage network. Most substations have one or more transformers and may have many other functions as well, such as switching, breaking and protection capabilities

However, she said there are few South Africans who have expertise in Substation Automation Systems and the new IEC 61850 standards.

“South Africa has no knowledge of this new way of building Substation Automation Systems. We see the necessity to start working with this new standard and have thus put together the center,” said Prof Tzoneva.

The centre will act as an enabler for education, training, testing, research and development in the in the new technologies, which can help to upgrade and optimize power systems in South Africa as well as the implementation of the various standards which have been set by the IEC.

The centre has also approached Prof Alexander Apostolov, a world class specialist in Substation Automation and one of the creators of the new substation automation technology, to assist in its operations. Prof Apostolov will regularly visit the centre and also co-supervise postgraduate students.

The work of the centre is supported by Eskom, consulting and design organisations, City of Cape Town and vendors such as ABB, Siemens and SEL.

Prof Tzoneva said a group of more than 20 students who are part of the Real-Time Distributed Systems research area will be involved in the centre.

One of the projects they will look at is the revamp of 13 substations at the CPUT Bellville campus reticulation network. The existing network was established in 1986 and is currently still feeding the campus network. However, the network has reached its expected lifetime.

“This is going to be a unique project. Students will work with designers and vendors to implement a project that will benefit the CPUT community,” she said.

All the substations will also be linked to the centre, which will automatically monitor and control the network operations, and will give students access to real-time data for their research projects.

Prof Tzoneva said the students, who refer to themselves as the “Control Group” are doing excellent work in several other research areas.

Prof Tzoneva said from a research and development perspective, the centre could act as a forum for dialogue between universities, vendors, municipalities, and Eskom to work together to build knowledge transfer systems to enable broad-based development of critical expertise to meet industrial needs.

By Candes Keating

Photographs: (top right) Prof Raynitchka Tzoneva and Prof Alexander Apostolov (bottom right) The Control Group (left) Members of the Control Group work on a device

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The faculty of Applied Sciences received extraordinary results in staff academic development and achievement whilst excelling in the field of research.

The faculty’s output for 2005 boasts 36 journal articles, 25 submitted articles, 25 national conference presentations and 15 international conferences which include a conference on anti-oxidants in red palm oil held in Washington in 2005, a conference on anti-oxidants and health in school children held in Malaysia in 2005 and a conference on the role of anti-oxidants in health and disease which took place in Beijing, China in 2005. Mr Spinney Bernade, head of the anti-oxidant research group, was asked to present papers at these conferences.

In addition, the faculty has also received academic excellence by being awarded five Masters Degrees within the faculty, three members of staff have received their Masters Degree and five members will obtain Doctorates in 2005/6. Currently, 30% of staff hold doctorates while no less than 60% of the staff have either a Masters or a Doctorate degree.

Last year the faculty had received funding for their research that was estimated at more than R4.5 m. Nine of their staff members had received National Research Foundation (NRF) funding. The NRF also approved full funding for 2005.

The faculty’s research area of expertise lies in the areas of Environmental Toxicity and Human Health. Anti-oxidant and Biotechnology research has taken off to a good start despite some minor setbacks.

They have also established an anti-oxidant research group and they have been funded with R1.2 million whilst advancing their work in the speciality areas of Biotechnology, Environmental Toxicity and Human Health. An anti-oxidant research group was established to research the occurrence and neutralisation of free radicals in the body. The research will establish why an accumulation of free radicals is linked to diseases such as cancer, heart failure and so forth. “Anti-oxidant research is a relatively new research with exciting possibilities,” said Mr Bernade.

The CPUT’s unit is the only unit in the country which was established to do anti-oxidant research. The lab is equipped with the latest, state of the art equipment to aid them in their research. CPUT provided starting capital that enabled the group to begin their investigations.

The achievements by the Applied Sciences faculty can be attributed to a research thrust to establish units for research centres of excellence. The challenges for 2006 are to achieve their objectives by starting research projects, training students, obtaining internal and external funding, make money to support research, alleviate disease conditions through dietary means and to earn money to act as a service provider to industry.

