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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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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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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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

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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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

Written by CPUT News
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Research activities at South Africa’s 23 universities were put under the spotlight at the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Forum.

Hosted by CPUT, the round table discussion was chaired by the university’s DVC for Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Dr Chris Nhlapo.

From journal publications to growing the research sector, no stone was left unturned as academics debated a range of research issues facing the higher education sector.

The forum also presented an opportunity for academics to share their best research practices, while topics such as research ethics, salaries of research chair holders and research outputs were explored.

The forum also heard addresses delivered by members of the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Gansen Pillay from the NRF welcomed the lively debate and opportunity to interact with the leaders of research at universities.

“We must have candid conversations because all universities want the same thing – what is best for the system,” says Pillay.

The Department of Higher Education's Chief Director of University Policy and Development, Mahlubi Mabizela, also welcomed the round table discussions.

“The input from the forum is appreciated. We factor it into our discussions and decision-making,” says Mabizela.

Dr Nhlapo says the forum produced fruitful results and encouraged guests to continuously liaise with the NRF as well as the DHET, in order to strengthen the national system of innovation.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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As South Africans celebrate Women’s month to pay homage to the brave and fearless women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956, CPUT announces its commitment to increasing the number of female researchers.

The university has embarked on a Customised Career-Focused Development Programme towards building future black women researchers, in collaboration with the National Research Foundation (NRF), under the auspices of an oversight committee led by Prof Marshall Sheldon, DVC: Research Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, in conjunction with Research Development.

“The grant focuses specifically on growing and strengthening early- and mid-career academics (mainly black academic women) in order to increase their representation among established researchers,” says Sheldon. “[This sets] a transformation agenda to change the researcher landscape in South Africa, especially among Higher Education Institutions with a low number of black women established researchers.”

The NRF put out a call for a Customised Interventions Framework to which CPUT responded and was successful.

Dr Patricia Smit, Manager: Capacity Development, says the objective is to identify and assess the readiness levels of the black women academics to submit NRF rating applications and provide the NRF with a diagnostic report.

“The process entails the development of a customised plan for each participant to assist the women to focus on their career trajectories for success in the higher education sector,” says Smit.

So far already 30 women have joined the programme. As part of this programme we have identified a rated NRF researcher who will work with these wonderful women and together focus on their career trajectories for success in the higher education sector.

The participants have already kicked off the programme with an orientation session and this week (is this last week) participated in two workshops where they were granted the opportunity to interact with an A-rated South African researcher, Prof Jonathan Jansen, and CPUT’s very own leading and NRF rated women researchers.

“This is one of the most exciting programmes that we are busy with this month, and I want to encourage all our female researchers to push through the challenges because you too can be a leading researcher and CPUT will support you in your endeavours,” says Sheldon.

Written by Kwanele Butana

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Graduates of the Faculty of Applied Sciences rose the roof this morning as they cheered on a classmate who had achieved one of the highest honours the University can bestow on its students.

Dean Berry, who graduated cum laude with a BTech degree in Horticulture, is also the recipient of the Vice Chancellor’s Medal. This medal is awarded to the top Btech student across all 6 Faculties. Berry achieved six out of six distinctions in his final year of study with an aggregate of 85%.

Four MTech degrees were also awarded to Nina Septoe, Andre Lambrechts, Jade North and Natalie Newman. These candidates’ graduated with their Masters Degrees from the Departments of Consumer Science: Food and Nutrition, Environmental Health, Horticulture and Nature Conservation, respectively, while Adegbenro Peter Daso and Janes Doughari Hamuel were awarded Doctoral degrees in the Environmental Health Department.

Guest speaker Dr Gansen Pillay, the Deputy CEO of the National Research Foundation of South Africa spoke passionately of the quality of research being done in South Africa.

He says that in moving from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy, South Africa offered a wealth of opportunity for bright young graduates to exploit.

“We have to focus and prioritise education in South Africa. I advocate the concept of liberation through education – it’s the one thing that can never be taken from you. And at the centre of everything, excellence and integrity needs to be non-negotiable. “

Graduation continues this evening on the Bellville campus where the Faculty of Engineering holds its second ceremony. On Saturday, the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences holds the final two ceremonies on Cape Town campus that bring a week of Autumn graduation to a close.

