Raising awareness about human trafficking
Students gained valuable insights into the topic of human trafficking thanks to a partnership between the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences and A21, an organisation which fights human trafficking.
Co-ordinated by Mandie Richards, Senior Lecturer and Transformation Forum Chairperson, and Douglas Dyers, Lecturer and Transformation Forum Representative in the Faculty, the project saw Katie Modrau, A21 South Africa Country Manager, and Chené Fourie, the A21 SA Reach Co-ordinator, sharing information with academics and students.
They interacted with Diversity Management second-year students, co-ordinated by Richards and Advanced Diploma Project Administration students, co-ordinated by Dyers, as students worked on their research projects, which were integrated into the curriculum of their respective subjects.
Richards stated: “False promise and hope are often sold to people, and it is indeed tragic that people are exploited for financial gain, and traffickers take advantage of the vulnerabilities and desperation of people. Even more shocking is that one in every four children are victims of human trafficking.”
Dyers commented: “Human Trafficking is a crime hidden in plain sight, it happens in our communities often, and the responsibility of the Advanced Diploma students is to create awareness as to this shocking crime. The fulltime and part-time students created awareness through activations on campus, as well as in shopping malls and in community spaces”.
“According to national statistics, 30% of people who are trafficked know the traffickers as they are either friends or family members,” said Fourie. She also shared the toll-free number - 0800 222777, which is open 24/7 and 365 days a year, and encouraged students to save the number and to report anything suspicious with regards to the red flags identified in the conversation. She further advised students of the job vetting service offered by A21, should it be required.
Students engaged interactively in the sessions and shared many questions and comments.
Tshepo Ngwane voiced the question many students enquired about: “What signs or indicators should we look for to help identify potential trafficking situations?” Sibabalwe Hlazo commented: “The high unemployment rate and lack of resources is the key contributing factor to human trafficking”, whilst Luzette Tobias, stated: “I never knew that human trafficking was a big thing in South Africa until now. I always thought it just happens overseas”.
Fourie further cautioned students: “Be careful as to your online presence and understand that there are many fake profiles and traffickers online who want to reach and deceive vulnerable people, so do not post any personal information, which can be used to track you and blackmail you.”
Richards stated: “This cohort of second-year and Advanced Diploma students also completed a social media module: What every University Student needs to Know, and accredited by the Digital Law Academy, to prepare them to not only take precautions whilst online, but also to the various online scams in enticing young people seeking employment to various trafficking organisations.”
Students engaged in a silent protest against human trafficking at the Piazza on the District Six campus and created awareness through their digital storytelling videos and displaying their posters, which formed part of the project, in the Commerce Building. Students also joined Richards in the Walk For Freedom, which is an annual day of global awareness organised by A21, as the local action in the fight against human trafficking.
The students indicated that they gained many insights into the topic and that they were unaware of the gravity of Human Trafficking and would be able to share their knowledge in their communities to create further awareness.
Richards further emphasised that the curriculum cannot be taught in silos and that educators have the responsibility to engage young people on the realities of life and encourage them to add their voices to the conversations and share information and empower communities.
Learning from the past
Second-year Diversity Management students in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences recently engaged in a one-day District Six Heritage Learning Journey workshop at the District Six Museum (D6M).
Mandie Richards, Senior Lecturer and Chairperson of the Transformation Forum in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, said the District Six Heritage Learning Journey is integrated into the curriculum in the subject Diversity Management and that this year marked the 12th year of the project and a collaboration with D6M.
Full-time and part-time Diversity Management students from the District Six and Wellington campuses participated in the workshop.
Richards stated: “The story of District Six is not an isolated story and synonymous to Cape Town and the Western Cape. Forced removals as a result of the Natives Land Act of 1913, and the Group Areas Act of 1950 during apartheid impacted the lives of many people of colour across South Africa socially, politically, psychologically and economically. Families were torn apart, traumatised and communities were destroyed.”
Fidelis Chu, the subject lecturer at the Wellington Campus, stated that the workshop was necessary for all students to attend, as it allowed for students to have a meaningful and deeper understanding of history and the past.
Mandy Sanger, the D6 Museum Head of Education, engaged in interactive conversations with students, through exploring the past, looking at the present and the future, and the roles students should be playing. Students were afforded opportunities to engage in inter-generational conversations with ex-residents who shared their stories and challenges, and enlightened students through a personal guided tour and shared the history of the sites and the culture of the people who once lived in this vibrant community.
Richards further stated: “Students need to have an understanding of the past, and more so as the Institution is built on land which was the homes of people living in District Six, and who were forcibly removed on 11 February 1966 by the apartheid regime.”
