Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Two academics from the Media and Communication Department recently presented their work at the Annual South African Communications Association (SACOMM) Conference, hosted by the Departments of Journalism and Visual Arts at Stellenbosch University.

Lecturer Dr Adelina Mbinjama presented on her National Research Foundation (NRF) Thuthuka grant project, which ran from 2021 to 2023. Her presentation was titled: An Investigation of Cyber-Ethics among Digital Media Marketers in a changing Media Landscape: A Case Study on Black-owned SMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Upasna Maharaj, nGAP Lecturer in Film Production, presented her research article: Decolonising Film Education in South Africa: A Review of Approaches and Challenges, as part of the New Pedagogies panel at the Conference.

Mbinjama, who is the Chair of the Media Department Research Committee at CPUT, where she chairs the master’s proposal defences, also serves as a mentor on the Sisonke 3.0 Mentorship Programme, where more experienced supervisors give support and advice to CPUT employees who are new to postgraduate supervision.

Through a qualitative approach, her study investigated the use and practices of cyber-ethics among digital media marketers and employers in 50%-100% black-owned Small and Midsize Enterprises (SMEs). The study revealed the ethical and moral behaviour-related challenges that black businesses encountered during the period of COVID-19. Limited technological and legal infrastructures proved challenging for SMEs considering their loss of revenue during the pandemic.

“Due to my work on cyber-ethics for Thuthuka, I noted certain topics that emerged from my study but need to be expanded on, so I have a call for book chapters with Emerald Publishers, which I am working on with two other editors with research interests in the digital world, Dr Janelle Vermaak-Griessel (Nelson Mandela University) and Prof Bianca Wright (Coventry University in the UK).

She is also part of the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) CPUT Cohort as a supervisor to master’s and doctoral students.

Mbinjama recently attended the Humanities International Spring School at North West University, where postgraduate supervisors and students are capacitated to do research.

“The exposure to research is important to me as an emerging scholar and postgraduate supervisor. Through conference presentations and attendances, I believe that I will be able to enrich my knowledge and speciality in cyber-ethics and digital media. I also feel that my research activities will expand from an interdisciplinary approach to a more multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach.

Maharaj joined CPUT in November 2023.

“My presentation explored the ‘decolonisation’ of film education in South Africa, attempting to address questions of how to make film education more relevant, accessible, and context-specific in the post-colonial university. Decolonisation in film education involves interrogating and decentring Western and dominant theories, methodologies, and assumptions. It requires experimenting with curriculum design, teaching delivery, and shifting power relations within the classroom, where new approaches are underpinned by a desire to make education more relevant and accessible to students.

“The study synthesises existing literature and insights from South African film educators to investigate how ‘decolonisation’ translates to tangible efforts and specific actions that assist in equipping students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in our current globalised/glocalised mediascapes. Additionally, the research explores barriers and challenges faced by academics and institutions attempting to engage meaningfully in context-sensitive pedagogy.”

She will be presenting an updated version of this research at the CPUT Research Festival on 31 October 2024.

Maharaj serves as an editorial intern for Intellect's Journal of African Cinemas and freelances as a story consultant in the film industry.

She holds an MA in Media Theory and Practice from the University of Cape Town and is currently pursuing a PhD in Film Studies.

Heritage Day has grown to embrace diverse concepts for various people, but these notions share a few similarities. As such, the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS) celebrated the day by “showcasing Indigenous Knowledge and its integration to Academic Pursuits of the FAS” at Bellville Campus.

Numerous presentations on different topics from different fields were provided, Prof Jessy Van Wyk and Melissa Rossouw made a presentation on the Indigenous Knowledge Documentation Centre. Dr Vusi Mshayisa and Tina Bebe from the Food Science and Technology Department talked about how edible insects, such as Mopani worms, madzhulu, and thongolifa, are not only a traditional delicacy in parts of South Africa but also a powerhouse of nutrition.

Rich in protein, essential minerals, and amino acids, they stated that these insects offer a sustainable alternative to conventional protein sources. In addition to new novel insects such as mealworms, crickets, and black soldier fly, they said the Department of Food Science and Technology focuses on exploring the nutritional, structural, sensorial, and techno-functional properties of these insects, highlighting their potential to contribute significantly to food security.

