The Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award Book

2022

THE VICE-CHANCELLOR’S PRESTIGIOUS ACHIEVERS AWARDS PROGRAMME

FOREWORD

Congratulations to the talented recipients and graduates of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Awards.

The award programme started humbly in October 2018 with only one student, and a year later the cohort of recipients had increased to ten. In 2021, all the award recipients were women. Four of the recipients graduated between 2020 and this year.

I am incredibly proud of every single one of you. Thank you for representing CPUT excellence and remaining steadfast in your studies. I repeat my wish that you will continue your academic journey at CPUT and join the ranks of the talented academics who supervised you. By doing so, you will help me nurture the next group of talented young academics and also help our university respond to the transformation requirements of the country and the continent.

I thank your supervisors for recognising your talent and nurturing it. A special thanks as well to my fellow committee members, the previous awards committee chairperson and retired CPUT employee, Prof Condy, and the current chairperson of the committee, Prof Kioko. To our generous donor Advocate Yach, thank you for staying the course with us for the duration of this programme. I also thank Aspen Pharmacare and other donors that provided top-up funding to our prestigious awardees. Your commitment is appreciated. I appeal to other companies to join hands with us as we develop the next generation of academics and research capacity. I know our recipients will make us proud as the programme continues to grow and flourish. Thank you.

PROF CHRIS NHLAPO Vice-Chancellor

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE AWARDS COMMITTEE

This is the fifth year of the ViceChancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Awards. To date, 18 students have been awarded full bursaries under the auspices of this award. They comprised 11 doctoral and 7 master’s students. Fourteen of the awardees were female (nine doctoral and five master’s students) while four were male (two doctoral and two master’s students). In addition, smaller “VC Support” awards were extended 22 times to assist deserving students who needed critical support to complete their master’s or doctoral degrees. Heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees!

PROF JOSEPH KIOKO

Chairperson: Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Awards Committee

Today, as we congratulate the new recipients of the award for 2022, we also celebrate the success of four awardees who have graduated. It is a mightily proud moment for all of us and I hope that their success will motivate the other recipients to aim for the finish line with determination and a clear focus.

I have no doubt that the awards have made a major impact on the recipients, their families and their wider communities. These recipients have the potential to achieve great things and to lead this country, other countries and indeed the world towards being a better place.

Too often, such excellent potential is extinguished by a lack of funds or resources. The result is that many brilliant, possibly life-changing dreams are deferred, often forever.

Fortunately, humanity has in itself the ability to provide the spark or the fuel to keep those lights shining the way to a brighter future. For a fitting example of what we can all do, one needs to look no further than people and entities like the Mauerberger Foundation Fund and its Chairperson, Advocate Dianna Yach. The Foundation has been generously supporting these awards and has ensured that the spark in many bright minds at CPUT has been kept alive. On behalf of the committee, I’d like to express our deep gratitude to Advocate Yach.

The areas of study supported by this award have traversed a wide range of fields, including Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Food Science and Technology, Construction Management, Education, Chemistry, Human Resources Management, Mechanical Engineering and Horticultural Sciences. Given the diversity of skills and the applied nature of their work, I am confident that the recipients will contribute to our vision of producing graduates that shape a better world for humanity.

I feel very privileged and humbled to have the role of the chairperson of the committee for this really special award. I’d like to thank the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, for extending this honour to me. Many thanks to Prof Janet Condy for laying a good foundation as the inaugural chairperson of the committee.

Advocate Yach, Prof Nhlapo, the members of the ViceChancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Awards Committee and the supervisors of the recipients of the awards, please accept my heartfelt gratitude for everything you do to make these awards a reality, a success and a great legacy for CPUT.

I have no doubt that the awards have made a major impact on the recipients, their families and their wider communities. These recipients have the potential to achieve great things and to lead this country, other countries and indeed the world towards being a better place.

MESSAGE FROM THE FIRST AND FORMER CHAIRPERSON

Many master’s and doctoral students have received the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Awards since it began in 2018. All the participants have been overwhelmed by the generosity of receiving this award, which has helped them to graduate and complete their studies. It has been very rewarding observing these students working incredibly hard, with many experiencing substantial hardships and difficulties, yet successfully coming through their research journey towards their graduation. Wonderful!

