Cape Peninsula University of Technology

The Mowbray Campus community came together to celebrate a landmark occasion with the grand opening of its brand new artificial multipurpose pitch.

To mark the occasion, the third-year Human Movement students, under the guidance of Dr George Joubert, Lecturer: Human Movement, successfully hosted an exhilarating 5-a-side soccer tournament. The event, forming a key component of the students’ Sports Management module, delivered an afternoon of intense competition, community spirit, and high-energy sporting action.

The four-hour tournament saw teams from across the Mowbray Campus battle it out for the top spot on the newly inaugurated pitch. Designed to enhance sporting opportunities for students and faculty alike, the state-of-the-art facility will continue to serve as a hub for physical activity, training, and inter-campus tournaments for years to come.

Joubert, who oversaw the event, expressed enthusiasm for both the facility’s potential and the hands-on learning experience for the third-year students. “This event was not only a celebration of our new pitch but also a crucial learning opportunity for our Human Movement students. Organising and managing a live tournament allowed them to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing them for future roles in sports management and event coordination,” he said.

The tournament was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Red Bull, Burger King, and Synergy, whose support underscored their commitment to youth sports and campus development. Joubert said their involvement ensured that participants and spectators alike enjoyed a high-energy event, complete with refreshments, entertainment, and exciting prizes for the top-performing teams.

With competition heating up and excitement running high, students and staff came out in full support. He said the tournament was an unforgettable experience for both players and spectators, “marking the beginning of a new era for sports at Mowbray Campus”.

The Higher Certificate programme in the IT Department is working closely with Fundani CHED as part of the Unfurling Post School Education and Training (UPSET) programme in their effort to make university access available to TVET college students.

As part of this, the HCINCT UPSET student orientation workshop was recently held at the Bellville Campus. The aim is to provide orientation and information to students enrolled for the Higher Certificate in Information Communication Technology (HCINCT), receiving tuition from the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, and who intend to enter the job market or continue to university. Xolani Vanda, the Coordinator for the HCINCT, said the programme was started three years ago and is offered to students coming from the partner TVET colleges like Northlink College, College of Cape Town and False Bay College. “Initially, the idea was to provide information that would help students to be ready for assessments or examinations. This was also to address concerns and complaints received from the students and staff that they did not get all the information shared with Diploma in ICT students.”

The workshop was attended by 196 students and 41 staff members. This was an opportunity to share information with the students about the available student support services that all students can access, including those receiving their tuition at the TVET colleges. The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) and the Finance Department were among the presenters who unpacked the services and processes of their respective departments.

Lecturers from the university and the colleges took time to unpack the programme to the students. The workshop unpacked the HCINCT programme and how it relates to the Diploma in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) programme, giving students the relevant information that would enhance their chances of getting into the Diploma programme, should they wish to do so. The presenters also provided the students with the top 20 criteria as part of the memorandum agreement signed by the university with the TVET colleges, “which says the top 20 best performing students out of 60 students from each college campus will be considered on condition they apply for the Diploma in ICT at [CPUT]”.

Vanda said the workshop gave them an opportunity to unpack the programme expectations and what the students need to aim for to secure their spot in the ICT Diploma programme for the year 2026, “The presenters from Fundani, Finance Department, CPUT Libraries, DSA and the subject lecturers provided valuable information to the students which in a way served as a cheat code for the students to be successful for the year.”

Vanda added that the primary beneficiaries are the students in the HCINCT programme, as they have been given access to information they would normally be away from. “This allowed them to feel and know they are part of the CPUT community and have a right to access the university resources.”

CPUT Libraries joined the rest of the country in celebrating South African Library Week (SALW) from 17 to 21 March, under the theme Libraries for Sustainable Communities.

As centres of lifelong learning and social support, libraries play a crucial role in South Africa's journey toward building sustainable, inclusive and resilient communities for all.

One of the highlights of the week was an exhibition at Wellington Library, which showcased student-led recycling and sustainable community projects. These initiatives, focused on recycling, reuse and waste management, demonstrated the innovative work being done by students. The exhibition was a testament to the dedication and creativity of students working to make a tangible difference in promoting environmental awareness and action.