Dr Kanyisa Maqashu from the Chemistry Department made her presentation on the extinction of plant species, including fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, which endangers global health and sustainability. “Human activities have reduced seed diversity, increasing reliance on hybrid crops and limiting access to natural remedies and nutritious food. To combat this, we must blend indigenous knowledge with modern science through collaborative efforts to preserve indigenous plant species, integrate traditional ecological wisdom with sustainability practices, and develop holistic healthcare approaches,” Maqashu stated in her presentation.

Sibusiso Xego from the Horticultural Sciences Department talked about enhancing sustainable cultivation and use of medicinal plants through collaborative partnerships with Western Cape traditional healers and small-scale farmers. Athembile Centane and Nkcubeko Masents from Biotechnology and Consumer Sciences provided information on the scientific validation of anecdotal claims in Indigenous health remedies.

William Manamela from the Mathematics and Physics Department made a presentation on Indigenous knowledge in Mathematics. The Conservation and Marine Science Department also made a presentation on Guardians of the Ocean: A Tale of Tradition and Science.

Language Coordinator: Faculty of Applied Science, Dr Ignatius Khan Ticha, facilitated a panel discussion on Perspectives on the integration of Indigenous knowledge in the curriculum and language practices at CPUT.

CPUT recently hosted the Inter-institutional Student Well-being Summit – a collaborative event by CPUT, the University of the Free State, and Stellenbosch (SU).

The three-day summit was attended by representatives from various tertiary institutions, including from the three co-hosts, the University of the Western Cape, the University of Cape Town, Boland College and the College of Cape Town.

In his official welcoming address, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Operations, Prof Gilingwe Mayende, told the delegates that the event showed commitment towards holistic student wellness, which is critical towards the success of “your academic journey”.

Setting the summit agenda, Dean of Student Affairs, Nonkosi Tyolwana said student well-being encompasses the overall health of a student, including their social, mental, physical and emotional health. “Students who lack confidence typically concentrate solely on their shortcomings. Schools should provide an atmosphere that praises and acknowledges their performance when they do well. Students should be reminded that their flaws do not define them, and they should be encouraged to continue working hard in class.

“This will not only improve their self-worth but also significantly boost their academic performance.”

On behalf of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Director: Student Support and Sector Engagement, Fundiswa Sotenjwa, underscored the urgent necessity for a holistic approach to student wellness, saying that addressing students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being is not just beneficial; it is foundational to their academic success. “Initiatives that promote wellness programmes within our educational framework not only enhance academic achievements but also cultivate a balanced and enriching student experience.”

The Student Representative Council leaders from the institutions that were present at the summit were allowed to convey their messages of support.

Participants were then divided into a Men’s Summit and a Women’s Summit.

The Women’s Summit saw students from participating institutions engaging in discussions around Women in Leadership - Accelerating Women Empowerment and Gender Equality and Gender Inclusivity in Higher Education, among other topics.

At the Men’s Summit, there were discussions about the men leading from the front in addressing gender-based violence - a solution-driven discussion: Voices from staff members and students, facilitated by Tumiso Mfisa, a Stream Coordinator: Gender Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity, and Jacob Ranyao, Residence Supervisor.

The groups then rejoined and Brightness Mangolothi, Director at HERS-SA, spoke on the topic of ‘Setting the tone on Gender and Young Women Empowerment in Higher Education’.

“Gender plays a significant role in student success, influencing academic performance, participation, and overall educational experiences. By addressing gender-related factors, educational institutions can create more equitable environments that foster success for all students, regardless of gender,” she said.

The event also saw the launch of the CPUT EmpowHer Forum. Dean of Student Affairs, Nonkosi Tyolwana, said CPUT was the first local institution to do so.

The programme is aimed at empowering young women in terms of leadership, personal development and entrepreneurship.

She said it was a global movement and CPUT wanted to see other universities joining.

Day two of the summit included several thought-provoking sessions, including breakaway sessions on leadership, personal development, and personal branding, sexual and reproductive health, first responder training by the Department of Emergency Medical Sciences and a session on self-defence and personal safety.