Challenges also include limited lab space and funding for students and projects and allowing supervisors time off to supervise students.

Written by CPUT News
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The number of National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researchers at CPUT has increased. Three academics, Prof Rajendra Chetty, Prof Bohua Sun and Dr James Garraway, were awarded NRF ratings in January.

The latest ratings bring the number of NRF rated researchers at CPUT to 13.

The NRF rating system is a benchmarking system through which individuals who produce quality research are identified by South African and international peer reviewers. The ratings are based on the quality and impact of research output over a seven year period. Ratings are valid for five years.

Prof Chetty, who heads up the Research Division at the Education and Social Science Faculty and previously held an L rating, was awarded a C rating.

Prof Chetty has diverse research interests. His key research areas are teacher education, commonwealth literature and social sciences. Over the past decade he has published extensively in all these fields.

However, for the next three years, Prof Chetty, who holds an NRF focus area grant, will focus on quality issues in teacher education in South African Universities. This research project, in collaboration with University of the Witwatersrand and the University of KwaZulu-Natal , will attempt to provide an informed understanding of the complexity of teacher education, determine an environment for quality learning, teaching and research in higher education, and establish strengths and challenges in the current framework.

Prof Sun, who heads up the Centre for Mechanics, Smart Structures and Micro-Systems at the Bellville Campus, was also awarded a C rating.

This is the second time he has been rated. He previously held an L Rating in 2001.

Prof Sun said, “This rating is a great recognition of my academic work.”

A letter from the NRF, which provided feedback on the review process, stated that Prof Sun “commands the top spot” in South Africa in his research field of Mechanics, Smart Structures and Micro-Systems.

Prof Sun is also an international recognised scholar and has been invited as Chief Editor for various journals.

Prof Sun said he is planning to extend research in this field and also has a number of new projects lined up for the year. Currently he is putting plans in place to conduct research on using biodegradable materials for environmentally friendly packing solutions for the fruit industry.

Prof Sun is also involved with several research projects with the Department of Science and Technology and private organisations.

Meanwhile, Dr Garraway, who is the co-ordinator of the extended programmes at the Fundani Centre, received an L rating.

This rating is awarded to older researchers who recently started research and show promise.

Dr Garraway, whose research focus is on the intersection between academic learning and working life, said he is pleased about the rating.

He plans to continue his research and is in the process of setting up a research project, which will further explore the transition from the university to the workplace.

“The idea is to enroll two master students who will be involved in interviewing and tracking our students in the workplace and at the institution,” he said.

The project is expected to run over two years. DVC: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Dr Chris Nhlapo said the institution is proud of the researchers’ ratings.

“I laud your efforts and encourage staff at CPUT to follow your lead as we have set ourselves great targets,” said Dr Nhlapo.

By Candes Keating

Photograph: (left to right) Prof Rajendra Chetty, Prof Bohua Sun and Dr James Garraway

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The profile of CPUT’s French South African Institute of Technology (F’Sati) has been raised enormously following the Institute’s first Industry Seminar and Exhibition for 2011, held in Cape Town recently. Deputy Director, Prof Robert van Zyl, says F’Sati’s ability to bring key stakeholders in South Africa’s burgeoning space industry together is now unparalleled.

The Departments of Science and Technology (DST) and Trade and Industry (DTI), the National Research Foundation, the South African National Space Agency, leading international space scientists, industry, as well as CPUT’s budding satellite engineers were all present at the high-profile gathering, and, says Prof van Zyl, their feedback has been phenomenal.

"It’s been extremely gratifying to hear praise from delegates about the high levels of technical proficiency we possess. It’s also great to see how our seminars, held three times a year, are growing in scope, content and reputation. In the past, our seminars dealt mainly with technical issues. Now we facilitate seminars which appeal to the whole spectrum of role-players in the Aerospace and Space industries, from Cube-sat workshops, to opportunities for entrepreneurs, to dedicated sessions on space policy and law from a South African perspective."

