It gives great pleasure to welcome you to this second edition of our Faculty Newsletter – Applied Sciences Insights. As we continue our journey of academic excellence, innovation and Oneness, this publication continues to serve as a testament to the remarkable achievements of our staff and students, and a motivation to all of us. While the spotlight might seem to fall on academic achievements, our administrative and technical staff have worked tirelessly to support our collective mission. I must add that in this edition, we showcase only a number of accomplishments achieved over the past three months, and so this is only a slice of the thriving hub of activities taking place in the Faculty.
Some of the highlights include:
Celebrating Excellence: We celebrated Excellence from the classroom level to the highest rung of academic achievement. While the Department of Mathematics and Physics held a wonderful Assembly celebrating their top achievers, the Autumn graduation saw 732 students from the Faculty attain their qualifications, ranging from Diploma level to PhD. It was a proud moment for all the graduands, their families, friends, and all of us as staff. The celebratory atmosphere during the graduation ceremonies left an enduring glow of joy. Congratulations to the new graduates: May you fly high! To the staff: Keep Creating Futures!
Supporting Tomorrow's Scientists: The theme of Creating Futures extends beyond our campuses, as demonstrated by our Chemistry staff and students who engaged in providing academic support in Physical Sciences and Mathematics to learners from disadvantaged schools, fostering a passion for science and developing critical thinking skills. We look forward to receiving some of those learners in future as science students at CPUT.
Innovative Research: Our researchers have shone a light on the health benefits of dietary antioxidants, contributing valuable insights to the scientific community and public health. It was also a great achievement (although not covered in the Newsletter) for the Faculty to have the first patent granted in the USA. This was for a starch-soluble dietary fibre nanocomposite made from Bambara groundnut, filed by Prof Victora Jideani and co-investigators. Well done!
Enhancing Intra-Africa collaboration and growth: Dr. Koebraa Peters' participation in a workshop in Madagascar on Marine environmental protection demonstrates our Faculty's role in international collaboration and capacity building; while our Africa Day Panel Discussion brought together experts from across the continent to explore resilient and inclusive educational systems for the 21st century. On the Energy-Water nexus, our students from the Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies participated in the impactful Enlit Africa 2024 Conference. Then, as a Faculty, we are also keenly involved in the organization of the eighth International Conference of the U6+ Consortium of African Universities, which CPUT is hosting between 10-12 September 2024.
Industry Engagement: The Department of Agriculture staff's industry visits and our students' hands-on experience in winemaking, as well as our Biotechnology students’ experience of the intersection of biotechnology and forensic science during a visit to the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory, illustrate our commitment to bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world applications. This is a hallmark of the kind of education we espouse and facilitate in the Faculty. And some of these activities are not just academically enriching, but they also nurture the spirit, as experienced by Environmental Resources students on their transformative hike up Table Mountain.
Having mentioned those few highlights, I would like to thank everyone in the Faculty for their particular role and contribution. I would also like to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our alumni and external partners. Their continued support and engagement play a crucial role in enriching our academic nt and expanding our horizons. Together, we are building a vibrant and resilient academic community that is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the future!
As we move forward, let us remain committed to upholding the highest standards of academic egrity, fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect, and embracing the spirit of innovation and collaboration. I am confident that, with our collective efforts, we will continue to achieve new heights and make a lasting impact on the world around us.
Thank you for your dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence. I look forward to witnessing the continued success and growth of our Faculty.
Prof Joseph I Kioko Dean: Faculty of Applied Sciences CPUT
Dr Ignatius Ticha
Assoc Prof Rashieda Toefy Acting Assistant
toefyr@cput.ac.za Dr Tobie Oosthuysen Chemistry Department oosthuysent@cput.ac.za
Mr Rene Frans Chemistry Department fransr@cput.ac.za
Celebrating excellence: Faculty of Applied Sciences graduation highlights
The week of 22- 24 April 2024 rolled on with much excitement and anticipation at CPUT. This was graduation week which is a culmination of the graduands’ hard work for the duration of their qualifications. Students and parents alike were decked out in their finest, pride evident on their faces.
