Alumna turns bedtime tale into debut book
For alumna Lauren O’Connor-May the inspiration for her recently published children’s book, Dream House Adventures, began in the quiet moments of a cherished bedtime routine.
The mother of seven says she and her daughter Verity used to do collaborative storytelling at bedtime and one night Dream House Adventures was born.
“…she asked me to tell her a story about a house. As I narrated, she became very quiet and listened more intently than she ever had before. Eventually she fell asleep and by the time I got to the end, I realised that I'd pretty much been telling the rest of the story to myself because she was already in a deep sleep.
“I was curious as to why this story had kept her so engaged so the next morning, I told it to my other daughters. It started a debate between them about whether the house was really magical or not and the discussion got quite heated. I realised then that this idea that we'd dreamt up had some potential and I typed it up and sent a manuscript to publishers.”
O’Connor-May hails from Mitchells Plain and studied journalism at Peninsula Technikon. She has fond memories of her days at the Bellville campus.
“There are so many [good memories] but I think the biggest thing for me was finding my tribe. I loved being in an environment where everyone was good at the same things as me. In the beginning it was humbling to realise that I wasn't as wonderful at the things that I was best at as I thought I was.
“But once I got over myself, I enjoyed the stimulating conversations and having so many common interests with people.”
Her book draws from her own family experiences.
“I have folders and folders of pictures of family adventures and some of them the illustrator used to style the drawings in the book. My kids love to bury each other in beach sand, like the sisters in the book do, and we've also made trips up Table Mountain.”
Asked how she juggles a busy household with seven children, her career as a journalist and being an author and what motivated her creative pursuits, she replied:
“This is always difficult to answer because it is not something I am doing consciously. As life changes, we naturally adapt and as our family grew, we adapted. So, how long is a piece of string? There definitely were some moments where I only survived by God's grace and during those times, the support of my family and the busyness of having a large family and a job, kept me grounded and moving forward.
“I also found that the less time I spend on screens, the more organised and creative I am.”
*Dream House Adventures is published by Lapa Publishing, an imprint of Penguin Random House South Africa. The book is available in English and Afrikaans.
CPUT forges positive rapport with Indiana State University
The recent visit by a delegation from Indiana State University (ISU), which included lecturers and students, served as an introduction and knowledge exchange between Indiana State University and CPUT.
Dingaan Booi, the International Relations Officer for the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships (SIP) Directorate, highlighted the emphasis on various areas, especially in educational leadership and student development. This includes exploring partnerships among faculty and institutions, while also striving to strengthen international collaboration and mutual understanding.
“The main objectives were to highlight CPUT’s academic and student development frameworks, create a platform for Indiana State University to present its institution and goals, discuss mutual interests in education, student affairs, and leadership, and explore potential opportunities for future collaboration, joint research, or academic visits.”
The well-balanced meeting fostered a profound understanding of each other's institutional structures and strategic priorities, illuminating the synergy between CPUT’s Faculty of Education and Student Affairs Division, and ISU’s Department of Educational Leadership. Through open discussions, both parties explored shared challenges and unveiled promising opportunities in higher education.
“The presence of a diverse delegation from ISU—spanning academic staff and students—underscored their commitment to building meaningful, long-term relationships,” Booi noted.
The strong institutional introductions through presentations by CPUT and ISU opened opportunities for discussion between the two counterparts on:
- Educational leadership development
- Student counselling and support services
- Opportunities for collaborative teaching, learning, and community engagement
Booi stated that the ISU’s objectives for the visit likely included exposure to leadership, engagement with global cultures, and collaboration in academia. The involvement of CPUT’s Student Affairs and Faculty of Education indicates a comprehensive and people-centred approach.
“I found the engagement both enriching and affirming. The delegation was enthusiastic, open to collaboration, and genuinely interested in understanding CPUT's unique context. It reinforced the value of our internationalisation efforts, particularly through people-to-people academic diplomacy.”
He added that the SIP directorate felt that the visit opened a door for future academic exchanges, particularly in Education and Leadership Development, and validated SIP strategic approach of targeted and thematic international engagements. Booi noted that the meeting also highlighted the importance of involving Student Affairs Division and academic leadership in global partnerships.
NRF rating serves as benchmark of excellence
Researchers in Focus
Dr Najwa Norodien-Fataar has expressed her heartfelt gratitude and “profound honour” after receiving a C2 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF).
She views this milestone as a significant recognition of her years of hard work, learning, and resilience. It stands as a personal and professional testament to her dedication, and it truly reflects the journey she has taken. The National Research Foundation (NRF) rating is part of the NRF's evaluation system, which assesses researchers based on the quality and impact of their work over a sustained period. It serves as a benchmark of excellence and encourages continued high-quality research output.