Deputy Director of F'Sati, Prof Robert van Zyl, with F'sati's Administrative Officer, Cindy Engel, and Local Organising Committee member for the upcoming IAC in October, Margaret Kumalo.

F’Sati’s Chief Technical Architect, Francois Visser agrees. “To expose our students, and ourselves, to these 'big guns', such as EADS Astrium’s Thomas Schirmann, has been an invaluable experience. Astrium is a leading European space company and Schirmann is their Chief Engineer in the Satellite division. Listening first-hand to an engineer of this stature, the man who was instrumental in building the Venus Express, was a magnificent opportunity,” says Visser. 

F’Sati’s Operations Manager and tireless organiser of the seminar, Ian van Zyl, adds that for F’Satis’ students, the opportunity to network and interact with SA’s small space community was fantastic.
“Not only are we giving our students the tools to start their own businesses, but we’re also facilitating interaction with industry so they can forge links for the future."

Excited pupils from Luhlaza High School, who were taught the basics of satellite construction at the seminar.

"And we are very proud of our outreach and awareness programme, where a group of pupils from Luhlaza High are taught how to build mock-satellites. We also teach them a little about satellite and orbital dynamics. This is an important part of our mission to publicise our courses and the wonderful opportunities that are available to bright graduates here at F’Sati."

Prof van Zyl is already looking ahead to F’Sati’s premier event to be held on the 30th September. The three-day Cubesat workshop at CPUT will play host to international delegates from Africa, Europe and the United States. But before this milestone is reached, he’s expressed his deep thanks and appreciation to the sponsors of F’Sati’s first industry seminar for 2011. These include the Aerospace Industry Support Initiative, Eads Astrium, the DTI and the DST.

By Jan Weintrob.

Written by CPUT News
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The importance and value of the National Research Foundation (NRF) rating, evaluation and eligibility issues as well as incentives associated with this international benchmark were the key issues discussed during an inaugural meeting with CPUT NRF-rated researchers recently.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Dr Chris Nhlapo met with 15 NRF-rated researchers to support them in acquiring, improving and maintaining their ratings, which are an indicator of research excellence. Maintaining one's NRF status is a daunting task of not allowing the rating to lapse.

Nhlapo said the aim of the meeting was to show sincere appreciation to NRF-rated researchers for acquiring status and to help those who already rated to stay motivated. “Perhaps we should put a mechanism in place for the already-rated researchers to attain higher status such as an A-rating,” added Nhlapo. Mazwi-Tanga briefly shared with researchers aspects of Vision 2020 - an attempt to transform CPUT into a leading innovation academy. According to Mazwi-Tanga, she’s fully behind Dr Nhlapo and Director: Research Dr Tembeka Mpako-Ntusi in their quest to increase CPUT research outputs.Nhlapo’s presentation centred around where CPUT is within the national system of innovation and should be in terms of research. He explained, “Universities should aspire to have at least 25% of their academic staff members rated by the NRF to be regarded as a research-intensive university and CPUT needs to work even harder in order to achieve this.” His office is currently putting strategies and operational plans in place to ensure that this happens.“We are encouraging young academics to be more involved in research and to pursue their PhD. There is sufficient support in our Research Office for people to continue with their research work.”Prof Christopher Vaughn from the Medical Research Council and University of Cape Town was a guest speaker and delivered a presentation on “How to get to an A-Rating and sustain it”.Among other tips given during Vaughn’s presentation, he encouraged researchers to never settle for local journals if there is a chance of making the pages of international publications. “Present your research at international conferences and ensure that your presentation is really great and that it will be remembered. It is vitally important to be visible in the scientific community,” he added.By:  Andiswa Dantile

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The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) is calling on high school learners to name ZACUBE- 1, South Africa’s first nanosatellite.

Developed by staff and students at the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI) at CPUT, ZACUBE-1 will be launched into space this November from a launch base in Russia.

The satellite carries a scientific experiment from the South African National Space Agency’s Directorate in Hermanus, which will allow it to collect information that will be used by scientists to gain an understanding of space weather and its impact on communication technology.