The Faculty of Applied Sciences had two graduation ceremonies, one on the 22 April and another on the 24 April. This year, the Faculty graduated a total of 732 students. These included 446 diplomas, 26 bachelor degrees, 205 advanced diplomas, 42 postgraduate diplomas, 12 masters and 1 doctoral graduate.
Prof Kioko, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences commented that “the Faculty is indeed proud of the achievements of its students and wishes them all the best for their future endeavours. We are sure that they will make us proud and fly the flag of the Faculty and CPUT high”
GRADUATION
As a Faculty, we were particularly proud of the achievements of the Dean’s medalist, Thomas Pegg who graduated with a Diploma in Horticulture, the VC’s medalist Joshua Overmeyer who graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation and Dr Lukentso Shuping who graduated with a PhD in Environmental Health.
The graduation ceremony was a testament to the dedication and hard work of both students and staff in the Faculty, showcasing the Faculty's commitment to
academic excellence and student success, exceptional achievements and underscoring the Faculty's role in advancing research.
The accomplishment highlighted do not only celebrate individual successes but also reflect the collective efforts of the entire academic community, paving the way for continued growth and innovation in the Faculty of Applied Sciences.
Acknowledgement for photographs to: THE IMAGE FACTOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Author: Prof Rashieda Toefy
Dr Likentso Shuping
Likentso Shuping was conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Environmental Health during the CPUT 2024 autumn graduations. Prof Kioko, the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences indicated that ”we are particularly proud as Dr Shuping is a staff member in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies, Faculty of Applied Sciences”.
The title of her thesis is A critical analysis of microbiota associated with the production of shellfish in Saldanha Bay, South Africa. This research study highlights the significance of food safety in primary food production. Shellfish bioaccumulate and retain toxins in their growing waters, making them a major contributor to foodborne outbreaks worldwide, since they are eaten raw or partially cooked. The study argues that shellfish production locations such as Saldanha Bay, where shellfish is commercially harvested are frequently subjected to various contaminants. These include the discharge of treated and untreated sewage that comprises a diverse and concentrated population of microorganisms. The study investigated the sources of pathogenic microorganisms, and recommendations were made to reduce the concentration levels to acceptable limits.
Dr Shuping is from Zastron, a small town in the Free State Province. She is married and mother of two lovely girls. She received her B. Tech in Environmental Health from the Cape Technikon prior to the merger with the Peninsula Technikon. She then registered at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology for an M. Tech in Environmental Health. After finishing the M. Tech degree, she worked for The City of Cape Town as an Environmental Health Practitioner. In 2017, she began working as a part-time lecturer at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and was appointed permanently as a Lecturer in 2018.
Dr Shuping explained that: Growing up, I was only exposed to professions such as nursing, teaching, and medicine. However, in my heart, I knew that I wanted to study something related to health but not nursing or medicine. My mother was a teacher; therefore, I had no desire to become one myself. Environmental Health is a profession that allows you to make a meaningful contribution to society, protecting and sustaining human health and well-being. My long-term goal is to be a public health advocate, campaigning for food safety in vulnerable communities where access to information is unattainable.
Vice-Chancellor's medalist, Joshua Overmeyr
This medal is awarded to a student who achieved the highest average percentage for the diploma and advanced diploma combined in the entire institution. Joshua completed the Diploma in Nature Conservation in 2021, scoring distinctions in all 25 subjects offered, and achieving the qualification Summa Cum Laude. He then enrolled for the Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation and again scored distinctions in all nine subjects offered – again graduating Summa Cum Laude.
His average mark across all years of study is 85.3%.
Joshua is currently registered for the Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation Science.
Joshua was born in Cape Town in 1993 and attended Wynberg Boys’ High School. Initially, he studied towards an LLB degree after Matric but was more interested in a career in nature conservation. Through networking, Joshua was directed towards the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and the Nature Conservation programme. He however did not meet the minimum requirements for Nature Conservation as he did not have Science.
He then spent a year at the Constantia Wynberg Education Shared Initiative (CWESI), to add Science to his NSC before applying for a Diploma in Nature Conservation at CPUT in 2019. This is a real testament to Joshua’s determination to successfully pursue his passion.
