Challenges, controversies and emerging issues within research ethics came under the spotlight during the institution’s Annual Research Ethics Day.

Lets’ talk Ethics was the main theme of this year’s event, which included a discussion session between the audience and a panel of experts consisting of Prof Penelope Engel-Hills (Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences), Dr Navindhra Naidoo (Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences), Prof Izak van Zyl (Faculty of Informatics and Design), Siyabulela Sabata (Fundani) and Prof Nic Theo (Faculty of Informatics and Design.

“Research ethics and integrity as well as responsible research conduct are critical to all research effected at CPUT. We as an Institute acknowledge our responsibility to facilitate, safeguard and promote these principles in creating an awareness that it is everyone’s responsibility at CPUT,” said Dr Hester Burger, senior researcher in the Institute for Biomedical and Microbial Biotechnology.

Researchers from across the institution were invited to the event by the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships.

The event included a plenary talk titled Let stories breathe…..ethically by Dr Candice Livingston from the Faculty of Education. Livingston also chairs the Faculty’s Research Ethics Committee (FREC).

This was followed by a special breakaway session, Ethics ER (emergency room), where each CPUT FREC held information sessions to discuss specific research ethics issues within a specific field.

“The CPUT community has ample knowledgeable and experienced experts in research ethics that we as an Institute can tap into, and it was really a privilege to hear from these. The panel discussions were provocative, insightful and informative. We were also reminded about new developments in research ethics and the challenges ahead to improve our continued support and commitment to ethics at an Institutional level. More opportunities to engage on research ethics should be created where the necessary space is provided to hear the voices of all stakeholders,” said Burger.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Prof Izak Van Zyl, who has been recently appointed as Director: Centre for Postgraduate Studies (CPGS), says he wants to develop the centre’s academic capacity, in line with the university’s Vision 2030.

“I want to position the CPGS strategically as a postgraduate hub that offers more than just administrative support,” adds Van Zyl. To achieve this, he is working towards three goals, namely, to increase the number and quality of postgraduates (including postdoctoral fellows), to increase the number and quality of research and creative outputs, and finally, to enhance the postgraduate student experience. “Achieving these objectives will take time and energy, but they form a critical part of the five-year strategic plan which I have developed for the centre,” he reveals.

Van Zyl is grateful that since 2017 he had been working under the tutelage of great leaders in the Faculty of Informatics and Design “who helped me grow both academically and personally”. “I’ve forged strong relationships with colleagues who have supported me in my various endeavours in the faculty and broader university.”

He says he is very excited and grateful for his latest appointment. “It came as a wonderful surprise to be offered the position after a rigorous (and nerve-wracking) interview process,” he adds.

“I want to thank all colleagues who have expressed their support in the past few weeks.

“I am also immensely grateful to the previous Acting Director, Prof Dina Burger, for her encouragement and support, as well as to the DVC RTIP, Dr David Phaho, and all members of senior management, for backing me in this position,” acknowledges Van Zyl.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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The Office of the Vice-Chancellor hosted the first institutional Vice-Chancellor’s Doctorandi Dinner for 19 doctoral graduates from all faculties to celebrate their accomplishments and give the graduates the recognition they deserve.

“Obtaining a doctorate is a fantastic achievement. It takes dedication, hard work and perseverance, Director of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies,” said Prof Izak Van Zyl, Director of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies. Van Zyl said the graduates should be immensely proud of what they have achieved and that they should enjoy the occasion. “It is important to celebrate it and take some time to reflect on the journey.”

He said some of the faculties have hosted similar events but “to my knowledge, this is the first one involving all faculties”. “I certainly regard this event as a celebration of reaching a pinnacle of higher education. This is ultimately what defines us as an institution: we (aspire to) advance both knowledge and human development through education. It therefore means a lot to us as individuals but also as an organisation.”

Van Zyl continued: “To the class of 2023, I want to say: embrace this joyous moment. You have worked hard, and you are being recognised for that. But: this is not the end of the journey. In fact, it is the beginning of a new one. Obtaining a doctorate opens the door to new opportunities and adventures. We look forward to seeing you grow and thrive, and we hope that CPUT will remain close to your heart as you navigate life. Congratulations again, and all the best!”

The doctoral graduates included, Michael Agenbag, who obtained Doctor of Philosophy: Environmental Health; Phitlelelo Mokoen, DTech: Tourism and Hospitality Management; Mario Da Costa, DTech: Office Management and Technology; Warren Charles, Doctor of Human Resource Management; Lumnka Ntwanambi, Doctor of Public Administration; Martha Grewe, Doctor of Human Resource Management; Maryna De Lange, Wendy Smidt, Kabeya Tshimanika all obtained Doctor of Education. Leo Folifac obtained Doctor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering and Howard Fawkes with Doctor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering.

Tabisa Ncubukazi was conferred with Doctor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering, Olukayode Ayodele, Doctor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering; Gareth Holtman, Doctor of Engineering in Civil Engineering. Mohamed Almihat and Gedeon Joubert were capped with Doctor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering. Faeda Mohsam obtained DTech: Informatics and Monica Nehemia obtained PhD Informatics.

Van Zyl said: "I really enjoyed the event and appreciated the fact that CPUT celebrated its doctoral graduates to such an extent. The VC, DVCs, Chair of Council and Chancellor were also present, indicating how deeply the university values its senior graduates, and how grateful and supportive it is of their achievements. Again, a doctorate is a remarkable accomplishment and the institution certainly honoured each of the 19 'new doctors' last night."

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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