By Jan Weintrob

Photograph by Clive Galant

Written by CPUT News
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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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Dr Velaphi Msomi has earned a nomination for the 2020 National Research Foundation (NRF) Research Excellence Award For Early Career/Emerging Researchers.

The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) Physics lecturer’s research deals with material processing with the purpose of enhancing their performance. Two other researchers, Dr Moses Basitere and Dr Mahabubur Chowdhury have also been nominated for the same award. It recognises outstanding research performance by current Early Career / Emerging Researchers, who are NRF grant holders.  

Msomi says the award is one of the strategies that the NRF uses to develop and enhance the research stature of Early Career / Emerging Researchers, prioritising black, female [researchers] and people with disabilities as part of its transformation agenda, which among others, ‘aims to redress historical imbalances in the South African researcher cohort’.

“My research focus deals with material processing with the purpose of enhancing their performance. We are using the newly discovered technology called friction stir processing. We are doing a lot of work on dissimilar joints processing. We are aiming to use this knowledge in the construction of thermal desalination systems”

He regards his first nomination as an inspiration: “To be nominated for such award, I feel so honoured and motivated with my research…This means that I must keep on pushing so that I keep on growing and keep CPUT on the global map,” Msomi remarks.

“An accepting attitude is what contributes to my academic success. I build on the inputs that I receive from other researchers more especially those in my field.”

His wife is the one who always motivates him and the eagerness of his students also contributes to his success.

“My main objective is to produce knowledge that is valuable and also to be of assistance in solving the problems facing our country… I see my work being listed as one of those that can be useful in solving some societal problems.”

When he is not busy with academic work, Msomi teaches his kids about Zulu culture or listens to Maskandi music. Weight lifting is one of his hobbies.

“I always make sure that I create my own personal timetable which harmonises all these commitments [academic schedule and family commitments].

“I see my family as a very understanding family. They understand when I happen to steal their time due to some deadlines but I always try to avoid situations that will put me in a situation to compromise their time.”

The leader of the research group, Friction Stir Technology Group, is also a founder and the leader of the Masibuyele Eskolweni project.  “This project encourages township-based youth to continue with their schooling (more focus on drop-outs). We give all the necessary academic information that they need for them to continue with school,” Msomi reveals.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The National Research Foundation (NRF) has recently established a committee that has been tasked to review the system used for the assessment of grant applications.

Dr Chris Nhlapo, Deputy-Vice Chancellor of Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships at CPUT, together with academics from several other higher education institutions, was selected to serve on this committee.

The committee was created by the NRF in order to establish whether there are shortcomings in the peer review system used for the assessment of grant applications.

The awarding of grants for research activities at higher education institutions is one of the key functions of the NRF.

Currently, the peer review system used by the NRF for the purpose of awarding grants consists of several processes.

Each of these processes will be reviewed by the committee, said Dr Nhlapo.

This includes the process used to select peer reviewers, preparation of the peers, documentation sent to peers, panel reviews and panel meetings.

The committee will also review the outcomes of peer reviews and other management processes related to grants.

Dr Nhlapo said they will also consider international standards during the review process.

“We are going to compare the NRF systems with other international funding systems,” he said.

Dr Chris Nhlapo said a report will be compiled by 31 October 2009.

Meanwhile, Dr Nhlapo will also be using his expertise to co-chair the Coordinating Research, Innovation and Technology Transfer Committee of the South African Technology Network (SATN).

This committee is tasked with creating capacity in various research areas at University of Technologies (UoTs).

Dr Nhlapo said UoTs are conducting research in similar areas.

“If we look at water research, then you will see that it is taking place at several UoTs,” he said.

Dr Nhlapo said the committee would like to create opportunities for collaboration. He said Uots can build research capacity by collaborating on projects, sharing expertise and equipment.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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The day before he graduated as a Doctor of Engineering: Chemical, Dr Lukhanyo Mekuto was in Bloemfontein to receive a Research Excellence Award for Next Generation Researchers from the National Research Foundation (NRF).