PROF JANET CONDY

Former Chairperson: ViceChancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Awards Committee

Every year there have been different types of challenges, yet having the Terms of Reference does keep everyone on track.

It’s been my absolute privilege to be part of this committee. In 1991, I was successful in winning a similar award, which allowed me to complete my master’s degree in the United States. I know that winning this prestigious award is helping many students in many ways we are aware of and many others that will still arise from this experience.

I know all the students are incredibly grateful for this opportunity and my message is: put your head down, make the most of it, study hard and go into the world and be an ambassador for CPUT and all that you have benefited from these opportunities you were so privileged to receive. I would also like to challenge all students to pay this experience forward – go out and encourage your work environment to support students in need.

For prospective students – this is a competitive award so work hard towards it. Be a passionate, responsible and hard-working researcher. Show your supervisors that you are an appropriate awardee and will graduate within the given time.

The most exciting experience is when these students graduate. They have published their theses and journal articles, and they are now independent researchers beginning their next life journey of being responsible citizens.

I wish my successor, Prof Kioko well in chairing the committee. As a retired academic and now looking back, I realise that the Vice-Chancellor has done something very good not only for CPUT but also for the country.

I know that winning this prestigious award is helping many students in many ways we are aware of and many others that will still arise from this experience.

MESSAGE FROM DIANNA YACH, CHAIRPERSON OF THE MAUERBERGER FOUNDATION FUND

Celebrating the relationship between the Mauerberger Foundation Fund (MFF) and CPUT

I appreciate this opportunity to celebrate the cherished, long-standing relationship between the Mauerberger Foundation Fund (MFF) and CPUT. The MFF’s close association with CPUT predates its formation in 2005 (the MFF supported both the former Peninsula Technikon and Cape Technikon prior to the merger of these two institutions).

The MFF’s support stems from our deep and enduring commitment to growing future leaders who are devoted to advancing social justice, ethics, good governance and human rights – fully aligned with our core mission.

DIANNA MARILYNNE YACH

Chairperson, Mauerberger Foundation Fund

The MFF especially appreciates CPUT’s strong focus on creating a springboard for students and researchers who want to make a tangible difference in their respective communities (despite significant challenges), along with CPUT’s emphasis on preparing graduates for employment opportunities in the future.

The MFF’s support has been reinvigorated by the exemplary leadership shown by CPUT’s ViceChancellor, Professor Chris Nhlapo. That is why MFF has increased our support to CPUT over the years, particularly in support of the VC’s Prestigious Achievers Awards.

My personal experience as a Council member of CPUT reinforced my commitment to CPUT when I witnessed Prof Nhlapho’s ethical leadership style in action during extremely challenging times. This is something to be valued in higher education. This is not always about being popular – it is about being an ethical leader who demonstrates moral courage to do the right things.

Summary of the work of the Mauerberger Foundation Fund

The MFF began its work in 1936 when my grandfather, Morris Mauerberger, established a medical clinic in Ottery in the Western Cape. In 1944, the Mauerberger Charitable Institution was registered, which subsequently became the Mauerberger Foundation Fund in 1957.

As the MFF approaches its 86th anniversary, I am proud to lead an organisation that was founded by my grandfather, subsequently led by my father, Solly Yach, and my mother, Estelle Yach. With the support of my Board, I am committed to ensuring that the Mauerberger Foundation Fund continues to work quietly and consistently with communitybased and academic institutions in South Africa and Israel/ Palestine to create inclusive environments, foster well-being and promote education by assisting the least well-off in society, nurturing talent in early childhood and in high-level researchers, and dismantling barriers faced by historically excluded and disadvantaged communities, including women and disabled people.

A key focus of our work is to work with partner organisations to promote human rights and social justice through growing the next generation of ethical leaders in health, education, the arts, environment and welfare. The Founder’s vision for the Foundation Fund anticipated South Africa’s unique journey to democracy with a Constitution that acknowledges the injustices of our past,

The MFF’s support stems from our deep and enduring commitment to growing future leaders who are devoted to advancing social justice, ethics, good governance and human rights – fully aligned with our core mission.

and honours those who fought for justice and freedom in our land, believing that South Africa and all who live in it are united in our diversity. The framers of the Constitution envisaged a society in which human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights, non-racialism and non-sexism prevail within the context of the rule of law. It is within this context that we are inspired to carry out our work today.