Richards indicated that 74% of the students who attended the workshop, were unaware that CPUT was built on the homes of residents who had lived in D6.
One of the ex-residents, Nadeema Oostendorp, lived in Richmond Street in D6, and was forcibly removed with her family to Lavender Hill on the Cape Flats, and started working in a clothing factory at the age of 14 to assist her mother financially. Nadeema stated: “The District Six Museum is my comfort space, as it reminds me of a community we once were, before we were destroyed by the apartheid Land Act”. Students also created digital storytelling videos and shared the story of the ex-resident with whom their team inter-acted.
One of the students, Bontle Swazi, stated: “The workshop improved my understanding of the history, as well as the forced removals and the impact of apartheid. I genuinely didn't know that D6 was a community filled with numerous homes, families and schools. So, it was so heartbreaking to hear the aunties’ stories, and what they went through at such a young age.”
Students also shared their stories and challenges and worked on a #CreateChange project to address challenges in their communities. The challenges were varied and included, amongst others, gender-based violence (GBV), teenage pregnancy, gangsterism, drug addiction, unemployment and a lack of service delivery. This required that students explore the challenge they identified in their team, present their projects in the session and provide solutions to addressing these challenges in their communities and an action plan with solutions which would work towards empowering youth and community members, thus working towards nation building.
Sesethu Haya highlighted domestic violence as a challenge their team identified for their team project and passionately stated: “The patriarchal and apartheid system left deep scars which resulted in violence, and we as young people need to guide young men to know what is meant by being a man, and that real men do not beat women.” He advocated for change and that GBV should be eradicated. He further proposed ways in which young students could contribute to change and empower young people through workshops and conversations in safe spaces; and serve as role models for young men and teach them to respect women.
Richards stated: “Most students shared that they enjoyed the interactive discussions and hearing firsthand accounts from the ex-residents and students about their real-life experiences, as it created a powerful atmosphere where everyone felt connected to the history and impact of content being taught”.
She further indicated that curriculum could not be taught in isolation and devoid of the realities of socio-political challenges nor ignore the voices of students and community members.
BIWA holds inaugural international conference
The Business Incubation Web Association (BIWA) recently held its inaugural Annual International Conference on Business and Innovation at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha.
The conference, chaired by Dr Thobekani Lose, Chairperson of BIWA and CPUT alumnus marked a significant milestone in the association’s mission to foster entrepreneurship, incubation, and innovation across South Africa. BIWA represents a collaborative initiative between Nelson Mandela University, Walter Sisulu University, and CPUT. The three institutions formalised their partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in 2023, which led to the creation of BIWA. The Executive Director in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Driekie Hay-Swemmer said: “This partnership underscores the shared commitment to driving entrepreneurial and innovative advancements aimed at socio-economic growth.”
CPUT had a strong presence at the event, with representatives who included Hay-Swemmer, CPUT Convocation, Prof Dina Burger, Director: Directorate Research Development, and Acting Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships. Additionally, some staff members from the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences were in attendance, such as Head of the Department of Entrepreneurship, Chris Cupido, and Andiswa Mrasi, Manager of the Unit for Strategic Initiatives and Projects. Sivuyise Mbedla, founder of OnlyFriends Entertainment and CPUT’s Business Innovation and Incubation Centre (BIIC) member, was also among the notable speakers.
The conference featured in-depth discussions, by addressing critical topics surrounding entrepreneurship's role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Key focus areas included tackling poverty, reducing inequality, and promoting economic growth. The sessions further explored how entrepreneurship can stimulate industry innovation, infrastructure development, and address the challenge of unemployment.
“CPUT’s Faculty of Business and Management Sciences is proud to have contributed to the success of this historic event. The University reaffirms its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategic partnerships as key drivers of sustainable socio-economic development,” Mrasi noted.
FBMS consolidates internationalisation forays
Internationalisation has become an entrenched feature in higher education, where students and staff exchange opportunities, collaborative online learning, and collaborative qualification offerings have become the norm.
As such, the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS) recently hosted a three-day International Week at Granger Bay and Bellville campuses. The event was attended by the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Directorate, national and international academic, industry partners, and government representatives, both in person and online.
The industry partners included: ABSA, Sea Harvest and the South African Institute for Government Auditors. The government officials were from the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape provincial government. Speaking at the event, Assistant Dean: Teaching and Learning: FBMS, Prof Desiree Scholtz, said the benefits of these endeavours are unparalleled in creating life-long learning experiences. Scholtz said the operative word “here being ‘experience’ since the experience of being abroad is a life-long encounter”.