Originally from Brown’s Farm, Philippi, Mekuto (28) is the only child of a domestic worker and the first one in his family to not only get postgraduate, but also undergraduate degrees. He also has the distinction of being one of the youngest doctoral graduates CPUT has produced.

He arrived at university in 2008 and obtained his BTech in Biotechnology in 2011. He went on to complete his MTech cum laude in 2014. He obtained his postgraduate degrees in record time too, completing his master’s degree in 18 months and his doctorate in two and a half years.

His advice to those who, like him, want to excel in whatever field they choose, is to determine who they are and what they want. “Distinguish yourself from others. The mistake we in the township make is that we want to go with the crowd. I decided in grade 10 that I was not going to do that anymore.

“I tell learners, ‘Define who you are and what you want. Once you’ve done that you have to make a conscious decision to go after what it is that you want,’” explains Mekuto, who on weekends tutors children from his area in maths and physics.

According to Mekuto, the number one excuse people give for not reaching their potential is a lack of funds. “I have come through the NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) system. NSFAS paid for my BTech up to my PhD, so in my view no funding is no excuse.”

His research revolved around the biological treatment of industrial wastewater generated by gold mines. His interest was piqued when he read about cattle deaths in KwaZulu-Natal due to cyanide poisoning in 2012. The cyanide came from their water, which was contaminated by mining activities in the area. Mekuto investigated the use of micro-organism to break up the cyanide into its component elements.

Written by Abigail Calata

Research activities at CPUT are set to intensify with the roll-out of five additional research chairs.

The chairs are internally funded and will bring the number of research chairs at CPUT to nine.

The university currently has four chairs that are funded by external partners.

This includes a Chair in Wholesale and Retail Leadership, which is funded by the Wholesale and Retail Seta as well as Chairs in Teacher Education, Biomedical and Microbial Biotechnology and Small Satellite Technology and Applications for Africa, which are funded by the National Research Foundation.

The roll-out of the new research chairs comes as the university prepares to launch its seven focus research areas, which form part of the Research and Technology Innovation Blueprint (RTI), a strategy document that sets CPUT’s research agenda.

Dr Chris Nhlapo, DVC for Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, who is driving the RTI, says each focus area will be anchored by a chair, which will be responsible to drive research in the identified area.

 “These individuals will have to set an agenda for the focus areas as well as set up niche areas,” says Nhlapo.

The new chairs will focus on the areas of energy, climate change and environment, human and social dynamics, including issues related to service delivery, economic growth and international competitiveness as well as design for sustainability.

The existing chairs will support the focus area of bio-economy and biotechnology and space science and technology.

Nhlapo says the choice of these focus areas have been informed by CPUT’s strengths, areas likely to make the strongest contribution to strategic imperatives and national priorities as well as the need to support a multi-disciplinary approach to research and innovation.

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

His ability to break new grounds and trust his instincts has earned Dr Clive Kronenberg a coveted National Research Foundation C-Rating.

Kronenberg is the latest researcher to join the ranks of CPUT’s rated researchers.

A leading education and social science researcher, Kronenberg’s research interest lies in the intersection of critical thinking with values education.

Students in the western world especially have been exposed to a value system that is very self-centered and Kronenberg says there must be a push towards a value system based on respect, cooperation, compassion, human progress and equality.

“Students often know their rights, but scholars argue that that there exists a dire need for students to become more fully aware of what the concept of ‘values’ entails, which ultimately forms the core foundation of our social lives,” he says.

Though scholars have explored the topic of values education, Kronenberg says much room exists for further exploration and development in this area.

Based in the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, Kronenberg has played a key role in postgraduate research and has recently been tasked with developing and growing other research niche areas in the faculty.

“My new profile involves developing research in the domain of rural education, whilst also empowering and managing advanced students to engage in professional research processes and mentoring staff in areas related to peer review journal publication.”

As one of Africa’s foremost scholars on matters related to the Cuban education system, which is widely regarded as one of the most successful education systems in the developing world, Kronenberg will also continue his research activities in this area.