The “Naming a Cubesat Competition” is part of SAASTA’s public awareness programmes, which are aimed at creating public interest and an appreciation for science, engineering and technology in South African communities.

Through this competition, the organization, which is a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF), hopes to expose learners to the possibilities of careers in the space sector.

The competition is open to Grade 9 to 12 learners who are asked to come up with a name that must have a South African context. Each entry must contain a short description of 200 words explaining its significance.

Prizes up for grabs include iPads, laptops and a trip to the South African National Space Agency facilities in South Africa.    

Entries close 30 October 2013.

For more information and to enter the competition visit the SAASTA website.

Written by Marick Hornsveld

The National Research Foundation (NRF) evaluation and rating system is regarded as one of the most prestigious benchmarks of research excellence in South Africa.

The most recent rating announcement took place in December 2007. Among this year’s recipients were Dr Cecilia Jacobs of the Engineering Faculty, who received an L rating, and Dr Richardt Wilkinson of the Electrical Engineering Department who received a rating of Y- Y2. In addition Prof Pieter van Brakel of the Faculty of Informatics and Design, who was previously rated by the NRF in 2002, received a rating renewal of C - C3.

Dr Cecelia Jacobs is currently co-leader of the Work-Integrated Learning Research Unit, a formally recognised niche area within the NRF. She has published thirteen peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and twenty-four national and international conference papers. Among her achievements are the submission of a successful funding proposal for an institution-wide Tertiary Education Linkages Project (TELP) in 1999 which produced a Communication Series of 10 textbooks published by Juta. She also convened the first national conference on “Integrating content and language: Providing access to knowledge through language” in 2001

Dr Jacobs’s body of work concerns the way in which knowledge is structured in different disciplines, and how that knowledge is communicated through discipline-specific language. In her own words, “understanding the way in which a discipline reads and writes itself.” As the recently appointed Teaching and Learning Co-ordinator in the Faculty of Engineering, she continues to encourage collaboration between language practitioners and disciplinary specialists.

Dr Richardt Wilkinson's area of specialisation is power electronics. This field of study looks at how electrical power can be converted from one level to another using electronically controlled switches instead of transformers. Power electronics has implications for renewable energy technologies and research into this field is likely to contribute to solving the current energy crisis.

Dr Wilkinson first became interested in power electronics when he studied the subject as part of his B.Eng at Stellenbosch University . He pursued this interest further in his Masters thesis and PhD studies. His relationship with CPUT began in 2005, when he joined the Centre for Instrumentation Research (CIR) as a postdoctoral research fellow working on inverters to drive ultrasonic transducers. He was appointed as a senior researcher in January 2007 and tasked with jointly running the Centre for Instrumentation Research with Dr Ian de Vries. He was appointed Head of the Centre in January 2008.

Prof Pieter van Brakel was a well-established specialist in the field of info rmation science when he joined the CPUT staff in 2005. At CPUT, he headed the postgraduate office of the e-Innovation Academy (now amalgamated with the Faculty of Informatics and Design). During his academic career, he has published sixty one journal articles in DoE accredited journals and supervised thirty-seven masters and doctoral students.

Prof Van Brakel currently serves as Head of the Research Support Office in the Faculty of Informatics and Design. He also holds the NRF Grant for the programme. “Virtual Communities of Practice” This forward-looking area of research looks at how info rmation technology helps support academic info rmation and knowledge exchange between researchers who are geographically distant from each other. “Information is needed to make good decisions, and info rmation management cannot happen without info rmation technology,” says Prof Van Brakel, commenting on the continuing importance of info rmation science in contemporary society.

Research was been cited as an important growth area for CPUT. The newly rated staff members form part of a productive research community who continue to increase the academic output of the institution.

By Ilana Abratt, Marketing and Communication Department

Written by CPUT News
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The year 2008 started on a high note at CPUT with the appointment of two Deputy Vice-Chancellors and a Dean of Students. The three senior management staff joined the institution at the beginning of February.

