The CPUT academic Marketing Department, which falls under the Business Faculty, has received a generous donation of 200 copies of the prescribed textbook eMarketing: the Essential Guide to Online Marketing from a Cape Town-based online marketing agency, Quirk eMarketing.

Quirk eMarketing was established in 1999 by Rob Stokes, a then 20-year-old Business Science graduate from University of Cape Town. With insight beyond his years, Stokes became a pioneer in terms of the advent of the eMarketing (online marketing) discipline.

eMarketing: the Essential Guide to Online Marketing has been prescribed for the second year students as a module in their Marketing II subject.

The process of adding this new and innovative textbook onto the prescribed reading list began when Lyndi Lawson, Assistant Marketing Manager of Quirk eMarketing, contacted Rodney Duffett, Advertising Lecturer in the Marketing Department, late last year.

Lawson expressed that their company wished to donate 200 textbooks (worth R65 000) to the faculty’s second year Marketing students.

The culmination of this initiative took place on 16 February 2009 when Stokes and Lawson, the agency representatives, visited the CPUT Bellville Campus to present the textbooks.

During the handover event, Stokes delivered an inspiring and motivating speech. He also made the students aware of several lucrative internships available at his company.

The textbooks were then distributed to the eager students.

Duffett closed the event by presenting Rob Stokes with an Excellence Award certificate to thank Quirk eMarketing for their valued support and development of Marketing students across the country.

By Thando Moiloa

Photo: Second year Marketing students appear elated after receiving donated textbooks from Quirk eMarketing.

Written by CPUT News
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Outstanding contributions towards science, engineering, innovation and technology were acknowledged at the twelfth National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) Awards.

The winners of the 2009/10 NSTF Awards were announced at the annual Gala Dinner that took place on 4 May 2010 at Emperors Palace, Gauteng.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Naledi Pandor presented the fourteen category awards on the evening.

The NSTF Awards affords an opportunity for recognition to all practising scientists, engineers, technologists and innovators across the system of innovation.

Teachers, schools and students who excelled in the mathematics, science, and technology field were also acknowledged.

The Awards represent a collaborative effort by the SET community of South Africa, made possible by the participation and sponsorship of a variety of stakeholders.

CPUT’s Prof Oluwole Daniel Makinde received recognition for his success in research in mathematical modelling and computation as well as research capacity development in challenging environments.

The NRF Sponsored T W Kambule Award to a 'senior black male researcher over the last five to ten years' was made to Prof Makinde, who is currently a Senior Professor and Chair of Postgraduate Studies in the Faculty of Engineering.

In 2009, Prof Makinde received an NSTF finalist award for outstanding contribution to science, engineering, technology and innovation.

This year, he was nominated by Dr S M Tshehla, Deputy Dean Military Science at the University of Stellenbosch.

Prof Makinde’s involvement in the NSTF is mainly through capacity development in the area of computational and mathematical sciences among previously disadvantaged communities in South Africa and beyond, as well as his contributions in the area of Computational Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling.

Over the past ten years his research work has contributed to the upliftment of students through supervision and training at Honours, Masters, PhD and post-doctoral levels.

“This achievement has given my research niche area a boost. Computational and mathematical modeling of engineering and biological systems provide a cost effective means of investigating the inherent complex dynamics embedded in them”, said Prof Makinde.

The main objective of his research work is to use mathematical theories and methodologies to gain insight into the dynamics of various engineering & biological systems which are of industrial, environmental and social interest.

“The NSTF provides a good platform for our academic staff and students to embark of quality research activities. We are here to provide adequate mentorship in order to make their dreams a reality. Research excellence is achievable and we can all contribute to the advancement of Science/Technological Innovation/New Knowledge in South Africa and Africa in general”, said Prof Makinde.

Presently, he is serving as the Secretary General of the African Mathematical Union and an Associate member of National Institute of Physics in South Africa (NIThep).

He has co-authored two textbooks, two monographs and published numerous research articles in journals and conference proceedings and has received several academic and research excellent awards, honours and grants within and outside South Africa.

He added: “I will continue to provide much needed mentorship and support that are necessary for the development of essential research skills for both academic staff and students at CPUT, other South African institutions and Africa continent in general”.

For more information and a gallery of photographs from the event visit the NSTF website at www.nstfawards.org.za.

By Thando Moiloa

Written by CPUT News
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Recently, during the annual Cape Town Book Fair held from 30 July to 02 August 2010 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), several schools and institution’s of higher learning were invited to receive copies of former government minister Jay Naidoo’s new book, “Fighting for Justice”.

In the 1980s, Naidoo was the first general secretary of Cosatu, the country’s largest union federation.

During Nelson Mandela’s presidency, he served as the minister in charge of Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Broadcasting.

CPUT Libraries was in line to receive six brand new copies of the autobiography, to give the campus community access to the informative read.

The trade unionist turned political activist partnered with local paper supplier Sappi Kraft to launch their new book paper grade, Bookpride 70 on which Naidoo’s autobiography was printed.

Naidoo’s publisher Picador Africa (Pan Macmillan Publishers) agreed to the promotion of the new paper grade.

Due to the significant role that Naidoo played in the country’s political and social history, it was fitting that local paper supplier Sappi Kraft decided to donate copies of the book to learners and students for their educational benefit.

Instrumental in the initiative was Simon Sonn, Divisional Sales Manager: Newsprint for Sappi Kraft, who was also present at the handover where Naidoo presented the six books to the Head of Department: Technical Services & E-Resources Management Audrey Patrick.

Sonn thanked the Library for its participation, saying: “The launch held at the Cape Town Book Fair was a resounding success”.

Patrick expressed her delight at the generous donation and added that the copies of the book would be distributed across the libraries branches.

“We as CPUT Libraries encourage staff and students to read a copy of this great book as it reminds us of our past that led us to our freedom”.

After leaving the world of politics in 1999, Naidoo set up an investment and management company, J & J Group, of which he is currently the co-owner.

By Thando Moiloa

Photo: CPUT staff member Audrey Patrick with Jay Naidoo at the Cape Town Book Fair; A copy of Naidoo’s autobiography “Fighting for Justice”.

Written by CPUT News
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