Classes for the new Grade R Diploma commenced at the Mowbray Campus with 64 students this month.

CPUT is the only university in the Western Cape that offers this qualification.

Forty-three students, who are already teaching Grade R at public schools, were awarded full bursaries by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). Four other students are teaching in independent schools while the rest have yet to start teaching.

The students are doing the course part-time over four years and are taking six subjects in the first year. They are required to attend 18 weekends of lectures as well as four days during each of the short schools’ holidays.

Course coordinator Nici Rousseau says the WCED is anxious to have fully-qualified Grade R teachers.

“The diploma is going to be a minimum qualification for Grade R teachers,” says Rousseau.

She says the students are a very interactive group who bring experience to class.

Student Vuyokazi Matembisa, who has been teaching Grade R at Vuyani Primary School in Gugulethu since 2006, says she is looking forward to studying towards the diploma as the qualification will bring her recognition and the professional status that will command respect from her colleagues.

Marion Frantz, who is an assistant Grade R teacher at D Van der Ross Primary School, hopes to be a permanent teacher at the school after obtaining the diploma.

For more information on the course, contact Nici Rousseau at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +27 21 680 1547.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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A project, which has helped hundreds of young people by giving them a second chance to write their matric exams, is growing from strength to strength, thanks to CPUT and a range of partners.

Recently a new intake of learners, who will make up the class of 2017, were inducted into the Second Chance programme, which will provide them with free tuition.

The CPUT programme was first launched and co -sponsored in 2015 by the National Youth Development Agency and the Education Training and Development Practices SETA.

In 2016, the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority came on board to sponsor 50 learners specifically for Mathematics and Physical Science.

This year the project is proving to be in huge demand with more than 2 000 applications received for the only 300 available places in 2017.

They will have the opportunity to rewrite the matric exams in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Accounting and English First Additional Language, thanks to the Advancement Department, the Service-Learning Unit and the Faculty of Education at CPUT, the Western Cape Education Department and the ETDP-SETA.

At a mini seminar held at the Granger Bay campus, where stakeholders could reflect on and evaluate the project, one of the project’s many success stories was celebrated.

Lakin Seconds, who completed the programme last year and was at the top of the class, has been awarded a bursary through the Solomon Mahlangu Bursary Fund. She is currently studying medicine at the University of the Free State. Her parents thanked the stakeholders for helping Lakin to achieve her goals.  

“No student can turn around and say they didn’t get a second chance. It is an excellent programme.  I don’t have the words to say how thankful we are. I’m promoting the programme wherever I go,” Lakin’s mother, Lynn Seconds, told the stakeholders.

Jacqui Scheepers, project manager and manager of the Service-Learning Unit at CPUT, says the project would continue to build on its successes this year, while aiming to increase attendance and parental involvement.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Bellville Campus was abuzz with excitement when about 200 learners from across the Western Cape participated in the first provincial Coding and Robotic Hackathon.

The theme for the event centred around Building a Smart Home for Mrs Sarah Jacobs, an elderly woman who faces daily challenges due to her health conditions. Western Cape Education Department (WCED) Chief Education Specialist Ebrahim Peck said: "You, young innovators are tasked with designing solutions to make her life easier and safer.”

Peck continued: “By designing a smart home for Mrs Jacobs, you are contributing to creating more inclusive and accessible living spaces for everyone. It’s a small step towards a bigger change.”

The Grade 3 and 4 learners tackled unplugged challenges while Grade 7 to 9 learners tackled prototyping smart home solutions. In this high-energy event, learners ideated and formed teams to tackle specific challenges within a constrained timeframe. Partakers leaped into real-world problems, applying their skills to develop innovative solutions. Students from the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment adjudicated the innovative projects, giving learners the opportunity for exceptional exposure.

Deputy Chief Education Specialist: Coding and Robotics Intermediate Phase: WCED, Ashric Don, said the hackathon had been WCED’s dream since last year to bring the children together in one place to solve real problems. Don said the learners had undergone training before the event.

On the event day, the learners presented their final products to the audience. Peck said the event was about innovation, creativity and collaboration. “This hackathon isn’t just another competition; it’s a chance to solve real-world problems using technology, creativity, and teamwork.”

Don also thanked CPUT for opening its doors to learners, and for exposing learners to a university environment. “We wanted a university to host it, and there is a two-fold effect, because many of our learners have never seen a university and we wanted that experience to be part of the day. They come to the university, walk around this department, see what Engineering is all about, and work with Engineering students who are part of the judges. That is another part of this event being hosted at CPUT.”

He added: “I am grateful to CPUT’s leaders for opening the doors for us, Dr Marco Adonis, Prof Suresh Ramsuroop: Dean: Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment and [CPUT] Education Faculty. I am hopeful that we can take this partnership for further competitions.

Peck encouraged the learners to “take a dive in with enthusiasm”. “Take risks, be bold in your ideas, and most importantly, have fun. Remember this is a day for exploration and innovation. To our parents, teachers and guests, thank you for supporting these incredible learners. Your encouragement and guidance are invaluable”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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