In line with the university’s commitment to produce employable graduates, CPUT students are always presented with opportunities to interact with industry captains and familiarize themselves with their future work environments.

Third-year students in the Information Technology Department recently took part in the first ever international Unearthed Hackathon event which was held at the V&A Waterfront.

The event was organized by mining giants, Anglo platinum and De Beers, and pitted the region’s four universities and industry specialists against each other.

Among the contestants were theoretical physicists, statisticians, mathematicians, engineers and Information Technology Developers and were tasked to provide real-time solutions to industrial problems.

The contestants were presented with five problem scenarios that have to do with the mining industry, for which they had to provide solutions and also create a prototype.

The teams were allocated 54 hours in which to do the work.

The CPUT students, under the supervision of lecturer Kruben Naidoo, chose two problems to solve and split into two teams.

One team dealt with sound analysis while the other tackled truckload measurements.

While the CPUT team did not clinch the first prize, the students were exposed to the ins and outs of the mining industry and learnt valuable lessons in the process. 

“Given the fact that this was the department’s first hackathon, we were able to gain experience with new technologies,” says Prima Inderlal, Work-Integrated Learning Co-ordinator in the department.   

Written by Kwanele Butana
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As we welcome new and returning students to CPUT we also celebrate our 2018 research highlights and look forward to making 2019 a year of discovery and innovation. 

The most recent Summer Graduation saw 104 masters and 13 doctorate degrees conferred, underscoring the institution’s ongoing emphasis on research and postgraduate studies. Reflecting on 2018 Prof Marshall Sheldon, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, pointed out CPUT can be proud of many research highlights, including but not limited to:

• the launch of the first VC prestigious award for deserving postgraduate students;
• first Deputy Vice-Chancellor Innovation Award; visits from ministers and government officials to a variety of events; the successful hosting of several conferences on local campuses and the participation at numerous high level national and international prestigious conferences with a number of staff and student awards;
• successful participation in national and international student competitions;
• the continuation and start of a range of partnership initiatives;
• new NRF SARChI chair approvals and appointments plus retained and new NRF ratings; the establishment of new research entities; funding from a range of external stakeholders for various purposes including postgraduate and postdoctoral fellow bursaries,
• improvement of our resources and facilities, and training and development of staff and students; new postgraduate qualifications approved and implemented in line with the new HEQSF; improved research output and a higher number of postgraduate graduations;
• more CPUT research grants were awarded; and clean audits.

“During 2018 Senate also approved the categorisation of researchers, which will allow us as an institution to have a more targeted approach along with a range of new support programmes. CPUT also successfully registered a spinout company, Amaya Space, the first African space company for Africa by Africans,” said Sheldon.

One of the biggest highlight for 2018 was the successful launch of Zacube-2 on 27 December 2018 and the official name for CPUT’s second nanosatellite in space will be announced by the Minister of Science and Technology later this year.

CPUT also bid farewell to researchers who either retired, resigned or, sadly, passed on. “While we were sad to part ways with individuals who retired and resigned we appreciate all their contributions and wish them well with the next phase in their careers and lives. One of them was a stalwart of CPUT, Prof Anthony Staak, our DVC: Teaching and Learning who retired in December 2018.”

Looking forward Sheldon mentioned the finalisation of the Vision 2030 and building #OneSmartCPUT as a project to look forward to, as well as:

• finalising the DHET Framework on Internationalisation;
• implementing the 2019 postgraduate bursaries;
• approving and implementing additional postgraduate qualifications;
• applications and approvals of more external research funding to assist us with achieving our vision, mission and Research, Technology and Innovation strategy;
• new successful NRF rating applications;
• more postdoctoral fellow appointments;
• higher postgraduate bursary awards;
• improved service delivery from all the research support units to all stakeholders;
• the implementation of a new and improved Research Management system;
• the piloting of a new contracts flow management system;
• a focus on research integrity and highlighting research ethics;
• a review of all our research entities;
• expanding our strategic partnerships and networks across the globe;
• and the continuation of a number of successful prestigious projects.

“2018 and the highlights achieved would not have been possible without the hard work, dedication and commitment of all our staff and students and I thank all of you who contributed to these successes. May 2019 be an even greater and more successful year for all,” said Sheldon.

Written by CPUT News

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Over 100 disadvantaged students at CPUT will now be able to graduate free of student debt thanks to a R2.5 million donation from the FNB Fund. 