The MFF continues to work with a wide range of institutions, including universities, as well as NGOs, all of which are involved in supporting skills development and translating policy into practice in a variety of different disciplines, including law and governance, education, health and welfare, and environmental sustainability. We are strong advocates of women’s rights and enhancing women’s key roles in their local communities.

We carry out our work in the spirit of Ubuntu, operating in the interests of our grantees in ways that reflect fundamental values of honesty, integrity, fairness and good governance.

We believe that the future well-being of our communities will only be secured by strengthening community dialogue and understanding. We have always taken the view that creating inclusive environments in which everyone can reach their dreams is only achieved by assisting the least well-off in society, nurturing talent and unleashing innovative

spirits in early childhood as well as highlevel researchers, removing barriers to historically excluded and disadvantaged communities, including women and disabled people.

This vision builds on my grandfather Morris Mauerberger’s vision and is guided by the following principles:

1. The ‘Good Neighbour Principle’: We should not just look after the stranger, but also feel their pain and link it to our own experience. As Hillel (Ethics of the Fathers 1:14) says: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when?” My humanity is bound up in yours. We are all connected.

2. Focus on needs, not fame: The MFF legacy can be seen in the vibrant, healthy communities led by ethical and accountable leaders and not in the size and number of plaques on the wall.

3. Humility: Recognising that alone we can create ripples but partnering with others, we can optimise our impact in terms of creating waves!

4. Take a long-term view: Embrace unpopular causes because they are the right thing to do; stand up and be counted; challenge stereotypes and promote new ways of thinking. Facilitating change requires activists and making a real difference requires strong leadership and management! Making a difference is not a spectator sport!

Congratulations to our students

In my view, we are still learning the skills and art of living together. We all live and work in a global village – we are all connected. We need to create opportunities to reconnect with each other, with others with whom we share a common humanity. We need to do this in a spirit of generosity and not blame and show that we care. Our students have awakened us to new possibilities and new hopes for the future. CPUT has made significant strides in re-examining the curricula – not just what we teach, but how we teach. A few questions:

What pedagogies are used and what do these surface?

I want to conclude by quoting Madiba’s inspiring words which resonate with me in all that I seek to achieve:

“I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.” – Nelson Mandela

Are we inadvertently privileging certain knowledge traditions in our teaching, learning and research?

What graduate identity is being shaped through our curriculum? What does this include/exclude?

Does the curriculum reflect its location in Africa and the global South?

Does the curriculum engage fully with its social context, i.e. a context of inequality and social justice?

As a funder, the MFF is proud and privileged to continue the journey with Vice-Chancellor Chris Nhlapo and CPUT. MFF supports your efforts to robustly tackle the challenges facing Africa now and in the future, building on your legacy (as two vocationally focused technical institutions becoming one) in which learning is applied in practical ways to the world of work.

The MFF is proud to be associated with CPUT, which is a rising African university at the cutting edge of many pioneering initiatives.

Warm wishes to all our award winners. Much love.

ACHIEVERS AWARD INSPIRED HER TO BE THE BEST SHE COULD BE

Dr Yvonne Maphosa says the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award “is not just a bursary, it’s an acknowledgement of outstanding postgraduate students who have shown academic excellence and an embodiment of the CPUT graduate attributes”.

The Zimbabwean-born academic obtained her PhD in Food Science and

Technology at the CPUT 2022 Autumn Graduation. Her research topic was “Rheological behaviour of Bambara groundnut starch-soluble dietary fibre nanocomposite for delivering active compounds in food systems”.

Reflecting on her career journey, the bubbly author says: “A PhD is not a walk in the park. It requires a lot of emotional and financial support. It’s a very difficult journey that requires commitment and strength. I was blessed with the support of my family, friends and fellow

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Dr Yvonne Maphosa is a Zimbabwean award-winning author and academic.

postgraduate students. I had amazing supervisors as well. They held my hand and guided me through. I will forever be indebted to them. The CPUT postgraduate centre was also very helpful and always there to assist.”

The last-born of six says a PhD is very expensive and the VC’s Prestigious Achievers Award provided for her tuition, residence and everything she needed to successfully complete her PhD.

“It also came with tremendous non-financial support from the committee and the VC’s office, all of which I’m deeply grateful for.” The go-getter added: “It is motivation to keep on excelling. It inspired me to be the best I could be.”