Another memorable event during Library Week was a visit by learners from Balvenie Primary School to the Bellville Campus Library. The learners spent a day filled with educational activities at the library, including story readings, sustainability-themed puzzles, and a guided tour of the library. The learners had the privilege of meeting and engaging with library staff, who were welcoming and eager to share their knowledge.

The experience offered them an opportunity to engage with the library space while learning how sustainability can be integrated into every aspect of life. By participating in interactive activities, the learners saw firsthand how libraries support education and inspire environmental consciousness.

According to CPUT Libraries, South African Library Week is a reminder of the vital role libraries play in shaping the future of our communities. CPUT Libraries continue to inspire and educate, helping to create a more sustainable world. Together with their partners, CPUT Libraries are committed to ensuring libraries remain at the heart of education and community development, providing spaces where knowledge, creativity, and sustainability flourish.

Nonkosi Tyolwana, the Dean of Student Affairs, has expressed her enthusiasm over a proposed partnership with Rhodes University.

Tyolwana is looking forward to the opportunity to learn from each other and exchange meaningful insights on creating supportive and nurturing residence communities through the Leaving, Learning, and Listening (LLLc) initiative. One of the highlights of the quarterly meeting of the Student Housing Oversight Committee (SHOC), which was held in the Bellville Campus, was the partnership with Rhodes University.

The SHOC is the ManCom Committee established by the Department of Higher Education and Training Student Housing Norms and Standards, which meets quarterly. Tyolwana says it also coordinates departments or units that provide services to students in residences, such property services, the Residence Business Unit, Financial Aid, Fundani and the Student Representative Council (SRC) members responsible for student housing. “It is an oversight forum that ensures accountability.”

Tyolwana states that SHOC is aimed at cultivating a residence environment where students come together and learn in a creative space, continue learning beyond the classroom to enhance a conducive environment that showcases "Living; Learning and Listening (LLC)”.

The special guest at the meeting was Jay Pillay, the Deputy Director of Residential Operations at Rhodes University and President of ACUHO-I SAC, which stands for the Association of College and University Housing Officers - International. Pillay was invited to share lessons, practices, and lessons on the concept of residences as “Living, Learning and Learning spaces to enhance a conducive environment in residences”.

Tyolowana explains that the partnership will encompass areas such as inclusive and safe spaces, academic integration, diversity, and inclusivity. She also mentions that since 2021, CPUT has introduced faculty-based placement because research indicates that students who belong to the same faculty relate better and influence each other better. “They are also allocated peer support senior students from the same faculties such as Peer Leaders (life skills, leadership and Health & Wellness peer support), Peer Helpers (psycho-social peer support) RSAs (residence support) and Diversity champions (inclusivity and diversity peer support) as their peer support in respective residences).

“For example, in collaboration with Infrastructure, Development and Facilities Management - study areas, gym and other spaces are provided in these residences.”

The Division of Student Affairs has launched several ongoing programmes to support students in their residences throughout their educational journey. These programmes include the Residence First Year Programme, the Final Year Experience Programme, Residence Assistance programmes, House Committee programmes, Green Campus Initiative (GCI) and the Peer Education Programme. The recent “One Res, One Programme” is another residence -based program where DSA, in collaboration with the Convocation, GCI Plans and Faculty of Applied Sciences, have implemented gardens in residences such as Freedom Square and Catsville.

The Faculty of Education recently marked a significant milestone when it became the first higher education institution in the Western Cape to offer the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education.

The new qualification is being offered at the Mowbray Campus and the first cohort of 20 students began their studies in February 2025.

The part-time qualification combines online teaching and in-person teaching (on Saturdays).

Dr Naseema Shaik, Head of Department: Foundation Phase Teaching, said the qualification, provides students with the opportunity to transition into the Degree in Early Childhood Education, which is offered at other institutions. This transition ensures a seamless educational pathway, ultimately contributing to the growth of scholarly work in a field that has long been underrepresented in academia.

She said the early years of a child’s life are critical to their development, laying the foundation for their future.

“To ensure this, strong educational foundations are essential. Historically, however, the professional landscape for early childhood education educators working with children from birth to four years of age has been significantly marginalised. Early childhood education educators were often regarded as mere caregivers or babysitters, engaging children in playful activities without a clear understanding of their critical role in a child’s holistic development.