This international undertaking has been made possible by an award obtained from the University Research Funding Committee.

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

Making history on the African continent does pay-off and the team at F’SATI is proof.

The Institute’s Human Capacity Development Grant from the National Research Foundation (NRF) has been renewed to the tune of over R16 million. The NRF manages the contract on behalf of the Department of Science and Technology which has funded the F’SATI Space Programme since 2009.

This investment is in addition to the NRF’s multi-million rand South African Research Chairs Initiative, which will see world-renowned Prof Norman Fitz-Coy join the team later this year.

Over the past few years F’SATI has proved their worth in the higher education sector and has positioned itself as CPUT’s flagship programme. It developed and launched Africa’s first CubeSat in 2013, produced 50 engineers and has established itself as a CubeSat technology support hub for Africa.

It is also home to the Africa Space Innovation Centre, an innovation hub that boasts an impressive product line of satellite communications systems that are being marketed internationally by Clyde Space in Scotland.

With the funding set to be paid into their coffers soon, the team has their work cut-out having to meet their funder’s grant deliverables within a period of three years.

But based on their impressive record, this team, under the leadership of Prof Robert van Zyl, is sure to do much more than just the required outcomes.

Van Zyl thanked all at CPUT for supporting the Institute.

“The launch last year of ZACUBE-1 (“TshepisoSAT”), Africa’s first CubeSat in space, is testimony of the expertise, passion and dedication of a wonderful team of staff and students we have at CPUT,” says van Zyl.

“We respect the national mandate that we are entrusted with. We will therefore continue to do our best to reach the targets we have set ourselves; making CPUT great.”

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

Dr Tukayi Kudanga is a researcher at heart and his sterling efforts over the past few years have been recognized by the National Research Foundation (NRF).

Based at CPUT’s Biocatalysis and Technical Biology (BTB) Research Group, Kudanga was awarded a Y2 rating.

“This is a very big achievement and a rating will open a lot of opportunities for me,” he says.

Kudanga boasts over 30 peer-reviewed articles which include two book chapters

Kudanga focuses on Biocatalysis and developed his interest in this area whilst completing his studies at Graz University of Technology in Austria.

“During my doctoral research I saw the opportunities and possible research areas in the field of Biocatalysis,” he says.

And Kudanga was spot-on, with Biocatalysis identified as a research focus area by the Department of Science and Technology.

“Biocatalysis is also outlined in CPUT’s Research and Innovation Blueprint as a key area of research,” he says

Currently Kudanga is looking at enzymatic synthesis of bioactive compounds with a focus on antioxidants.

His current project focuses on how to increase antioxidant activity of certain compounds that can prevent skin cancer.

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

Dr Lungile Sosibo, from the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, has been awarded a National Research Foundation (NRF) grant to conduct an inter-varsity research project.

Sosibo will collaborate with researchers from CPUT, University of South Africa and the University of Venda to run training programs in Maths, Science, languages and ICT for senior phase teachers in South African schools.

Language experts from these universities will team up with Maths, Science and ICT experts to develop terminology glossaries in isiXhosa, isiZulu and tshiVenda for senior phase teachers.

“The project will focus on high schools in the Vhembe District of Limpopo,” says Sosibo who is the study’s principal investigator.

“We chose this district due to its rural nature as we assumed that its teachers may be incapacitated and lack teaching resources.”

The three-year-long project includes funding for a Masters or Doctoral student who will commence studies next year.

Sosibo says the project will yield many research outputs such as articles in accredited journals.

“The Department of Basic Education has developed glossaries for the intermediate phase, so by developing the same for the senior phase we are taking up from where it left off.”

Under the title, “Rethinking the teaching of Mathematics and Sciences in South African schools”, the project involves a team of 11 researchers, five of which come from CPUT.

The NRF has funded the project to the tune of almost R1million.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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Department of Chemical Engineering Lecturer, Dr Buntu Godongwana, who was recently awarded the Thuthuka Grant Award for 2021, says the financial support will assist in the procurement of equipment and materials required for his team’s research.

“It will also assist us in participating in various forums, local and abroad, in order to share ideas and engage fellow researchers in our chosen field,” Godongwana remarks.