Having grown up in Mambale village, deep in the rural area of Plumtree, Zimbabwe, working hard comes naturally for Maphosa. “Working hard was instilled in me from a young age. Waking up early to work the fields before running many kilometres to school, then running to the river to fetch water after school taught me that, in life, you must work hard. It also taught me balance and time management.”

Maphosa, who has always been an A student, has won numerous prestigious awards throughout her academic journey in the form of funding, medals, trophies, certificates and scholarships.

“They serve as acknowledgements, reassurances and motivations to accomplish more,” she says.

Maphosa completed her BTech in Food Technology (cum laude) in 2013 and was awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s Medal as the best graduating student in the Faculty of Applied Sciences. She passed her master’s with distinction and graduated in September 2016.

Be yourself. You can only realise your true potential if you are truly yourself. Don’t waste your life mimicking other people or chasing the wind at the expense of your dreams. Focus! Set your goals and work towards them.

Besides being an academic, she is an award-winning author who has published two fiction novel series: The y in yOUR Man is Silent (a national bestseller) and Grasping at Straws

Prof Victoria Jideani notes, “Dr Maphosa has been a high achiever from her undergraduate to PhD. She finished her PhD in record time. She filed for patents in the UK, US and South Africa. She assisted as a lecturer. She published seven articles during her PhD and two articles during her master’s.”

Maphosa is also involved in charity work. She runs a campaign called Buy-A-Pad with Yvonne. She collects and donates sanitary pads for disadvantaged women and girls. She also launched a writing competition, Luvone, aimed at discovering young unpublished writers. Luvone: an anthology of short stories from entrants, was published. Maphosa is involved in several community projects in Zimbabwe, especially those aimed at empowering the girl child and advocating for women rights. She says summiting Mount Kilimanjaro was another highlight of her life.

In her message to prospective students, Maphosa says: “Be yourself. You can only realise your true potential if you are truly yourself. Don’t waste your life mimicking other people or chasing the wind at the expense of your dreams. Focus! Set your goals and work towards them.”

Maphosa also acknowledged the support she received from the ViceChancellor and the awards committee.

“Thank you for awarding me the Vice-Chancellor’s

Prestigious Achievers Award. I am sincerely humbled and elated that you found me a suitable beneficiary for this honourable award. It made a remarkable difference in my PhD journey and my life as a whole. I’m truly grateful.”

LECTURER PAYS TRIBUTE TO VICE-CHANCELLOR’S PRESTIGIOUS ACHIEVERS AWARDS

Imisioluseyi Akinyede was born into a polygamous family of Akinyede-Asamo dynasty in Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State in Nigeria. His mother, Felicia Akinyede, a trader, encouraged him to understand that his road map to success was through education, which he set out to achieve through endurance and perseverance.

In 2013, he registered for his MTech in Construction Management at CPUT and graduated in 2015 with distinction. During the master’s degree programme, he presented and published nine conference papers accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) for subsidies.

After working as a project manager from 2015 to 2016, Akinyede commenced his DEng degree in 2016. His research topic was “Framework for effective management of cost toward sustainable housing delivery”. His excellent work continued

FOREVER GRATEFUL: Construction Management and Quantity Surveying lecturer, Imisioluseyi Akinyede, says the formation of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Awards is a good initiative by the CPUT management team.

in the doctoral programme where Akinyede published an article in an international journal accredited by DHET and presented five conference papers at local and international level. His work experience manifested in the research

I was a debtor to the university and registration became difficult for me as a result of the debt I owed the school [CPUT]”. Immediately I received this award, I was able to register in the year 2019 and 2020, respectively.

“The Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award

impacted my career and life significantly. I was on the verge of dropping out from the school because of financial challenges, but the monetary value attached with the award helped me to pay the fees and accommodation expenses.”

he conducted on sustainable, affordable housing delivery in South Africa and his roles as a research assistant, mentor and lecturer helped him tremendously with research outcomes.

Dr Ayodeji Fapohunda, Akinyede’s research supervisor, says: “I enjoyed supervising Dr Akinyede. He was a disciplined student. He listened to me as his supervisor. It was simple to supervise his research. He had the quality to conduct research on his own. Even at his master’s level he behaved like a PhD student. He worked independently.”