“In recent years, however, significant strides have been made to rectify this situation and elevate the status of early childhood education (ECE). A landmark initiative in 2017, led by the Department of Higher Education in collaboration with the European Union, sought to accelerate the professionalisation of the sector. Through strategic funding, higher education institutions were encouraged to develop both qualifications and research projects focused on early childhood care and education.”

She said one of the notable outcomes of this initiative was the development of the Draft Policy on Minimum Requirements for Programmes Leading to Qualifications in Higher Education in Early Childhood Care and Education (Birth–Four) for Educators and Practitioners. This policy was designed to formalise and standardise the qualifications for early childhood educators, highlighting potential professional pathways within the sector.

Shaik led a groundbreaking national research project that resulted in the development of a transformative pedagogy with the publication of journal articles and a scholarly book titled ‘Towards a transformative pedagogy in early childhood care and education’ and the introduction of the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education. Both projects were pivotal in furthering the professionalisation of the sector.

In addition to academic learning, students enrolled for the new diploma also benefit from hands-on experience in early childhood centres, as part of the work-integrated learning component of the curriculum. These practical experiences are critical for bridging the gap between theory and practice, and for reinforcing the importance of quality education in early childhood settings.

Shaik explained that the academic rigor, scope, and assessment criteria of the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (Level 6) being offered at CPUT, differ significantly from those found in qualifications offered at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. While the TVET Educare qualification is a Level 5 learnership diploma, the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education at CPUT is classified at Level 6. This distinction in qualification levels highlights a difference in both academic depth and complexity between the two programmes.

The academic structure of the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education at CPUT is designed to provide a comprehensive educational experience, combining a strong theoretical foundation, a robust teaching component, and an emphasis on research. This structure ensures that graduates are not only equipped with practical skills but also with the theoretical and research competencies necessary to contribute meaningfully to the field of early childhood education. The inclusion of research as a core component further distinguishes the CPUT diploma, positioning it as a more academically advanced qualification compared to the TVET offering.

CPUT is also making impressive strides by conceptualising an early childhood centre that will serve both as a learning and research site. This centre will not only support students in their professional development but will also contribute to the broader research agenda surrounding early childhood education.

“The progress being made in the early childhood education sector, particularly at institutions like CPUT, signals a significant shift in how early childhood educators are viewed and valued in South Africa. As more institutions adopt these progressive policies and programmes, the potential for meaningful change in the quality of early childhood education across the country is immense,” said Shaik.

The Mathematical Sciences Annual Assembly that brings together Mathematical Sciences students with staff of the Department of Mathematics and Physics, industry partners, and alumni guest speakers was recently held to foster a sense of identity and build Mathematical Sciences community.

This event was also meant to recognise the Mathematical Sciences top academic achievers from the previous academic year, and to motivate students regarding the career opportunities available after graduation. Acting Head: Department of Mathematics and Physics, Dr Thomas Farrar said the event was a huge success.

The event was attended by representatives from the corporate sponsors, Lee-Anne Limerick from Pepkor, Jonathan Sikombe from Shoprite, and André Zitzke from SAS and they delivered exciting talks about career and development opportunities in data analytics. The energy in the auditorium was huge when students received the academic achievement awards.

“It was amazing that there was no sense of jealousy among the students but only excitement and congratulations for the excellence achieved by one's peers.”

Farrar continued: “We are immensely grateful to Shoprite for sponsoring the catering of the event, to Pepkor for sponsoring retail vouchers for our award recipients, and to SAS for their ongoing support in statistics software through their strategic partnership with CPUT.”

Farrar, who is also a senior lecturer in Statistics said his department was also grateful to the alumni guest speakers, Kanyisa Jele and Uzair Samsodien, “for taking time out of their busy schedules to come and motivate our students”. He also acknowledged the students for supporting the event “enthusiastically, and especially to two of our class reps, Philasande Thusha and Neo Matekane, who addressed the assembly on student expectations of the Department”.

Certificates were presented to the top three students in each year group for the 2024 academic year, based on academic average calculated across all compulsory subjects. The students received an academic achievement award consisting of an official CPUT testimonial certificate and a retail voucher. The award is only given if the student's academic average was 75% or above.