The recipients were recently announced by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Department of Science and Innovation. The new Thuthuka awards are for applicants who responded to the 2021 call for applications and have been made according to the strategic objectives of the Thuthuka Funding Instrument and the available budget.

Godongwana says his team’s NRF grant application was made to support fundamental and applied research about the Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) of Hydrocarbons. “Catalysts are broadly defined as substances that enable a chemical reaction to proceed at a faster rate, without them undergoing any permanent chemical change. They occur all around nature, such as enzymes in the human body facilitate all the biochemical reactions that sustain life.

“The specific catalysts of interest for our research are heterogeneous catalysts applied in Agri-food preservation.”

The Gugulethu born academic continues: “We are very excited with our successful application. The NRF Thuthuka award is aimed at supporting emerging researchers to develop into more established researchers, thereby increasing the pool of knowledge generation and innovation in South Africa.

“We are more excited by the prospect of supporting prospective Master’s and Doctoral students as this fund allows us.”   

During his studies, Godongwana was selected as one of a group of eight students to receive the inaugural Mandela-Rhodes Foundation (MRF) scholarship, and he was also named the Learning Cape Festival Icon by the Western Cape Government. During his doctorate studies, he was awarded a Fulbright scholarship as a visiting researcher for 12 months at Montana State University.

Reverting back to the NRF Thuthuka award, Godongwana says more than the monetary value, the award serves as an affirmation and recognition of their hard work in contributing to the advancement of ‘our chosen area of research’.  “It means others recognise our work and desire to see more from us in the future. The award will assist in capacity building in the University, but it is also a recognition that the research undertaken at CPUT is of an appreciable level of competence.”   

Godongwana continues: “The future belongs to those who prepared for it and there is no greater preparation for the future than empowering yourself with knowledge”. This is the mantra that inspires us… It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, that the child of a farm worker can become the president of a great nation”. Our progression from the humble beginnings in the township of Gugulethu to sharing our ideas in international platforms with world leaders in our discipline is living testimony of Madiba’s words.”

Godongwana and his team have started a youth organisation in Gugulethu to educate young people about the dangers of alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancies, and HIV awareness.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Three academics in the Faculty of Education have been awarded new ratings by the National Research Foundation (NRF) in recognition of their research outputs.

Prof Liesel Hibbert was awarded a C2 rating while Drs Zayd Waghid and Pieter Boer each received a Y2 rating.

“I am deeply honoured and grateful to have successfully received an NRF rating,” said an ecstatic Waghid. “A Y2-rating is a testimony of the fact that one’s research outputs were of high quality and that it has significant impact in my field of educational research, which is social justice education.”

He added that a rating is a strong indication that one is ready to enter the professoriate, which has always been his goal to serve the academe at the highest level in his capacity as a researcher. “I hope to share my knowledge and experiences with colleagues in my faculty in the hope that they will also apply for NRF rating in the near future,” enthused the Senior Lecturer in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training.

Waghid said the rating is a vindication of CPUT’s stance on research as there are not that many rated researchers in the country, particularly in the field of educational inquiry. “The presence of rated scholars enhances CPUT’s research ethos both nationally and internationally,” he contended.

Boer said he is delighted and humbled by this recognition. “I have been doing research on the functional fitness for individuals with Down’s Syndrome for 12 years and it has been an extraordinary journey,” he added.

He said the rating provided direction and purpose into the research that he does and motivation to work harder and become a leading expert in a very specific area of research. “Furthermore, improving the quality of life for a vulnerable group of individuals provides feelings of appreciation and contentment,” intimated Boer.

Hibbert’s interdisciplinary research includes sociology of language and politics, educational linguistics, educational research, psychology, literature and discourse analysis.

According to the NRF website, a C2 rating is awarded when, with the exception of no more than a single reviewer raising some minor concerns, all other reviewers are firmly convinced that the applicant is an established researcher with a sustained recent record of productivity who are recognised by their peers as having produced a body of quality work, the core of which has coherence and attests to ongoing engagement with the field.                                 

Written by Kwanele Butana
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