The Dean’s medalist Thomas Pegg
This medal is awarded to a diploma student who achieved the highest overall percentage for a diploma qualification in the Faculty.
Thomas completed the Diploma in Horticulture in 2023, scoring distinctions in all 27 subjects required to complete the qualification, with an overall average of 88,2%. He is currently registered for the Advanced Diploma in Horticulture and would like to pursue postgraduate studies shortly.
Thomas was born in Durbanville, near Cape Town, and matriculated from Paul Roos Gymnasium in 2016. Although he started a degree in Agricultural Economics at a sister university in the Western Cape, he was more interested in studying something that he loved. He then registered for the Diploma in Horticulture in the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2021.
He is happy that he pursued his passion for plants and gardening through the field of horticulture.
Supporting tomorrow's scientists: CPUT Chemistry students engage in Service Learning
implemented by the Department of Chemistry at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) to support academically disadvantaged learners in selected schools to improve their performance and attitudes. The service-learning projects provide academic support in Physical Science and Mathematics. In addition to classroom instruction, these projects offer learners the opportunity to engage in practical experiments in a Chemistry laboratory.
By participating in hands-on experiments, learners can apply the theoretical concepts they learn in the classroom and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This approach not only enhances their academic performance but also fosters a passion for
laboratory applications, supported by simulations, has been shown to have a positive impact on learners' achievements in Chemistry, attitudes towards technology, and anxiety levels in the laboratory. By demonstrating real-life applications, learners can understand the relevance of Chemistry in their everyday lives.
The service-learning projects also bring multiple benefits to the university. Through these initiatives, CPUT students can apply their theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios, enhancing their understanding of complex concepts and developing essential graduate attributes such as social responsibility, leadership, and teamwork, which will be valuable in their future careers.
Author: Dr Waheed Saban
CPUT researchers shine a light on dietary antioxidants
A thrilling talk was given on antioxidants, following on previous scientific studies and reviews that have focused on the health benefits of dietary phytochemicals such as antioxidants. When considering the important role oxidative stress plays in the development of many diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, the inclusion of dietary antioxidants to support the human body’s own antioxidant defence system is crucial.
The talk explored data on the daily intake of fruits, vegetables and beverages like fruit juices, teas and coffee in South Africa. The findings show that beverages are significant sources of most of our daily dietary antioxidants. To date, human studies have yielded conflicting data on the effect of antioxidants, as the activity tested in a laboratory cannot always be directly translated to a human, leaving the consumer still asking the question, “Do we need dietary antioxidants, and if so, what is the recommended intake?” In 2022 a case was made for the intake of a specific antioxidant class, named flavan -3-ol, a subgroup of flavonoids and a dietary guideline for the daily intake of flavan -3-ol (400–600 mg/day) was made based on its moderately improved cardiometabolic health outcomes.
This is the first time that a recommendation was made for a non-essential bioactive food compound, providing the consumer with information to make an informed decision on this topic. More well-designed clinical studies are needed to determine whether these and other dietary plant components have a role to play in human health.
Author: Prof Jeanine L Marnewick and Dr Zanephyn Keyser
CPUT Applied Sciences academic building African capacity for the protection of the marine environment
Dr Koebraa Peters from the Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences travelled to Antananarivo, Madagascar in May 2024 to co-facilitate a workshop on the Ballast Water Management and Anti-Fouling Systems Conventions. She was invited to co-facilitate the workshop by the International Maritime Organisation based on her expertise in marine invasive species and biofouling.
Dr Peters was invited as she is regarded as the primary expert in this field in Africa. She also serves on the GESAMP Biofouling Working group. The group includes scientific experts on the subject from varying regions across the world, who contribute in shaping UN policies that play a role in the protection of the marine environment.
The workshop ran for four days, during which Dr Peters gave five presentations and co-facilitated exercises related to each of the modules covered. The participants were from a range of governmental and private organisations involved in the protection of the marine environment and in maritime transport. The objective of the workshop was to build capacity in Madagascar in order to ensure that the country and by extension, the region is able to work towards improving their compliance with the Conventions as they, like South Africa, are party to the Conventions.
