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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CPUT’s Prof Yusuf Sayed, South African Research Chair in Teacher Education and Director of the Centre for International Teacher Education (CITE), has won the prestigious South African Education Research Association (SAERA) Research Honours Award. 

The award recognises his outstanding contribution to the field of education. Sayed, received the award at the SAERA annual conference which was held in Pretoria this week.

“It is, therefore, my privilege to inform you that your nomination was successful and that you will be awarded this SAERA Honours Award at the SAERA 2018 conference in Pretoria from 22 to 24 October 2018,” reads a letter from the Association’s secretary, Prof Labby Ramrathan.

Sayed is ecstatic about the award from the largest education research association in South Africa.

“It is a testament to the search for equitable and quality education in South Africa and researching the work of teachers, teacher education and teaching,” he said. “Further, it is a recognition of continued and consistent engagement with South African research and policy analysis before and after the advent of the new democracy in 1994.”

He said the achievement bears testimony to the confidence and support in the research work that has been done and will continue to be done in CITE by staffers, postgraduate students and research partners.

“It reflects the fact that CITE is a leading national, regional and global institute and the key to the research architecture of CPUT. The university needs to continue to provide the support and commitment it has shown to date to allow CITE and its members to flourish and grow.”

CITE has developed a new five-year research plan beginning in 2019 which requires the vision and foresight of all role-players in the university and in the education sector broadly, Sayed added.

“Congratulations on receiving this prestigious SAERA award that recognises your outstanding contribution to education research in South Africa,” said Prof Marshall Sheldon, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships to Sayed.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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