Financial constraints nearly frustrated Akinyede out of the doctoral degree programme until he received the ViceChancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award in 2019 and 2020. “It helped me greatly to complete my doctorate degree within the time as scheduled by the university.

Reflecting on the support he received from CPUT staff during his studies, Akinyede says: “My departmental staff are good people, ready to assist at all time. The love and kindness shown to me by academic staff of the Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying during this study was wonderful and appreciated.”

Akinyede also pays tribute to the ViceChancellor and the awards committee. He acknowledged the support of the Vice-Chancellor for skills development at CPUT. “The formation of the ViceChancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award is a good initiative by CPUT. My appreciation goes to the awards committee for nominating me as one of the recipients.

“I will forever be grateful to the ViceChancellor and the awards committee for the financial support. Furthermore, I appreciate the Vice-Chancellor for the letter he sent to me on my graduation [inviting him to join the group of talented academics at CPUT]. I am willing to continue my academic career at CPUT.”

VICE-CHANCELLOR’S PRESTIGIOUS ACHIEVERS AWARD IS ‘A GREAT HONOUR’

A Client Services Account Manager at M&C Saatchi Abel advertising agency, Sivenathi Jayiya says the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award assisted her to complete her Master’s in Public Relations Management. Her research title was “Public Relations Practitioners’ conceptualisation of the role of stakeholder engagement in corporate social responsibility planning and implementation”.

ADMIRATION: Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award recipient, Sivenathi Jayiya, says the award assisted her to complete her Master’s in Public Relations Management degree, which is the biggest accomplishment of her life.

“Being a recipient of such an award was a great honour and a privilege to me as I got to study without worrying about my fees or any academic expenses. I am not where I want to be in my career yet. I am currently an advertising account manager but hope to become a lecturer one day. It has been a struggle but graduating and being a recipient of the VC Prestigious Achievers Award will hopefully open doors for me.”

Born in Stutterheim (Eastern Cape), Jayiya grew up in Cape Town and embarked on her higher education journey at CPUT in 2013. Jayiya had initially applied for Journalism but the required interview letter was delivered a month after the deadline and she then forfeited her place in the Journalism department. Her name was forwarded to the Public Relations (PR) Department. At that point, she had no idea of what PR was.

However, Jayiya enjoyed the course and after graduating with her diploma in 2015, enrolled for her BTech, which she completed in 2016. In 2018, Jayiya registered for a master’s degree in PR to further equip herself in corporate communication, strategic communication and corporate social responsibility, with the hope of landing a job in corporate communications. Her master’s degree took longer than she had expected due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

“With God’s grace I managed to complete my master’s degree in 2021 and graduated cum laude with the assistance of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award. This was the biggest accomplishment of my life,” says Jayiya.

Dr Blessing Makwambeni, research supervisor, says: “I taught Ms Jayiya from her third year and co-supervised her research. Before doing the master’s I taught them [undergraduates] research methodology and I knew that she was going to do well in master’s. She was disciplined. She was extremely organised, focused and self-driven. It was easy to supervise her because she follows instructions.”

Jayiya says being a recipient of the VC Prestigious Achievers Award motivated her to do the best and get good marks.

Reflecting on her life journey, Jayiya reveals that she comes from a family of four raised by a single mother who was unable to finish high school after she lost her parents at a very young age.

“Growing up on the Cape Flats was never easy, crime was at its peak, young girls being raped, young boys got pulled into drugs, etc. One had to make a decision of which route she wanted for herself. I grew up telling myself that I will go to school, graduate, get a job and move my family away from that life. The reality is that life is not as smooth but we can only do our best to navigate the hardships that we go through.”

In her message to youth coming from a similar background, Jayiya says: “Believe in yourself. Believe in your own uniqueness as a person. Ignore the pressures around you, telling you that you’re not anybody unless you have this or that. In the end, you have to affirm yourself and not compare yourself to someone else. Remember, you always have a choice and you can always do something to change a situation.”

Believe in yourself. Believe in your own uniqueness as a person. Remember, you always have a choice and you can always do something to change a situation.

PHD CANDIDATE LAUDS VICE-CHANCELLOR’S PRESTIGIOUS ACHIEVERS AWARDS

The Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award played a “very significant role” for Sihle Ngxabi, PhD candidate in Horticultural Sciences, as it enabled him to focus on his research fully without worrying about the fees or living expenses. Although an excellent student, Ngxabi’s studies had always been accompanied by financial struggles.