The experience was enriching and ensured a great collaborative effort towards the protection of the marine environment.
Author:
Dr Koebraa Peters
Dr Koebraa Peters (centre) and the IMO representative, Dr Theofanis Karayannis, with the participants from Madagascar on the final day of the workshop.
Dr Koebraa Peters kicked off the workshop with a presentation on the introduction of invasive aquatic species and Ballast Water Management.
From classroom to field: Department of Agriculture staff experience industry first-hand
On Tuesday 14 May 2024, the staff of the Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), went on a field tour to Ceres and the Koue Bokkeveld agriculture production areas of the Western Cape province. During the tour, the following agriculture businesses were visited:
• Bella Frutta & Verdun Estate (packhouse),
• Koue Bokkeveld Education Centrum
• Bronaar Farms (pome fruit & vegetables)
This visit formed part of the mandates of the Department to visit agriculture-based businesses in the Western Cape to update academics’ knowledge of current industry practices, form partnerships with companies and create opportunities for students’ Work Integrated Learning (WIL).
The Department has a task to place around 350 students into WIL at different farms that are involved in fruit, crop, viticulture, oenology, and livestock production.
An important aim of the industry visit was to expose staff members to activities in the industry and give them insights into attributes and qualities that the industry expects from our students. This would help the Department in structuring the curriculum based on industry requirements.
Various presentations were given by the company executives in each of the visited businesses and the Department of Agriculture staff met with at least four former students from the Department who are now permanently employed in the agricultural industry.
CPUT Department of Agriculture staff at Bronaar Farm and Koue Bokkeveld Education Centrum
An additional benefit of the industry visit was the sharing of the curriculum content of some of our production and resource management subjects with company executives, with the intention of external review and input on expectations of the industry.
A mid-year strategic meeting was agreed upon with the companies for the first week of the second semester. This is to review some of the contents and accelerate the process of incorporating graduate attributes in our tuition and assessment practices.
This visit was made possible by Advisory Committee executives and implemented by Mrs Lona Odendaal who was the organiser and tour guide of the day. The outcome of her survey conducted among staff after the visit will be discussed in the mid-year strategic meeting and implemented in the second semester of 2024.
Authors: A Ngqulana and F Lewu.
CPUT Department of Agriculture staff at Bella Frutta and Verdun Farm
Five regions of Africa unite for education: Applied Sciences
Africa Day Panel Discussion explores 21st-Century Education
On 23 May 2024, the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) hosted an online panel discussion commemorating Africa Day 2024. Esteemed panelists from universities across all five regions of Africa engaged with the 2024 African Union theme: "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa."
Opening the event, Prof Kioko, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences at CPUT, emphasized the critical role of education in shaping Africa's future and addressing
its challenges. He highlighted the importance of reimagining and reforming educational frameworks to ensure inclusivity, adaptability, and relevance in the rapidly evolving 21st century. Prof Kioko acknowledged the continent's progress in education but also recognized the challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure and resources, particularly affecting children in remote and underserved regions.
He expressed hope that the panel discussion would contribute innovative solutions to build resilient education systems capable of meeting 21st-century challenges.
Prof Tembisa Ngqondi, Dean of the Faculty of Informatics and Design at CPUT, South Africa, emphasized challenges such as the quality, relevance, and access to education, particularly regarding students' backgrounds. She highlighted the need for collaboration between basic and higher education to address these challenges and emphasized the importance of training students as entrepreneurs, decolonizing the curriculum, and embracing technology for relevance.
Prof Olugbenga Oluseyi Adeoluwa from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on higher education, stressing the need to equip students with technology skills. He emphasized the importance of tailoring education to meet African countries' needs and highlighted the value of collaboration through initiatives like the EU-funded COPAFEU project.
Prof Gabila Nubong from North West University, South Africa, discussed challenges such as financial constraints and disparities in student capacity from basic education. He emphasized the resilience of students and the importance of policy and resources in producing globally competitive graduates.
