The Head of the Architectural Technology and Interior Design (ATID) Department, Rayner Moodley, was recognised with two prestigious awards during the recent Planning Africa 2024 Conference.
Moodley, who has been with CPUT since 2012, was honoured with the Outstanding Planner in South Africa award (one of five winners ) while the Western Cape region, which he chairs, was awarded most promising region.
The conference, initiated by the South African Planning Institute, was held in Durban and this year’s theme was Sustainable Futures: from Theory to Practice. He also served as programme director for the conference and chaired the closing plenary.
Moodley’s career at CPUT began as a Town Planning Technician, later advancing to junior lecturer , lecturer and becoming the Head of ATID in 2021. Along the way he completed his Master’s degree at the University of Cape Town and is currently pursuing a PhD at CPUT. He attributes his professional growth to the development opportunities provided by the university and the supportive leadership within his department and faculty.
Moodley said winning the awards was an honour and marked a significant milestone in his career.
"Being recognised as one of the top five outstanding planners in South Africa reinforces the importance of focus, hard work, and dedication, supported by a strong network both at home and within my workplace. This accolade is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the collective effort and support from my family and mentors within and outside of CPUT."
The awards come just two years after he scooped the 2022 South African Council of Planners award for Top Young planner in South Africa in the academic category.
To maintain relevance in the ever-evolving field of planning while managing his responsibilities as Head of Department, Moodley remains actively engaged with professional associations, including SAPI. Serving as Chair of the Western Cape and a member of the SAPI National Executive Committee (EXCO), he stays informed about the latest trends and advancements in the field.
“Balancing these responsibilities involves effective time management and leveraging the support of my team at CPUT. By integrating insights gained from these roles into my work at ATID, I ensure that both my academic and professional contributions remain current and impactful," he explained.
SAPI President, Dr Johannes Mulaudzi, conveyed his congratulations to Moodley, adding that he was deserving of winning these awards. He stated that SAPI appreciates his commitments towards promoting the planning profession.