Dr Chris Nhlapo, previously with the National Research Foundation (NRF), has taken charge as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Technology Innovation, Partnerships, Community Engagement and Academic Planning.

Mr Jayanthlal Ramkisson Bhana, who has been attached to the Walter Sisulu University as Interim Registrar, assumed the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Operations. His portfolios are Human Resources (including transformation), Finance (including procurement) and Facilities (including safety, security, cleaning and special projects).

Mrs Cora Njoli-Motale has been appointed Dean of Students. She has been Executive Director: Dean of Students at the University of South Africa (Unisa).

Written by CPUT News

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CPUT researchers have had an excellent year - from clinching top research grants to inventing new products, our researchers have established themselves as leaders in their respective fields.

Their sterling work was recognised and celebrated at the institution’s annual Research Day, which took place at the Cape Town Campus.

CPUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga commended the researchers for their contribution to growing research at the university.

Several years ago, the institution had fewer than 10 National Research Foundation-rated researchers and today boasts more than 30 rated researchers and a thriving research environment.

The university has also established a large number of specialised research centres and boasts three Research Chairs. A large number of researchers have also invented new products.

Mazwi-Tanga says CPUT researchers can be assured of continued support from the university.

An annual event, Research Day allowed researchers to network and also to listen to various presentations on research being carried out by their colleagues. However, the highlight of the day was the coveted research awards.

Awards were given in the following areas – Research Publication, Postgraduate Supervision and Industry Funding.

Research publication

Postgraduate supervision

Industry funding

By Candes Keating

Photograph by Clive Galant

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Researchers at CPUT are involved in cutting-edge research and have established themselves as leaders in their respective fields.

And the proof is in the university’s latest Research Report, which highlights the huge strides CPUT has made in terms of research during the past few years.

The report also confirms findings of the Department of Higher Education and Training, who have noted an increase in terms of research output at the institution.

The 139-page report reveals an increase in the number of National Research Foundation (NRF)-rated researchers, improved research ratings and an increase in the number of master’s and doctoral graduates.

The report also showcases researchers who have made headline news by winning prizes and prestigious research grants from the NRF, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry and other national and international bodies. A number of researchers have also filed patents, trademarks, copyrights and formed spin-out companies.

Deputy Vice­ Chancellor Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo says he is pleased with the growth in research outputs and research activity at the institution.

“The institution has cemented its place within the South African National System of Innovation as an attractive centre for international cutting-edge research and innovation, and an appropriate destination for world-class research fellows.”

Read the report here.

By Candes Keating

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CPUT has officially launched its Satellite Systems Engineering Programme, which is aimed a developing human capacity in the field of satellite engineering.

The launch event, which took place on 16 November 2009, marks the start of CPUT’s role in ensuring the success of South Africa’s National Space Strategy.

The rollout of the programme comes just months after the National Space Agency Bill, which will drive space-related activities, was passed.

With the Bill in place, the institution saw an opportunity to develop students for the South African space industry.

This venture into space science and technology is being backed by the National Research Foundation (NRF), who approved funding of R21 million for the Satellite Systems Engineering Programme.

It also received a stamp of approval from the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

At the launch, which took place at the Bellville campus, the institution also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EADS Astrium, a French based consortium that is involved in all spheres of space activity.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Derek Hanekom, who delivered the keynote address said: “We attach enormous significance to this programme.”

Hanekom said space science and technology is one of the focus areas identified in the DST’s 10 year plan.

According to the plan, South Africa must grow the local satellite industry and increase research, development and innovation in space science.

Hanekom said they have identified human capacity as one of the factors that will limit development in this area.

“It is not by chance that we are supporting this programme. This programme will help develop human capacity,” he said.

He said CPUT has a strong foundation on which to build this programme, which is based in the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI), a specialised unit at CPUT that focuses on Electronic Engineering.

“This is the beginning of something big. We are putting the pieces together systematically,” he said.

The NRF also commended F’SATI for venturing into space engineering.

Director of Institutional Capacity Development Dr Romilla Maharaj, said: “I want to applaud CPUT for putting this programme together.”