The final day saw students engaging in several fun activities, including sports, at the CPUT Sports Stadium.

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.

An exciting project is underway to revamp student residences, ensuring a client-centric approach with a focus on enhancing living and learning spaces.

The project, led by the Residence Department’s Javern Zondagh and co-driven by finance specialist Phillip Chibvuri, is designed to beautify learning spaces with simple yet impactful improvements. Rather than relying on capital-intensive renovations, the project emphasises the smart use of existing spaces, incorporating exterior design, landscaping, and interior design to create a more modern, inviting atmosphere.

“We need to be able to be very comfortable to take anyone, especially the parents when they come see or visit their loved ones, into our facilities and ensure we are creating very conducive environments in and around our facilities,” said Zondagh.

“We are starting small but these baby steps are being welcomed and appreciated already.”

The project, which is being rolled out in phases, will start with six of CPUT’s 26 university-owned residences in 2024, with plans to expand the initiative into 2025 and beyond. The improvements are part of an ongoing effort to enhance the living spaces without a major financial burden.

Chibvuri said: “Such projects bring in a different energy to our spaces at a very low cost and it is amazing what a well thought out design can do with a space, the people living in and around it and the often spoken about look and feel aspects.

“We are very adamant that with the right attitude and approach to our owned facilities, we can easily flip the coin and show what our infrastructure can do and sometimes it is not about the funds but the intentional approach to spaces, the diligence and insight when tackling projects.”

A key aspect of the project is the collaboration between various internal stakeholders, including the Division of Student Affairs, Garden Services, Facilities, Finance, and academia. This multidisciplinary effort ensures that all aspects of student living are taken into account, from aesthetics to functionality.

The phased approach will gradually cover more residences, with the ultimate goal of creating attractive and productive environments across all CPUT-owned buildings. As the project moves forward, the positive impact is already being felt by students, and both Zondagh and Chibvuri are optimistic about the future.

A student and an alumnus from the Department of Architectural Technology and Interior Design will make their TV debut on a brand-new interior design reality show this weekend.

Thabang Malamatsho and Bongani Puza are among the contestants of My Design Rules, which starts on SABC 3 on 29 September. Expresso Show presenter Ryle de Morny has been announced as the host.

Thabang, who graduated with a Diploma in Architectural Technology in 2019 and is now enrolled for an Advanced Diploma in Interior Design, heard about the show from Senior Lecturer Colleen Cocotos, who had been contacted by the show’s producers.

“Colleen looked at my portfolio and asked me to enter,” said Thabang. I was a bit hesitant because I am working full-time and studying but eventually, I decided to give it a go.”

The show invited design-oriented contestants to enter as pairs and at least one person per duo had to have some kind of design experience but not more than five years of professional experience.

Thabang and alumnus Bongani both work at Osmond Lange.

Thabang said he didn’t like to box himself as an interior designer or an architectural technologist but rather saw himself as an artist.

He described his experience on the show as brilliant, adding that he was grateful for all the people he got to meet.

Puza said he met Thabang on his first day at CPUT while they were both applying for student accommodation.

“We connected because we are both from Gauteng and studied similar technical subjects in high school, which ultimately helped us during our studies.

“I completed my National Diploma in Architectural Technology in 2019. After that, I continued my studies part-time while working full-time, pursuing an Advanced Diploma, which I completed in 2020. I later developed a passion for interior design due to the exposure I gained while working with interior designers in the office. I decided to further my studies in Interior Design by enrolling in an Advanced Diploma programme, which I graduated from in 2024.”

Regarding his decision to enter the competition, Bongani said: “I was inspired by Thabang. Although I was busy at the time, I told myself: ‘Why not show South Africa our talent?’ It presents a great opportunity to design something that will be showcased on TV, and I was also motivated by the prize that we could win if we succeed.”

Cocotos congratulated the duo and said: “Your calm, thoughtful approach, and professionalism reflect the qualities we value in the design industry. The work you presented was of outstanding quality, with excellent mock-ups that demonstrated your design talent. While the nature of television often emphasises the dramatic, the integrity and composure you exhibited will serve you well in your future careers. We are proud of your accomplishments and excited to watch you in action on SABC3 on Sunday, September 29 at 7 pm."