Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Recognising the vital role of fostering positive change in the lives of its students and the wider community, CPUT recently launched the Chancellor's Fund to empower needy students to pursue their education free from financial worries.

This initiative was unveiled at a heartfelt gourmet dinner, complemented by entertainment that created an unforgettable experience for all. Held at the Cape Town Hotel School, the event gathered notable guests, including members of the university executive, Council members, staff, students, alumni, and key external stakeholders like donors and industry partners. The Chancellor, Thandi Modise, delivered an inspiring keynote address. Additional speakers included the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, Prof Driekie Hay-Swemmer, Executive Director in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, and alumni who shared moving testimonies about how donor support transformed their lives. Each of these individuals has played a crucial role in shaping CPUT into the esteemed institution it is today.

The Chancellor's Fund was launched as a bold initiative to inspire philanthropic support for expanding access to quality higher education at CPUT. Its primary mission is to raise funds for academically deserving and financially needy students, especially those burdened with legacy debt owed to the University. “The broader goal is to promote inclusivity, academic excellence, and innovation by increasing stakeholder investment in the future of our students,” said Advancement Department Director Mandla Maseko.

The theme for the evening was "Towards 20 Years: Celebrating the Creation of Futures." Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo noted that the growth and success of CPUT would not have been possible without the significant contributions of dedicated donors, many of whom have supported the institution since its inception. He acknowledged several "honourable" donors, including Asset, the Mauerberger Foundation, EJ Lombardi Trust, Albert Wessels Trust, Garden Cities, and the Abe Bailey Trust. Additionally, Nhlapo highlighted that approximately 3 000 students receive Work Integrated Learning (WIL) stipends while placed in industry, emphasising that WIL remains central to CPUT's employability strategy and its commitment to providing practical, career-oriented education. “

The vice-chancellor highlighted that CPUT boasts 167814 alumni, many of whom are leaders in business, government, education, and civil society. These accomplished individuals embody CPUT’s global reach and the enduring impact of its education. The alumni's commitment to supporting the university through annual funds, major gifts, bequests, and online donations showcases their dedication. Yet, he recognised that, as formidable as CPUT is, challenges remain on the journey ahead. “Over 80% of our 38 500 students rely on NSFAS funding. The economic challenges are immense and growing. In a first for the university, we are launching The Chancellor’s Fund. We thank our Chancellor for seeing the vision for the fund and supporting it.

“The Chancellor’s Fund seeks to address a specific issue plaguing modern students and higher education institutions. Student debt does not just choke the potential of every student exiting university, but also those entering it. With large student debts, these young people are unable to fully flourish in their fledgling careers.

The university must strengthen and expand its donor support network and find innovative funding solutions to solve this problem.”

The former National Assembly Speaker, Modise, expressed a heartfelt belief that CPUT has the potential to be a driving force for the growth of South Africa. She said: “I believe that without pushing a university into business identification of the needs pushing for the right skills to be there, making sure that when they are on your campus, they are children of South Africa and nothing else. That will be a seed that we need, that will be a seed that will grow this country into levels that we want to see.” Addressing the donors, Modise said: “We thank you. In the difficult economic years, the last four, five years have not been good; we can’t say we don’t appreciate every cent that you have spent to make sure that people who have nothing, people who are desperate, find themselves behind the desk somewhere find support, we thank you for that… I want to say that for me, it has been a learning curve to be with CPUT…Therefore, my pride in being associated with you knows no boundaries.”

Maseko shared that while no formal target has been established yet, with this being the Chancellor’s inaugural engagement with donors, an annual fundraising goal of R10 million has the potential to make a remarkable difference in the lives of CPUT students. “This is based on the growing demand for students who do not have NSFAS and are graduating with debt. The fund will seek contributions through corporate partnerships, alumni networks, and a broader donor outreach strategy.”

The Fashion Design Programme brought style and sustainability together during their recently held Fashion Revolution Week.

The week’s activities included a vibrant clothing swap at the District Six Campus, which provided an opportunity for members of the campus community to swap their unwanted clothes for other pre-loved clothing items.

The event sought to promote mindful consumption and lecturer Siviwe Jack said it was a fantastic opportunity to “engage our community, promote sustainable practices, and generate positive buzz around our values”.

One of the highlights of the week was a dynamic fashion show where first- to third-year Fashion Design students unveiled creative pieces made entirely from donated fabrics and garments.

“We are promoting sustainable fashion practices, and they must use the given materials to create commercially sustainable clothes,” Jack explained.

The speakers for the Fashion Revolution Week included: Safiyya Karim - Fashion Revolution South Africa, Cyril Naiker - Plain Tiger, Sheri-Lee Carver Brown - Buying Manager – AYANA, Devin Govender - Textile Technologist - Pepkor Group, Catherine Kruger – AYANA, Cathy Hacking – Woolworths, Nandi Kona - Senior Brand Manager – Superbalist and Phumi Korber - WISI-Oi.

Jack thanked the event’s sponsors and partners, which included: Fashion Revolution South Africa, AYANA and the Pepkor Group, Superbalist, Truworths and Woolworths.

