The Clothing and Textile Technology Station is gearing up to introduce new technology to the local industry after it acquired three hi-tech machines. These include a 3D body scanner, an ultrasonic welding machine and a jet pocket machine.

Of the machines, the body scanner is the most sought after in the local and international clothing industry.

Donated to CPUT by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the body scanner has the ability to gather the exact measurements of an individual in a couple of seconds.

This data can then be used to improve the sizing and develop more accurately fitting patterns of clothing.

Researcher Reena Pandarum, from the University of South Africa, who recently trained CPUT staff members on how to use the machine, said there are many problems in the industry with regards to sizing as each company is using their own research data to determine body sizes.

Pandarum, who has conducted extensive research using the body scanner, said with no specific sizing model in South Africa, companies are also using the American and British sizing models.

She said these models do not take in consideration the different shapes and body profiles of the diverse South Africa population.

Pandarum said the scanner will play a vital role in addressing this current problem.

In order to obtain measurements, an individual steps into a chamber, similar to a clothing cubicle that houses the scanner.

The scanner then projects white light on to the individual in order to obtain the exact measurements. It then puts together a computerised image of the individual.

Manager of the station, Shamil Isaacs, said with the scanner located in Cape Town, they are now in a position to assist the local clothing and textile industry with improving their sizing models.

Isaacs said the ultrasonic welding machine and jet pocket machine will be an extension of their technology platform and will play a vital role in the services offered to industry by the station, especially to SMMEs.

The ultrasonic welding machine, which was imported from the United States, is one of the latest developments in the industry.

Instead of utlising thread to sew garments, the welder generates heat from within the fabric, and makes use of a specialised wheel to weld the garments together.

Isaacs said it is ideal for the manufacturing of outdoor and medical wear.

The station is also working with the Engineering Department to develop different wheels for the machines. Several well-known clothing producers have also visited the station to test the machine.

The impressive jet pocket machine has also caught the attention of industry. Isaacs said to manufacture pockets manually takes 13 minutes, whereas the machine takes seven seconds.

He said all the machines will also be utilised for research purpose by CPUT staff members.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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The book, which explores the significance of power in the historical development of the physical science curriculum in South Africa, is available in university libraries worldwide and will be published in other languages as part of the Curriculum Studies Worldwide Series alongside other books penned by curriculum specialists.

“The book is an endeavour to come up with new ideas for curriculum development that are more meaningful and appropriate for South African learners and university students,” says Koopman.

“We need more curriculum theorists in South Africa, especially in science education because most of the time we’re looking to the west and Europe for the design and development of curricula.”

He adds that he wrote the book in order to share with the rest of the world locally produced knowledge in science education.

All the chapters but one focus on phenomenology (lived experiences of teachers in South Africa).

“The book makes an argument for phenomenology as a philosophy for teaching in which science teachers can focus more on embracing the use of senses in the classroom.”

After publishing research articles in prestigious journals locally and abroad, last year Koopman decided to pen his debut book.

Printed and published by Palgrave MacMillan in the United States in October, the monograph can be bought online at about R1 900 per copy.

It was edited by the greatest curriculum scholars in the world, William PInar from University of British Colombia, and Janet Miller from New York University.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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With a strong focus on funding and mentoring for graduate and undergraduate students, Golden Key (GK) International Honour Society offers numerous scholarships and awards, available only to members, as well as career development, networking and literacy service opportunities and unique discounts from partner companies.

Student Development Officers Cherice Mangiagalli and Melani-Ann Hara, who serve as advisors for Golden Key SA - CPUT Chapter, say GK has chapters at over 400 colleges and universities in Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, The Bahamas and the United States. Mangiagalli states that membership in the Society is by invitation only and applies to the top 15% of college and university sophomores, juniors, seniors, and top-performing graduate students in all fields of study, based solely on their academic achievements.

President of the GK CPUT chapter, Simphiwe Ngubane, shared his experience:

Simphiwe reveals that being made a part of GK last year and representing CPUT at the DHL 2021 Top 100 Most Employable Students in South Africa “have truly been the cherries on top of my time here at CPUT”.  “We all go through challenges in life, and what I can account as one of the more difficult challenges is finding a reason every day to commit to myself, my studies and what I see as my path- all this comes about in the context of a world attempting to dictate to you what you should do, how you should do it and where you should go: the reason I consistently conjure up is, all this is leading you somewhere, don't give up,” he says.

The Durban-born-final-year BSc in Geomatics student “owes”  his success to his mother and grandmother, “whom I will forever be grateful to for inculcating the critical importance of education to thrive and succeed in this world”.

Simphiwe was appointed a member of the Golden Key Executive this year through an interview and selection process. He says: “I would like to take the opportunity to advocate as many Golden Key members as possible to avail themselves of this opportunity for the upcoming year: leadership, academic excellence, and personal development are part and parcel of what GK stands for and it is what we as a CPUT student body should be consistently advocating for.”  

Reflecting on life challenges in our communities, Simphiwe says: “One doesn’t need to know too much of the country's state. The interminable load shedding, the rising cost of fuel and living costs are stark reminders of the state of our communities. Ultimately, what we must look toward is credible leadership in navigating the challenges this country faces and will face tomorrow. Golden Key is a shining canvass of opportunity to accelerate the growth of the type of person that will steer this country.” 

He says being part of GK has helped him access many worthwhile opportunities through webinars, broadcasts for scholarships, job opportunities, etc. “I am an Olico Maths Tutor because of Golden Key; my involvement with the 2021 DHL Gradstar Top 100 most employable students in South Africa would not have been possible without Golden Key.” 

Simphiwe also encourages his fellow students to be part of Golden Key society. “Decide to join; you won’t regret it; membership means being part of a community of exceptional individuals from across the world; doors open to you automatically by association.”  Simphiwe serves on the CPUT Golden Key executive committee alongside Uchenna Okwuosa – Treasurer; Mahlatse Ramakgoakgoa - Service Director & Campus Community Outreach Director; and Xolisa Skweyiya – Secretary.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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