Prof Muhammad Nakhooda from CPUT South Africa highlighted African education institutions' strengths, including collaboration and community formation. He emphasized the importance of digital technologies, especially in AI, in removing barriers to entry for students and promoting inclusivity.
Prof Sami Aifa from the Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, Tunisia, discussed language challenges and emphasized the need to promote indigenous languages in education. He highlighted the importance of translating scientific books into local languages for better understanding.
Dr. Theresia Busagara from the University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, discussed language inequality in education and suggested a gradual shift to promote local languages. She emphasized the importance of promoting indigenous languages in shaping education and culture.
Dr. Emmanuel Tabah from the University of Buea, Cameroon, highlighted challenges in infrastructure, staffing, access to higher education, and gender issues. He emphasized the need for cooperation between African universities and addressing socio-economic crises affecting education.
In closing the event, Dr. Kabelo Sebolai, the Institutional Language Coordinator at CPUT, thanked everyone who participated in what he described as a "very informative and enriching" discussion, especially those joining from outside South Africa. He emphasized the significance of events like this, which bring together "Africans telling the story about Africa ... albeit from different parts of Africa." To underscore his point, Dr. Sebolai referenced Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, sharing the popular proverb that "until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter." He noted that the event demonstrated that we have our own "historians" and can tell the story of our continent from our perspectives and experiences as Africans from the five regions of the continent.
The Africa Day panel discussion highlighted the complexities and opportunities within African higher education, emphasizing the need for resilient, inclusive, and contextually relevant educational systems. The insights and experiences shared by the panelists contribute to shaping a more robust and adaptive educational landscape in Africa.
The Faculty of Applied Sciences at CPUT remains committed to fostering vital conversations and playing an active role in advancing education for the 21st century, benefiting not only Africa but the global community.
Author: Ignatius Khan Ticha
"Africans telling the story about Africa ...."
Exploring the intersection of biotechnology and forensic science: A visit to the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory, Western Cape, South Africa
The importance of data in the realm of biotechnology and forensic science cannot be overstated. As students prepare for informed career choices, exposure to realworld applications of biotechnology and bioethics is crucial. Advanced and Postgraduate Diploma students and staff (Drs M Mewa Ngongang and R. Mundembe) had the rare opportunity to visit the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory in the Western Cape on 19 April 2024. This provided them with the opportunity of a firsthand look at operations related to Omics-type data acquisition, sharing, analysis, validation, and protection.
The academic and technical tour featured three presentations from the Biology, Chemistry, and Ballistics sections of the Laboratory. These sessions offered insights into the meticulous processes involved in forensic science, including data handling, ethical considerations, and the latest advancements in the field. The interactive experience allowed students to engage with experts, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the career opportunities available in these areas.
The exposure is invaluable for advanced and postgraduate diploma students, as it helps them make well-informed decisions regarding their career paths.
By observing the practical applications of knowledge gained in their studies, students can better appreciate the nuances of data handling and ethical responsibilities in biotechnology and forensic science.
A student remarked that “the visit to the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory was eye-opening. It showcased the real-world implications of important aspects of our studies and how data plays a pivotal role in solving complex problems. The trip underscored the significance of integrating academic learning with practical experience, equipping students with information about the knowledge and skills needed for future success. As the fields of biotechnology and forensic science continue to evolve, opportunities for students to engage with experts and observe cutting-edge practices remain essential.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Lieutenant Colonel Johan Kock and Warrant Officer Abrahams Clymie for making our visit to the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory possible.
Authors: Dr Maxwell Mewa Ngongang and Dr Richard Mundembe
Article
Embracing nature: students reflect on a Transformative Table Mountain hike
On Saturday 13 April 2024, Dr Megan Lukas-Sithole and her first year Environmental Resources classes joined Pride of Table Mountain for a hike through Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and up to the Contour Path on Table Mountain. Although physically demanding at times, the hike was conquered by all. Not only was it an educational experience, but many students also expressed the view that the experience touched them emo tionally.
Some of the feedback from students include:
“I had the best weekend ever at the hiking in Kirstenbosch, as it brought me closer to nature and I had time to reflect or focus on myself”.
“It made me feel strong and felt like I am capable of accomplishing anything if I put my mind and soul into it”.