Born in Mount Frere in the Eastern Cape, Ngxabi enrolled for his National Diploma in Horticultural Sciences in 2014, which he completed in 2016, finishing at the top of his class and second in the Applied Sciences Faculty. He graduated cum laude, scoring 23 distinctions out of 27 subjects and achieving an average of 84% overall. Ngxabi enrolled for a BTech in 2017 and again graduated cum laude, scoring distinctions in all subjects. Encouraged by his lecturers and mentors, he enrolled for

a Master in Horticultural Sciences degree, which he obtained in 2021.

His research topic, “The effect of different growth media and salinity on the vegetative growth of Trachyandra ciliata (wild cabbage) in hydroponics”, was motivated by the edible plant’s drought tolerance.

“The idea was to study its nutritional and phytochemical properties and recommend

SUCCESS: Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award recipient, Sihle Ngxabi, is pursuing his doctoral studies in Horticultural Sciences.

it for commercial vegetable markets to strengthen food security,” he says.

Ngxabi managed to publish two scientific papers in accredited peer-reviewed journals.

“I am currently registered for a PhD in Horticultural sciences because I would like to take the study about this plant to its logical conclusion and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Smart CPUT 2030 [Vision]. My research topic is “The effect of salt stress on the nutraceutical, phytochemical, and physiological properties of Trachyandra ciliata: an edible halophyte from the Western Cape”.

Ngxabi’s academic success came in the face of severe financial stress. During his undergraduate studies he travelled to and from the campus by train. Sometimes he did not have money for a train ticket and would wait for the last train to go home when the ticket inspecting officials would have left the station.

Ngxabi struggled to pay his fees and he was rescued by his classmates and one of his lecturers who contributed to pay the required amount.

“Many who were in my position gave up and dropped out, but my strong mentality, positive thinking and ability to create something out of nothing kept me going. Achieving those excellent marks and the fact that I have never scored a mark less than 65% throughout my university studies under the circumstances will always be the highlight of my journey.”

Research supervisor, Prof Charles Laubscher, says: “Sihle was very efficient. He got his proposal in a short space of time. Sihle didn’t have a topic when he came to me. We discussed what we can do to respond to food security challenges in Africa. His research is very valuable. He is continuing to research on the same species for his PhD, especially researching the medicinal benefits, and I am pleased to supervise his PhD as well.”

Ngxabi, in turn, says the assistance and motivation he received from his lecturers during his studies was amazing. His research supervisors contributed enormously to his growth as a researcher. “I also drew a lot of strength and inspiration from members of the management that I have interacted with during my time in the Student Representative Council.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to my classmates for their unwavering support in difficult times. Without them the road would have been harder.” Ngxabi is deeply appreciative of the university rewarding hard-working and dedicated individuals that excel academically.

Ngxabi says: “I am sincerely honoured to have been one of the recipients of this prestigious award. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the ViceChancellor and the awards committee for all the assistance and generosity throughout the journey. You are making a difference and we appreciate all that you are doing to the CPUT community. May you live to realise ‘One Smart CPUT’.”

VICE-CHANCELLOR’S PRESTIGIOUS ACHIEVERS AWARDEES

Below is the list of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Awardees:

Name Surname Qualification Research Title

1. Imisioluseyi Julius Akinyede * Doctorate Framework for effective management of cost toward sustainable housing delivery

2. Bimpe Omolara Alabi Doctorate A Framework of Modalities to Achieve an Enhanced Sustainable Housing Provision in South Africa

3. Justine Oma Angadam Doctorate

Plant digestive enzymes for semi-deligni-holocellulolysis of agro-waste

4. Sivenathi Jayiya * Masters PR practitioners’ conceptualisation of the role of stakeholder engagement in corporate social responsibility planning and implementation

5. Yvonne Maphosa * Doctorate

Rheological behaviour of Bambara groundnut starch-soluble dietary fibre nanocomposite for delivering active compounds in food systems

Faculty 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment

Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment

Faculty of Applied Sciences

Faculty of Informatics & Design

3 3

Faculty of Applied Sciences

3 3 3

3 3 3

3 3

3 3

6. Nolimo Gloria Mbunge Masters

Critical generic skills for successful constructionproject execution from concept to project close within the Cape Metropole