“Internationalisation opens new vistas of thinking, knowing, and doing that no theoretical learning can offer. The CPUT, and more importantly here, the FBMS has a growing number of partnerships in the Euro Zone, BRICS countries, Africa, and Canada with additional agreements being signed on a regular basis,” she noted.
Scholtz said the value assigned to internationalisation endeavours extends beyond developing academic prowess. “While the exchange of learning, teaching and curriculum is important to advance the academic agenda, we have found that personal engagement results in long-standing partnerships between departments and our faculty,” she said.
During the proceedings, delegates were given a slot to present an overview of their institutions. This started with the hosts, followed by other institutions such as the University of the Western Cape, the Polytechnic University of Porto, Portugal, the University of South Africa, and many more.
Reflecting on the conference, the organising committee chair, Andiswa Mrasi, said the FBMS Hybrid International Week is an annual event hosted by the FMBS.
Mrasi said the event's primary purpose is to create a platform where practitioners in the field of international education engage on important topics to enhance this discipline and share best practices. Mrasi, who is also a manager: Strategic Initiatives and Projects: FBMS, said: “This year, which marked the second Hybrid FBMS International Week was once again a resounding success. We were particularly pleased to witness the participation of local institutions.”
One of the event's highlights was the participation of local and international institutions, and the workshop on Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), presented by Dr Pieter Steenkamp from the Marketing Department and Simon Kavanagh from Kaospilot, Denmark.
“We are encouraged to see the growth in engagements pertaining to Internationalisation,” said Mrasi.
FBMS celebrates Women’s Month
Radiate Resilience: Revitalise your Spirit, Rejuvenate your Mind and Rebalance your Soul was the theme of a recent Women’s Month celebration hosted by the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS).
The event, held at the Cape Town Hotel School (CTHS), commemorated women in the Faculty and in the broader community.
The celebration engaged women in a panel discussion focused on “real issues” which impact women, as well as a social element which included pamper sessions by the CPUT Somatology students, a self-defence demonstration by a 7th Dan black belt, bingo and spot prizes, cooking sessions by Chef Asi Ndamase of the CTHS, financial advice by Old Mutual, beauty and a literary session and a conversation with award-winning author and entrepreneur, Samantha Adams, who launched her new book Justice for a Warrior.
Mandie Richards, Senior Lecturer and the Transformation Forum chairperson, shared her insights on the theme and highlighted how important it is for women to find a balance, and stated: “As women we play various roles as mothers, sisters, daughters, grandmothers, friends, mentors, lovers, and perform endless chef duties, and often face many challenges as we try to navigate our journey”.
She added that resilience did not mean not seeking help, as that is the first step in healing and dealing with the stress women face, and that “it is okay to not be okay”. She continued: “It is important that we make the time to find our happy spaces or moments which provide a surge for us as women, to revitalise our spirits.”
Prof Desireé Scholtz, Assistant Dean: Teaching and Learning, shared a message from the Faculty’s Acting Dean, Prof Renitha Rampersad, who acknowledged the resilience of women and that part of resilience required mindfulness, and humility.
Taryn Kroukamp, Acting Head of the Human Resources Management Department and a member of the Faculty Women’s Day organising team, stated: “The theme encapsulates the essence of the women we strive to be”. Kroukamp reminded the audience, that a balanced soul is the foundation for a resilient spirit.
The panel, moderated by Candice Oliver, a lecturer in the Marketing Department, included Dr Jade Riley and Dr Caylyn Mopp, both medical doctors, Dorothy du Plooy, a CANSA health care specialist and Larnelle Vogel, a Human Resources Specialist focusing on financial education and job creation for women. The celebration provided a safe space for women to ask questions on issues affecting them or family members.
Du Plooy shared crucial information about breast and cervical cancer and responded to a barrage of questions from women as to fears and uncertainties. Mopp shared information as to hormonal therapy and recognised the fears which women have pertaining to cancer. Riley and Mopp also advised women to have regular checks and that it was essential to have pap smears.
Some of the questions posed related to women being scammed of their money by men or falling in love with unemployed men. Vogel emphasised the importance of women being part of the financial discussions with their partners and stated: “If it is not sitting well with you, call it out and see it as a red flag, and do not take on projects.”
Mopp was emphatic as she stated: “Stop working on men’s potential and work on our own potential, because as women we are powerful”. Du Plooy added her pearls of wisdom by sharing her perspective and concluded the panel conversation to loud applause from the audience, with this final comment: “You are losing the battle if you have to groom the man, as he is not your child. Not my circus, not my money”
The celebration continued with musical performances by vocal artists, all graduates in performing arts, and had the women joyously celebrating being women, in dance and song.