She said the NRF is excited when institutions’ take up such challenges.

During the next two years, the first intake of students who will specialise in Satellite Systems Engineering, will build a nano-satellite.

Director of F’SATI, Prof Robert van Zyl, who will drive CPUT’s space activities, said they will develop a CubeSat, which will measure 10 by 10 by 30 centimeters and will weigh three kilograms. The payload of the first mission includes a camera and science experiment in conjunction with the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory.

If all goes as planned, the satellite will be completed in 2011.

Prof van Zyl said it will then be showcased at the International Astronautical Federation Conference, which will be held in Cape Town in October 2011.

Dr Chris Nhlapo, CPUT deputy vice-chancellor for Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, said the institution is committed to innovation.

“If we want to improve the technology index in South Africa, then we have to take innovation seriously,” he said.

He said the roll out of the programme is a move in the right direction.

By Candes Keating

Photograph: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic Prof Anthony Staak and Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Derek Hanekom unveil a plaque at the official launch of the Satellite Systems Engineering Programme.

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Two CPUT professors have made the institution proud by having their ratings improved by the National Research Foundation (NRF).

Prof Maureen Robinson, Dean of the Education and Social Sciences Faculty, has improved from a C3 to a C2 rating while Prof Chris Winberg of Applied Linguistics’ rating has improved from an L to a C2.

According to NRF criteria, the C rating is for scholars who are considered to have produced a body of quality work which has coherence and attests to ongoing engagement with the field, and who have demonstrated the ability to conceptualise problems and apply research methods to investigating them.

“A C3 rating is awarded when most reviewers feel the candidate meets these criteria, whereas a C2 rating indicates that all reviewers agree on this,” said Prof Robinson.

She said the reviewers were impressed with the way in which her “research outputs demonstrate a critically reflective engagement with the practices of teacher education and action research.

This conclusion was based on items published over the last seven years in national and international publications”.

Prof Robinson said reviewers suggested ways to broaden this work theoretically and comparatively, so that people in South Africa, as one reviewer reportedly put it, “could see their work and its significance in a wider context and continue to speak to ethically infused social research that can build scholarly networks across multiple countries.”

Prof Winberg on the other hand has been the leader of the Work-Integrated Learning Research Unit (WILRU) since 2002. WILRU is an NRF-funded unit that studies the relationship between higher education and workplaces.

“I have initiated several research projects that study the effect of different kinds of curricular, teaching, learning and assessment practices on students’ work readiness, professionalism, and so on. I’ve published around 30 articles in accredited journals, and graduated several Masters and Doctoral candidates since the founding of WILRU,” said Prof Winberg.

Prof Winberg feels that she is researching an area that is important for the development and identity of universities of technology.

“As an institution we have traditionally had very close ties with the industries that we prepare students for. As the world of work is changing very rapidly, it is important for us to know about these changes and to implement research-based interventions to address the changing contexts of work,” she said.

She mentioned that there are not many rated researchers in applied linguistics, so she is happy to contribute knowledge to the field. She recently convened the joint South African Applied Linguistics Association (SAALA) and Linguistics Society of Southern Africa (LSSA) conference, and was elected chairperson of SAALA for a two year term of office.

Prof Winberg said she was “particularly interested in relationships between language and discourse practices in higher education and in workplaces – as well as how they can be more productively aligned.

Prof Robinson is currently finalising four articles. These are on teacher development in South Africa and Namibia, professional learning communities as an approach to teacher development, teacher education practices in three Southern and East African countries, and the impact of the changing qualifications structure on teachers’ sense of themselves.

She said she enjoys working collaboratively, as this increases opportunities to share expertise and insights. Some of these articles are therefore co-authored by two colleagues in the Faculty, Melanie Sadeck and Chiwimbiso Kwenda, as well as a recent Fulbright visitor, Prof Peter Hewson.

Prof Robinson’s own long-term agenda is to establish a Chair in Teacher Education in the Faculty, so that the excellent work of her colleagues can be better supported and profiled.

Photograph: Prof Maureen Robinson, Prof Chris Winberg

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