CPUT highlighted its rich linguistic diversity as part of a celebration of International Mother Language Day.

The Institutional Language Group recently allowed all faculties and other stakeholders to showcase the progress made at CPUT in the development of African languages, particularly in implementing the university's multilingual language policy.

“Although this was an opportunity for us to reflect on the progress we have made, we also invited the university community so that more and more people become aware of this progress and understand why we are doing what we are trying to do,” said Dr Kabelo Sebolai, Institutional Language Coordinator. Sebolai felt truly heartened to see that so many staff members from the intended departments attended the event.

The Institutional Language Group had the honour of welcoming Prof Tembisa Ngqondi, the Dean of the Faculty of Informatics and Design, as a guest speaker. Joining her was the esteemed Carolyn McKinney, a Professor of Language Education at the School of Education, University of Cape Town. Their insights and expertise truly enriched the gathering, and the attendees were grateful for the opportunity to learn from them.

“The two guest speakers, one from inside CPUT and one from UCT, brought insightfully different perspectives to the event. We are very grateful to them for the time they made to attend the event,” Sebolai enthused.

He encouraged the CPUT community to join similar events, highlighting how important these gatherings are for advocacy and raising awareness. “You still come across people at CPUT who do not know that CPUT has a language policy and that it is the responsibility of every member of the university community to play a role in its implementation.”

Sebolai added: “Your mother tongue is your identity. It shapes understanding, perception, and conceptualisations of what one experiences in the entirety of their lives.”

Prospective students and their parents are invited to join us for our annual Open Day this Saturday – a valuable opportunity to explore our career-focused courses and programmes.

The event, which will be held at the Bellville Campus, is scheduled to take place from 9:00 to 15:30 and will showcase our exciting 2026 study offering across our six faculties – Applied Sciences, Business and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering and the Built Environment, Health and Wellness Sciences and Informatics and Design.

Learners will have a chance to:

• Engage with academic staff and current students
• Explore some of our campus facilities and support services
• Get advice on applications, funding and career pathways

The three main exhibition venues will be the Major Sports Hall, the Old Education Building and the Student Centre while other buildings on campus will also be open to explore.

For more information on how to apply to CPUT in 2026 click here.

The Somatology Department’s Wellness Spa will once again open its doors to staff, students and the public this term and clients can look forward to an exciting range of rejuvenating treatments.

The spa is situated in the Sciences Building on the District Six Campus and provides a unique opportunity for students in the Department to gain hands-on experience.

The range of treatments include:

• Pamper Package (2 hours): Includes back massage, an advanced facial and manicure or pedicure
• Full-body Swedish massage (1 hour)
• Aromatherapy massage (1 hour)
• Back Massage (30 min)
• Basic facials (1 hour)
• Advanced facials (1 hour 30 min)
• Eyebrows and/or lashes tinting (35 min)
• Full leg waxing (1 hour)
• Underarm waxing (45 min)
• Full Manicure (1 hour)
• Full Pedicure (1 hour)

Please note: Gel polish removal and application are not currently offered.

Bookings will be available for the following days:

Female clients only:

• 7 May 2025
• 9 May 2025
• 14 May 2025
• 21 May 2025
• 23 May 2025

Male clients only

• 16 May
• 30 May

Clients are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled treatment to complete the necessary documentation. Bookings are essential and can me made via: wellnessclinic@cput.ac.za.

Staff and students are also welcome to contact Marnel Germishuys or Mandy Thomas should they wish to participate in case studies for fourth-year (advanced diploma) advanced treatments, for example, laser, Lamprobe, chemical peels, light therapy and micro blading.

*During Autumn Graduation 2025 the Somatology Department marked a remarkable achievement when Dean’s Medal Award winner for the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences came from its ranks for the third time in row.

Dr Tasmeera Singh, Manager of International Relations in the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Directorate (SIP), raves about her recent meeting with senior representatives from universities, colleges, and polytechnics across Canada.

The Canadian delegation showcased the expertise of 17 senior-level representatives from 15 distinguished universities, colleges, and polytechnics across the country. Their presence highlighted Canada’s commitment to advancing education and fostering global partnerships that drive innovation and success.

The meeting aimed to gather senior stakeholders from the international education sectors of Canada and South Africa to explore ways to enhance collaboration in higher education. The mission included several objectives:

• To provide senior representatives from Canadian and South African post-secondary institutions with a comprehensive understanding of partnership opportunities between the two countries.
• To facilitate focused discussions on collaborative initiatives in education, research, and innovation.
• To expand networks among Canadian and South African stakeholders, promoting mutually beneficial academic and research partnerships that align with national and institutional priorities.

Reflecting on the meeting outcomes, Singh said: “It was a resounding success as there is a deep commitment to engage further once back home. The highlights were the strong synergies between the institutions, and the Work Integrated Learning component was of particular interest.

“It is always the mandate and objective of the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Directorate to ensure that every visit is a success aligned to the objectives of the visit and CPUT's strategic focus areas.”