“It’s a meaningful moment of reflection, acknowledging my parents and forefathers who influenced my research. I am also grateful for the invaluable support of my family, mentors, and colleagues. Their encouragement has played a vital role in this achievement. It inspires me to continue striving for excellence and to contribute even more purposefully to my field.”
The compassionate Head of the Curriculum Development Unit at Fundani CHED remarks that the rating acknowledges her work as having been recognised by her peers and having a significant influence in her field. This rating recognises her as an established researcher in Higher Education Studies, a discipline that bridges practice and scholarship. Additionally, it highlights her influence and recognition within the national research community, along with her strong national presence and impact.
“My focus on the assets of first-generation students was recognised by reviewers as a crucial niche area, receiving commendation for its 'ethical orientation to social change’. Furthermore, my work on the disparate educational support landscapes across tertiary institutions was acknowledged, drawing attention to how the needs of students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds are often overlooked or rendered invisible in higher education.”
Achieving this rating substantially boosts her ability to secure research funding, foster collaborations, and engage in scholarly networks, enhancing her capacity for postgraduate supervision and policy development. Norodien-Fataar, who enjoys facilitating book club discussions, sees this rating as a recognition of her research quality, propelling her toward ambitious scholarly goals and enabling her to form stronger research partnerships and mentor emerging scholars.
The highlight of her career was completing her doctoral studies and publishing impactful research. She also developed a mentoring programme for undergraduate students at CPUT. Challenges included navigating complexities in higher education and balancing multiple roles at Fundani CHED. For CPUT, her work enhances the institution's research reputation and commitment to relevant knowledge production. She aims to deepen her research across Africa and globally, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and promoting an inclusive academic culture. Additionally, she is dedicated to empowering the next generation of scholars and aiding academic development practitioners.
Careful planning, strong boundaries, and a supportive family environment help her balance her demanding academic commitments with family life, ensuring that neither is neglected.
Norodien-Fataar greatly appreciates the significant support from CPUT, particularly through research funding and institutional encouragement. The contributions of Fundani CHED and other important structures, like the Research Development Directorate, have been critical to my progress.
“To aspiring scholars: Stay consistent, be patient, and nurture your curiosity. Keep pushing forward with persistence and purpose, even when the path isn’t straightforward. Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you. Success often comes with ups and downs, but with resilience and clear focus, your efforts can make a meaningful and lasting impact.”
Her work is profoundly influenced by esteemed academics in education and academic development, as well as by her family, colleagues, and community. Fuelled by a passion to make a difference in students' lives and to transform higher education in South Africa, this vision has always been a guiding light for her.
Championing young voices in education
Researchers in Focus
Listening to the voices of children has always been at the heart of Dr Naseema Shaik’s research.
Her journey has taken her from an Early Childhood teacher to Head: Foundation Phase Teaching in the Education Faculty, and now she is honoured to add a new milestone – a C2 rating from the National Research Foundation.
“This recognition affirms my standing as an established researcher with a sustained publication record, particularly within the South African early childhood education research community. Importantly, it also acknowledges the growing international visibility of my work.”
“I am particularly interested in children's participatory rights and participatory pedagogies, with a focus on how pre-service teachers and in-service teachers are supported in embracing these approaches. This line of inquiry seeks to reframe the child not as a passive recipient of knowledge but as an active participant in their own learning and development.”
Shaik, who has served as a keynote speaker at local and international conferences, is passionate about the transformative role of research in society.
Her doctoral studies, undertaken at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, explored the nature of child participation in Grade R, which laid the foundation for her current research trajectory.
“I view research not merely as an academic exercise but as a vehicle for advocacy and social change. My work aspires to contribute to social justice by highlighting the importance of including children's voices in educational policy and practice, particularly in a democratic society such as South Africa. I also examine how meaningful child participation can enhance the quality of early childhood education.”
Event Champions Female Empowerment
Empowering young women was at the centre of the recent Afrocentric International Student Affairs pre-conference, recently held at the Bellville Campus.
The event, presented by EmpowHer-SA-CPUT, was dedicated to celebrating and advancing women in leadership, growth and resilience and included displays of arts and culture and thought-provoking panel discussions.
Dean of Student Affairs, Nonkosi Tyolwana, welcomed the audience with a message of encouragement.
“You are not vulnerable. You are in charge of this society… you can lead and you have all the potential to lead.”
Zimasa Dumbisa from the Mowbray Local Student Representative Council delivered a message of support.
“As we gather here today, let us acknowledge the women who paved the way for us. Let us celebrate their achievements, their courage and their commitment to excellence, but let us also recognise that there is still a lot of work to be done. Let us continue to empower each other as women in leadership.”
