CPUT has joined forces with the Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA) and six other universities to launch the Entrepreneurship Venture Builder (EVB), a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southern Africa.

The EVB is committed to empowering entrepreneurs from Universities of Technology, Historically Disadvantaged Universities and marginalised communities. The programme will provide a comprehensive support system to guide participants in transforming innovative business ideas into successful businesses.

At a recent gathering of the founding members, Prof Michael Twum-Darko, the EVB Manager, said “We are dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating pathways for entrepreneurs to flourish in the African market.”

Key Features of the EVB include:

• Mentor-in-Residence Programme: Expert mentorship from university staff specialising in technology transfer, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
• Incubation and Acceleration: Support to navigate the journey from Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to commercialisation.
• Focus on Inclusion: Dedicated to empowering student entrepreneurs and individuals from historically marginalised communities.
• Regional Impact: Initially hosted at CPUT’s ‘Business Innovation and Incubation Centre’, the EVB will expand to a decentralised model across multiple universities.

The other founding members include Durban University of Technology, University of Venda, Tshwane University of Technology, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Central University of Technology and Walter Sisulu University. The EVB is funded by the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) fund, a UK International Development initiative, and represents a significant step towards strengthening campus or community-based innovation and research-to-commercialisation systems across South Africa.

Written by CPUT News
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The role of Universities of Technology (UoTs), access and throughput, and the general state of higher education in South Africa – these are just some of the issues that CPUT’s Dr Zilungile Sosibo will be grappling with as she begins her work with the South African Council for Higher Education. (CHE)

Responsible for advising Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Ndzimande, the CHE recently welcomed its newest members, among them Sosibo, who is the only person from a UoT to serve on the independent body.

The Acting Head of Department: Further Education and Training rates her appointment as one of her biggest achievements so far. She says she’ll be wasting no time in demystifying stereotypes and will be working hard to raise the profile of not just CPUT, but all of South Africa’s UoTs. “There are people who still don’t give UoTs the same respect they give to traditional universities and that needs to change,” says Sosibo.

Sosibo’s involvement in CHE coincides with her research niche area - Assessment and Evaluations. As the CHE is also responsible for quality assurance in higher education and training, she feels she is uniquely placed to serve the body.

Sosibo spent ten years researching and teaching in the USA, paying special attention to Community Colleges (similar to the South Africas’ Further Education and Training Colleges.) She obtained her PhD in Adult Continuing Education from the University of Northern Illinois, after which she taught South African Cinema and Literature and isiZulu at the University of California at Los Angeles. On her return, she worked at the University of the Western Cape for a year before joining the Education Faculty at CPUT in 2006.

Already serving a second term on Umalusi Council, the body that advises Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, Sosibo says it makes sense for her to serve on both councils as most students come from high schools. “For me, it is important to know what is happening in the Basic and Higher Education and Training portfolios. Right now, I have the best of both worlds.”

By:  Andiswa Dantile

Written by CPUT News
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Universities of Technology are key to poverty eradication in Africa according to CPUT’s Prof Dhiro Gihwala.

The Dean of the Health and Wellness Faculty made the statement while addressing the recent Joint International Conference on Science and Technology for Development in Africa where he explained the important role of UOT’s in the South African context.

Prof Gihwala told delegates the programmes of an institution like CPUT were tailored to the demands of the country and industry- making it a key provider of skills and training.

And he emphasized the importance of upskilling our nation.

“South Africa currently produces around 1500 PHD graduates per year and that number should be much higher,” he says.

“UOT’s can champion the causes of Africa because of the distinctive nature of our offerings,” he says.

“Africa needs educated people with a special skills set to alleviate poverty- the most untapped resource in Africa is its people.”

By Lauren Kansley

Written by CPUT News
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Top water researchers from various SA universities of technology have gathered at CPUT to share experiences and strategies.

Apart from CPUT researchers the high-level meeting also drew academics from the Central, Durban and Tshwane Universities of Technology (UOTs).

This was the first meeting of its kind and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Technology Dr Chris Nhlapo urged delegates to arrange more gatherings to accelerate the pace of water research in the country.

“We are championing this cause together, all UOT’s should be aligned,” he told the meeting.

Some of the topics discussed included pending and current research projects, various specialization areas and improving support mechanisms for postgraduate students in the field.

Director for CPUT’s Centre for Water and Sanitation Research Prof Alvin Lagardien emphasised the importance of adapting a multi-disciplinary approach to water research.

“We have civil, chemical and electrical engineers busy in this field to name a few,” he says.

“We need synergy and clarity on our approach to water. “

By LAUREN KANSLEY

Written by CPUT News
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The new Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof Andile Mji, believes that teaching and learning with technology and empowering the next generation of Educators in South Africa will be the Faculty’s contribution towards accomplishing CPUT’s vision.

“I see CPUT as one of the great Universities of Technology in the country,” said Mji. “The vision of being Africa’s leading Smart University of Technology, globally renowned for innovation, with graduates that shape a better world for humanity, attracted me to the university.”

Mji, who joined CPUT during this University term, has spent several years in higher education (HE), having worked at the University of Transkei (now Walter Sisulu University), University of South Africa (Unisa) and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).

Mji added that he found that everyone at CPUT had been very welcoming. “Some colleagues from different environments within the university have wished me well,” he continued. “I noticed in all their well wishes and welcoming statements that they said welcome to the CPUT family. So, my first impression is being acknowledged as a family member.

He believes that his experience in HE means that he is familiar with and thoroughly knows the South African HE landscape.

“I am a Mathematics Education Professor with extensive publications and supervision in the area, he added. “I have worked at the management level as an Assistant Dean for 16 years at TUT. In addition, l possess an MBA from Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Finland. I suppose then my contribution will be in focused leadership meant to take the Faculty of Education (and the University) to greater heights by ensuring that we excel in our core business of teaching and learning, research as well as community service.

He joined TUT in 2005 as a professor at Unisa, where his last designation was associate professor. “At TUT, I worked as an assistant dean all my years.”