7. Zamavangeli Mdletshe Doctorate Development and Testing of a Renewable Energy-based Thermal Desalination System

8. Melody Ruvimbo Mukandi Doctorate

9. Sihle Ngxabi * Masters

Selected operating process variables for a bio-flocculant supported air flotation system

The effect of different growth media and salinity on the vegetative growth of Trachyandra ciliata (Wild cabbage) in hydroponics

Faculty of Business & Management Sciences

Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment

Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment

Faculty of Applied Sciences

3

3 3 3

3 3 3

3 3

Name Surname Qualification Research Title

10. Caroline Tyavambiza

Doctorate

An in-vitro evaluation of the wound healing properties of Cotyledon orbiculata extracts and it's nanoparticles

11. Namhla Matwa Masters

The role of adolescent advocacy on healthy eating, physical activity, hygiene and safety at selected high schools in the Western Cape, South Africa

Faculty of Health & Wellness Sciences

Faculty of Business & Management Sciences

12. Anza Tshifaro Ramatsia Masters

Contemporary challenges facing female senior managers in selected sport organisations in South Africa

13. Nontsikelelo Noxolo Tafu Masters

Physicochemical, nutritional and dissolution properties of solid dispersed Moringa oleifera leaf powder effervescent beverage granules

Faculty of Business & Management Sciences

Faculty of Applied Sciences

14. Shaun Mgoma

Doctorate Recovery of valuable compounds from agricultural food using green technologies: Process design and Techno-economic analysis

15. Bongisiwe Zozo Doctorate Purification and characterisation of the native black soldier fly larva protein

16. Oritonda Muribwathoho Doctorate Development of metal matrix composites suitable for hulls and ship decks

17. Murendeni Nethengwe

Doctorate Evaluation of antioxidant potential and mechanism of action of phenolic compounds from South African indigenous plants used in the management of diabetes-related male infertility

18. Mzoxolo Ntabeni Masters

The influence of academic and industry-specific project management qualifications on the effectiveness of project managers in the construction industry

Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment

Faculty of Applied Sciences

Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment

Faculty of Health & Wellness Sciences

Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment

Notes:

* Graduated in 2020

* Graduated in 2021 (Cum Laude)

* Graduated in 2022

* Graduated in 2021

VICE-CHANCELLOR’S BURSARY SUPPORT RECIPIENTS

Below are the Vice-Chancellor’s Bursary Support recipients:

Name Surname

Akindele Oluwafemi

Qualification Research Title

Abegunde * Masters

Martha Hendrika Grewe Doctorate

Low cost energy efficient and robust multifunctional smart meter

A proposed framework for improving student engagement using virtual reality at a selected tertiary institution, Cape Town, South Africa

Faculty 2019 2020 2021 2022

Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment 3

Faculty of Business & Management Sciences 3

Gbolahan Sunday Olabode * Doctorate

Spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis of nevirapine, lamivudine, and zidovudine anti-retroviral compounds in wastewater samples from selected wastewater treatment plants, Cape Town

Faculty of Applied Sciences 3 - 3

Mayeadeh Korpor Tarr Masters

Aasief Gaffoor Doctorate

The impact of disruptive technologies on the growth and development of small businesses in South Africa

Exploring the application of case studies to develop core skills in the national certificate (vocational) management practice curriculum

Awonke Geqeza Doctorate A framework for enhancing internal audit independence and objectivity within a provincial governance system in South Africa

Mvemve Shylock Mdingi Doctorate

Sbusiso Desmond Motau Doctorate

Sydwell Mnoneleli Nikani Doctorate

Vuyo Sidwell Pana Doctorate

Lindi Ebegail Vivien

Sindelo Doctorate

A framework for the integration of computerised accounting into high school accounting curriculum

Designing a model for promotion of staff in  a division of the security cluster in South Africa

An evaluation of e-learning platforms in South African high schools

5g new radio and fog computing scalability and qos management

Ethical leadership, accountability and transparency in promoting good governance in the South African public sector