FBMS applauds graduates with digital business systems skills
The Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS), Prof Paul Green, recently heaped praise on a celebration of academic achievement, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence by the CPUT staff members and students who have completed the SAP S/4 HANA course as well as candidates from our industrial partner Shoprite.
Green was speaking at the SAP S/4 HANA graduation ceremony, recently organised by the Centre for Enterprise Research Partnership and Innovation in Africa (CERPiA) and the Advancement Department and held at the Cape Town Hotel School. “It is with great pleasure that we gather here today to honour the dedication and hard work of our graduating students who have successfully completed their SAP S/4 HANA certification under the auspices of the Centre for Enterprise Research, Partnership, and Innovation in Africa (CERPIA),” said Green.
CERPIA is an institutional centre established by Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo. CERPIA through CPUT is a member of the SAP University Alliance (UA) since 2009, which seeks to transfer theoretical and practical scarce digital business systems skills to university students in preparation of entering the job market. These digital business systems skills are driven by Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) principles using SAP Software as a tool. CERPIA education partners are SAP University Alliance, University Competent Centre (UCC) and the industry partners.
CERPIA SAP education manager and trainer, Jerry Ansen, said the purpose of these courses was to equip student and staff with the knowledge and skills required to effectively use SAP software for managing business operations and processes. Ansen added that the courses are for students and staff to master SAP ERP skills, and enhance their digital business skills and to enhance students employability.
He said BANKSETA sponsored 38 students of which 31 graduated and ETDPSETA sponsored 29 staff of which23 graduated. The SAP programmes were introduced to CPUT by Ansen, and he has been the pillar behind the skills development of staff and students since 2009.
All students are welcome to attend the courses as there is no selection criteria, “We depend on funding for students from Advancement Department”. “Graduates get to learn 21st-century ICT digital skills, be empowered to take current job opportunities and be competitive in the market space.” Addressing the graduates, Ansen said: “Congratulations!! And I wish you all the best in your professional digital business skills careers.”
31 CPUT students graduated from SAP S4 HANA in:
- Human Capital Management
- Financial Accounting
- Materials Management
- Master Data Management
- Project Management
There were three staff members in SAP S/4 HANA – TS410 and eight candidates from Shoprite Group ltd and SAP S/4 HANA- Materials Management. CERPIA, as the driving force behind advancing digital business skills, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of “our students and the broader community,” Green remarked. “As part of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences… We are committed to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen fields.”
He added that through the FBMS integration of SAP skills into their curricula and the provision of certifications, “we empower our students to stand out in a highly competitive industry”. “This strategic focus on SAP not only enhances graduate employability but also ensures that our students are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the digital economy. It is this emphasis on practical, industry-relevant skills that makes our graduates more marketable and sought after by employers.”
FBMS hosts international guest lecture
The Faculty of Business and Management Sciences recently hosted a guest lecture by Swedish academic and researcher, Prof Jens Hultman, titled “Building Sustainable Retail in a Technology-driven environment.”
Hultman is a Professor of Marketing at Kristianstad University, Sweden, with over 20 years of experience in research and teaching in retailing and marketing. He is part of the leadership team of the research platform called FOHRK (Food, Health, and Retail at Kristianstad University) and is also involved in various research projects on food retail marketing and format development in the retail sector.
Guests were welcomed by Prof Victor Virimai Mugobo, the Head of the Department of Retail Business Management, who said the guest lecture will be part of an annual guest lecture series and the “first guest lecture that we are going to have with Kristianstad University”. During the guest lecture, Hultman pointed out that sustainability is a tricky topic in retail, adding that there is an array of interpretations of what sustainability really means and what practices are necessary to strive towards sustainability.
Hultman noted the managerial orientation of sustainability over the years has gone from “why should we care, to how can we manage sustainability in the best way?”
He added that the competitiveness of a retailer is heavily associated with sourcing. “Where they buy, what they buy, how they buy will of course influence their sustainability. Retailers also have a major influence on the decisions consumers make. “If they can influence what and how we consume they also have an ability to function as a transformative power in our society, for example nudge consumers to buy less of something or more of something else.”
Hultman explained that new technology and digitalisation have created the need for multichannel capacity in retail. Digitalisation has also created a situation where the physical store is not a necessary component in retail anymore. “Pretty much every one of us is carrying around a mobile telephone. In the new shopping environment, the way that we shop, is hugely different now compared to 15 years ago.”
The day concluded with a question-and-answer session. In addition to the guest lecture, Hultman also presented a workshop for postgraduate students and staff titled “Navigating Postgraduate Research.”