The donation will settle the outstanding fees and enable the students to receive graduation certificates which declare them eligible for work opportunities. CPUT Vice-Chancellor Dr Chris Nhlapo says he is encouraged by the Fund’s willingness to assist needy students.

“A donation of this magnitude makes a huge difference to the lives of the 106 students who are now able to enter the world of work armed with their qualifications. This donation bolsters our Vision 2030 ambitions which aim to advance our fundraising and brand building efforts,” says Dr Nhlapho.

Howard Arrand, Chairman of the FNB Fund says education is one of the key focus areas for the FNB Fund, from Early Childhood Development to tertiary education.  

“We believe that empowering young minds with skills is essential to creating a knowledge-based economy and shaping future leaders,” he says.

“Our motivation to play a meaningful role in our developing economy has contributed to growing the number of students that graduate from higher learning institutions in South Africa and
we are immensely proud of the achievement of these students.”

Written by Lauren Kansley
Tel: +27 21 953 8646
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A CPUT security officer obtained his third qualification from the university when he graduated with a BTech: Project Management degree this morning.

Acting Admin Officer at the Campus Protection Services, Aviwe Tonisi, was capped during a graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences.

“I am very excited and my family is so happy,” said Tonisi. “When it all started I felt like quitting because of challenges associated with juggling work and studies.”

He obtained his first qualification, National Higher Certificate: Accountancy in 2017 before registering for a diploma in Cost and Management Accounting in 2018 which he completed in the same year.

“I admit, it wasn’t easy to complete NHC, as I worked shifts at the time and would miss class-tests. It took a lot from me, and I have sacrificed so much to ensure that I get where I always wanted to be,” he added.

Tonisi acknowledged his family for their support, particular his wife. “She’s been very supportive since 2014, she never dropped me.”

In 2014 he enrolled towards BEd studies at the University of Western Cape only to drop out in his first year owing to financial constraints. Tonisi added that studying towards the diploma was not as challenging as the degree studies, because he had to manage his time effectively and juggle his studies with his job.

He is a first-generation graduate in his family of five.

The Lady Frere born man said that he is grateful for the support he received from Messrs Etienne Saaiman and Gavin Solomons both in his work and studies. “They motivated me to study towards the BTech degree and supported me throughout my studies.”

He added that the duo continuously provided unconditional mentorship and always pushed him to be at his best level and gave him constructive criticism.

“They make even the most stressful and challenging task a lovely learning process. Those challenges became my stepping stones and the ladder to learn how to deal with complex problems.”

Earlier this year, Tonisi took a decision to study something different from accountancy, so he registered for the BTech degree in Project Management. “I had an impression that this degree will advance my career and help me to have a foot in a managerial position.

Written by Kwanele Butana

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Well-known TV and radio presenter Tracey Lange spoke during the Media Department’s first lunchtime talk for 2022.

The bubbly Kfm and Tussen Ons presenter spoke about how she has used language as a resource to connect with audiences on radio and TV throughout her career.

She is known for her ability to communicate with her audiences in both English and Afrikaans.

Journalism lecturer Sisanda Nkoala said the main objective of this year’s series was to get journalism students and anyone interested in the role of journalism in society to hear from professionals in the space “and then deliberate on the centrality of news media in how we live our lives”

“The advent of social media and the development of phenomena such as disinformation has raised questions on the place of news media, given that nowadays ‘anyone’ can create and share content online. The speakers in this series will talk about their journeys as media professionals and reflect more deeply on their views on why the craft of journalism is still important, perhaps now more than ever.”

Nkoala said last year’s speaker series had been exceptionally well received.

“The series was opened up to anyone to attend, and we had requests from other journalism education entities for requests to share some of the sessions. More importantly, our students were able to network virtually with media professionals and use that opportunity as a means of getting mentored. The speakers themselves were extremely impressed with the engagements.”

During the online talk, Lange shared with students how she started her career at a law firm and got into a broadcasting career by chance.

She started helping at a community radio station in Somerset West and said, “The doors opened up from there”.

Her first paying job on the radio was at Good Hope FM, where she initially read the news on weekends.

“Within four months, they offered me a weekday position and a drivetime position because it was only for breakfast and drive time newsreaders who read English and Afrikaans.”

“I put in the work, and people started realising that I could easily do English and Afrikaans and switch between them quite comfortably. And now it’s something that people know me for.”