Faculty of Business & Management Sciences 3 - - -

Faculty of Education - 3 -

Faculty of Business & Management Sciences - 3 -

Faculty of Education - 3 -

Faculty of Business & Management Sciences - 3 -

Faculty of Informatics & Design - 3 -

Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment - 3 -

Faculty of Business & Management Sciences - 3 -

Name Surname

Qualification Research Title

Marcina Singh * Doctorate

Lutho Xakayi Masters

Omolaja Akeem Akinfenwa Doctorate

Citizenship in South African schools: a study of four high schools in the Western Cape

The adoption of fourth industrial revolution digital tools and innovation to accelerate the delivery of construction projects

Isolation and characterisation of bioactive compounds from selected plants of South African flora application in the preparation of biocompatible metal nanoparticles

Faculty 2019 2020 2021 2022

Faculty of Education - 3 - -

Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment 3 - -

Faculty of Applied Sciences 3

Yvonne Maphosa Doctorate

Rheological behaviour of the bambara groundnut starch-soluble dietary fibre nanocomposite for delivering active compounds in food systems

Tatenda Blessing Runganga Doctorate Design, model and validate a smart multi-product, multi-location solar drying system for industrial applications

Nurudeen Olatunde Shokoya Doctorate

Justine Oma Angadam Doctorate

Namhla Matwa Masters

Develop electricity theft detection and mitigation in smart grid

Plant digestive enzymes for semi-deligni-holocellulolysis of agro-waste

The role of adolescent advocacy on healthy eating, physical activity, hygiene and safety at selected high schools in the Western Cape, South Africa

Faculty of Applied Sciences 3

Melody Ruvimbo Mukandi Doctorate

Sihle Ngxabi Masters

Caroline Tyavambiza Doctorate

Selected operating process variables for a bio-flocculant supported air flotation system

The effect of different growth media and salinity on the vegetative growth of trachyandra ciliata (wild cabbage) in hydroponics

An in-vitro evaluation of the wound healing properties of cotyledon orbiculata extracts and it's nanoparticles

Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment

Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment

- - 3

- - 3

Faculty of Applied Sciences - 3

Faculty of Business & Management Sciences - 3

Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment - 3

Faculty of Applied Sciences - 3

Faculty of Health & Wellness Sciences - 3

Notes:

* Graduated in 2019

* Graduated in 2021

* Graduated in 2020

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

STEP 1 HOW TO APPLY

1. Go to OPA

2. Login with your CPUT credentials

3. After logging in, go to the tab on the left-hand side which is titled “Apply Awards App”

4. Click on the drop-down that says “Apply for VC Awards”

Applications are open from 1st March to 31st March each year.

Applications must only be submitted via the website.

The following supporting documents must be included in your submission:

• a letter of motivation written by the applicant;

• proof of accepted research topic if in first year of the qualification;

• progress report if in 2nd year of qualification or higher;

• a copy of the results of the qualification preceding the current one (i.e. results for masters if the candidate is registered for a doctoral degree, or the results of the NQF Level 8 qualification for students registered for the masters degree);

• CV with contact details of all supervisors;

• a confidential letter of reference from the main supervisor (sent directly to the Chairperson of the Committee)

Deserving candidates suggested by the Vice-Chancellor will also be able to submit an application.

STEP 2 SHORT-LISTING OF CANDIDATES

Potential awardees may be requested to provide more information.

STEP 3 CONTACTING THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES AND PRESENTATION OF AWARDS

Successful candidates will be contacted and invited to sign a declaration letter accepting the terms and conditions of this award. Towards the end of the year they will be invited to a special ceremony.

STEP 4 FUNDING AND MANAGEMENT OF THE AWARD

• The money will be deposited into the student’s fee account.

• If the student receives another award, for example, NRF, the committee will ‘topup’ the award.

• Progress made by the candidates who have received awards; will be annually monitored by the committee.

• The management of the funds will be presented to the committee when it meets.

• During the year, all students’ general behaviour and conduct will be observed. Students’ conduct needs to be exemplary and show that they deserve this prestigious award.

The application process is entirely managed through an online system. Students are urged to logon OPA or go to https://www.cput.ac.za/about/ leadership/vc/the-vice-chancellors-prestigious-achiever-award to apply for the funding. The applications are open from 1st - 31st March of each academic year.

Thank you to our donors for providing funding to the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Awards Programme. The award is a contribution towards stimulating postgraduate studies at CPUT, building the next generation of academics and in transforming the education sector.