“After the hike, the peace and relaxation that I got was very nice, even though there was some pain in my body, but I would hike again and again because I love the connection that I developed with nature and just listening to the birds chirping, it cleared my mind and powered it”.
Author: Dr Megan Lukas-Sithole
CPUT's DEOS students engage on water and energy solutions at Enlit Africa 2024 Conference
On 23 May 2024, the Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies (DEOS) post and undergraduate students attended the Enlit Africa 2024 conference at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The conference showcased 4th industrial revolution innovations related to energy and water solutions, among others. Students had an
opportunity to engage with different stakeholders and experts in the field of water and energy solutions. As a benefit of engagements at the conference, the DEOS is currently forging relations with some stakeholders to help assist students with research projects and to improve collaboration with industry.
Author: Mr T Marazula
DEOS academic staff member attending Enlit Africa 2024 with Environmental Management students
CPUT Department of Agriculture students craft their own wines in hands-on learning
The oenology 2A class of 2024 in the Department of Agriculture started this year by making their own wine. They used grapes donated by Diemersfontein for the practical exercise. Eight students received grapes for Chenin Blanc and the other 8 received Shiraz.
The students crushed and destemmed the grapes, pressed, settled, started fermentation, and monitored the fermentation process. As winemaking is not a 9-to5 job, students also had to be in the cellar on Saturdays and Sundays. This is where the lecturer could see who was committed to the winemaking process. After fermentation, the students had to stabilize the wines
so they could be as clear as possible; then came the bottling part.
The students had to bottle the wine, design their own labels and present their wines for tasting. The tasting was done by the students and judged by Dr Anton P Nel, a qualified wine judge, and two winemakers from Diemersfontein. The tasting was a great experience for the students as they could explain the reasons for their label designs. This is always a beautiful part of the tasting.
Author: Dr Anton Nel
Student busy with pressing of red wine skins
White wine settled after fermentation
Student’s wine with their own designed labels Oenology students
Annual Mathematical Sciences Assembly: An afternoon of inspiration and celebration
The Department of Mathematics & Physics held its annual Mathematical Sciences Assembly on 13 March at the Bellville Campus Auditorium. The event’s purpose was threefold: to enhance the sense of identity among students and staff of the Mathematical Sciences programmes at CPUT, to recognise academic excellence, and to motivate students regarding the career opportunities that await them.
The MC for the day was our recently retired Communication Skills lecturer and local radio legend Dmitri Jegels. Corporate partners sponsoring the event were Shoprite, which sponsored the catering, and Pepkor (parent company of Pep, Ackermans, etc.),
which sponsored academic awards in the form of retail vouchers. The sponsors’ generosity was received with much gratitude. We also acknowledge O’Ryan Africa (videographer; Facebook contact) and Conville Smith (photographer; Facebook contact), who covered the event pro bono.
Speakers on the programme included Acting HOD Thomas Farrar, third-year class reps Philasande Tshusha, Owami Masilela and distinguished alumni Anam Kempele (Frontend Engineer at Capitec), Glory Opeolu (Data Science Apprentice at Shoprite), and Lee Anne Limerick, People Solutions Manager at Pepkor.
The speeches were very inspiring and generated a lot of applause, but the audience reserved its most rapturous applause for the academic achievement award recipients. Official CPUT testimonial certificates and retail vouchers were handed out to the top three students at each year level for the 2023 academic year, provided that their academic average was at least 75%.
The nearly 200 students and staff in attendance found the event to be an enriching experience that buoyed their spirits to take on the rigours of the 2024 academic year with great enthusiasm. Several students confided in their lecturers that seeing their peers receive awards motivated them to study harder than ever this year. We are already looking forward to next year’s assembly.
Author: Dr Thomas Farrar
Guest speakers (left to right): Lee Anne Limerick (Pepkor), Anam Kempele (Capitec), Glory Opeolu (Shoprite)
Neo Matekane receiving her academic achievement award (first position in ECP Year 0 class) from Lee Anne Limerick
Chérubin Makembele proudly displays his academic achievement award (first position in Advanced Diploma class)