Lange told students that much of what she had achieved has been because she took the initiative to make the calls and send the emails and encouraged students to “open themselves up to just about any opportunity”.

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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A Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) delegation recently visited the Institution to establish contact with the Research Directorate and get an overview of how research is managed at CPUT.

At the meeting, CPUT was represented by Dr David Phaho – Deputy-Vice Chancellor Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Elisha Chiware- Director of Library Services, Dr Hester Burger – Manager of unit of Research Integrity, Research Directorate. Dr Patricia Smit – Manager: Research Capacity Development and Dr Nelisiwe Maleka – Manager: Research Uptake Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships.

Burger said the purpose of the meeting was two-folded:

• To introduce the work that DSI does with research offices, particularly on the relationship between South Africa and Europe and the collaboration in science and innovation research
• To enlighten DSI about the research areas at CPUT and activities currently running between CPUT and Europe.

At the meeting, the DSI stated that they aim to create contact with the Research Directorate to arrange information sessions.  The department also advised that there are bilateral consortiums on research initiatives with European countries other than bilateral calls, e.g., the Consortium of Minerals and Water in Germany and Austria.  DSI coordinates South African-European-funded projects. Annual joint committee meetings are chaired by the DSI Director General (DG) and European Commission DG.

On behalf of the DIS delegation, Dr Toto Matshediso stated that it’s very important for South African institutions of higher learning to use these consortiums to forge bilateral cooperation to access information about research initiatives and that the interest is in spin-off companies.

Representatives provided a comprehensive overview of how CPUT manages its research and innovation activities. Meanwhile, the DSI highlighted how CPUT is delivering on its mandate, not just in teaching and research, but also in innovation for the benefit of the people of South Africa, citing the successful launch of the three nanosatellites in January 2022 as an example. “The [DSI]colleagues were well informed about our activities, and they wanted to inform us about existing and emerging opportunities for research and innovation funding, especially from the European Union for CPUT researchers, specifically young and emerging researchers,” Phaho said.

He added that the end goal was to establish a single point of entry within the Research Directorate at CPUT, where opportunities for funding and collaborations managed by the DSI through bilateral agreements with other countries can be communicated to the broader CPUT Research and Innovation community. “The benefit of CPUT is an opportunity for our researchers (including academics, students and postdocs) to be informed in real-time on existing and new opportunities for funding, partnerships and mobility as they become available through the DSI.”

The meeting provided insights on research, strategic initiatives, and funding opportunities available through DSI. “Both CPUT and DSI agreed on strengthening the skills development of CPUT postgraduate students, participation of postgraduate students in exchange programmes, and European science forum. The engagements will continue, and some action points will be executed,” Burger said.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

CPUT’s Vooma vaccination days are back, and students are being encouraged to get their shots to protect themselves and others.

Participating students can win one of two R 5000 cash prizes or one of ten R1 000 cash prizes.

The campaign kicks off at the Bellville campus today, and there will be goodie bags for all students who come to get vaccinated.

“We hope to provide 3,000 or more vaccinations over the entire campaign,” said vaccination manager Benjamin de Waal.

The dates and venues are as follows:

• 28 February to 4 March - Bellville Campus Vaccination Centre
• 7 to 11 March – D6 Campus, Admin building
• 16 March – Wellington Campus Student Centre
• 29 March – Mowbray Campus
• 30 March Catsville Residence
• 31 March – Granger Bay Campus

Students wishing to enter the competition need to register on OPA via https://opa.cput.ac.za if they have not already done so in the past.   

Walk-ins are also welcome. Students need to bring along their student cards and Identity Documents.

Last year’s Vooma campaign was a huge success.

Melanie Marais, Head of the HIV/Aids Unit, encouraged students to vaccinate.

“This is an act of good citizenship. Getting your Covid-19 jab is the most responsible thing anyone can do. If you don’t want to do it for yourself, do it for your loved ones, friends, and anyone around you. Too many people have lost their lives. Our economy has suffered enough. The power is in your hands to help change the tide of this pandemic by getting vaccinated,” said Marais.

De Waal added that vaccination will increase individual and community protection even for people who have had Covid-19.

“Booster vaccinations are equally essential to ensure immunity levels remain high in anticipation of a possible fifth wave expected towards winter. Those who are hesitant should consider that the COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use by health authorities across the globe. The vaccines have been studied thoroughly, and their effectiveness and safety have been proven and are being monitored across the world.“

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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