Brightness Mangolothi, Director of the Centre for Diversity, Inclusivity and Social Change, spoke on the topic of Advancing Equality and Access for Young Women in Education and Leadership.
“I just want to say to you when we talk about participation, we are the ones that we've been waiting for. You are the leader that you desire. In most cases, we think we have to wait for someone to make the change in our lives. We are the change that we want to see.”
Prof Dionne Rosser-Mims, Vice-Chancellor of Troy University in the United States of America, said it was a “profound honour” for her to attend the event.
“To the students in this room, your voice matters. Your presence is powerful. You are not the leaders of tomorrow; you are the leaders of today. To the allies who are in this room – your role is not to speak for but to stand with. Use your privilege to amplify and not overshadow,” she said.
Other speakers included HERS-SA chairperson, Dr Soraya Beukes, the Division of Student Affairs’ Melani-Ann Hara, who provided an overview of the EmpowHer Programme and entrepreneur, Itumeleng Maganedisa.
Dr Melanie Swanson, Head of the HIV/Aids at CPUT, said the event “created a platform for empowered voices that echoed growth, addressed barriers and for seeing a new generation of bold, brilliant young women”.
She said the event was a launchpad for future women leaders, leading in their spaces.
“This type of platform reinforces our commitment towards passing the baton to them to lead as young minds.”
Unwavering support for first-year students
Felicity Harris proudly attributes the remarkable success of the Peer Mentor Programme for first-year students in the Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering Department to the unwavering dedication of "our senior students who mentor the first-year students."
Launched in 2019, the timing was perfect, as the following year brought the challenges of COVID-19, necessitating remote learning. Harris, the programme coordinator, noted: "The mentors played a crucial role in maintaining connections with first-year students. Our goal is to assign each first-year student a mentor. Participation is voluntary, empowering students to decide for themselves."
In 2023, as the world began to recover, the department experienced an increased intake. Despite budget constraints, "we chose to reach out to our senior students, asking how many would like to volunteer their time, given our limited paid positions." The response was overwhelmingly positive; the first year saw an abundance of volunteers.
The programme now flourishes with the support of dedicated volunteers and a select number of paid mentors who guide them. Harris emphasises the importance of celebrating the senior students’ contributions. "They don’t seek payment; they simply wish to give back what they have learned from their own experiences."
Each mentor is responsible for at least 25 first-year students, maintaining contact, providing assistance, and forming WhatsApp groups. They also meet in person on campus to discuss progress and offer guidance. Paid mentors, referred to as senior mentors due to their experience, also play a vital role in supporting junior mentors and first-year students.
"We’re establishing a structured framework, creating a positive impression..."We’ve cultivated a culture of care and altruism, fostering engineering responsibility. This initiative not only encourages students to focus on their studies but also nurtures their desire to help others."
Mentor Sinelitha Vuthuza shared: “My overall experience has been good. I genuinely enjoy helping people, and I love it here so far.” Siphosethu Dlangamandla, a mentor and second-year Mechatronic Engineering student, also spoke positively about his experience in the programme. He aimed to graduate with summa cum laude but was unable to do so. Despite this, he remarked: “Everything is good so far. I want to encourage and support the first-year students to achieve better than I did, inspiring them to graduate with summa cum laude as well.”
FHWS showcases Service-Learning projects
The Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences recently hosted its first online Service-Learning Showcase, offering an insightful glimpse into the faculty’s impactful projects in various communities.
The event brought together faculty members, students and community partners and featured presentations of 20 of the 30 Service-Learning (SL) projects in the faculty.
The projects range from an initiative that assists matric learners with Life Science revision to a project that helps to look after the well-being of the cats on campus.
“This year was the first time that the SL projects were officially or formally showcased to the rest of the faculty, community partners and students. When capturing these amazing initiatives, often led by students, I realised the need to inform faculty members about them - to create awareness and also identify possible collaborations between departments/projects,” said Dr Lizel Hudson, Faculty Coordinator: Work-Integrated Learning and Language.
Jacqui Searle, Manager: Service Learning and Community Engagement unit, was the guest speaker and gave an insightful overview of the origins of Service-Learning and Community Engagement, and included the current framework used at CPUT.
Hudson continued: “The event, initially unknowingly, coincided with Reach for a Dream's Slipper Day, and the aptly themed 'do it for the dreamers' set the scene for what Service-Learning is and is not. Each Service-Learning convener has a full lecturing load, but with their students and trusted community partners, still make time for intentional engagement with communities. I am proud of my colleagues - from conceptualising a project, to building a relationship with internal support units and external community partners”.
