Dr Nicolaas Luwes (Electrical Engineering), Jaco Faber (Electrical Engineering), Teboho Ntsinyi (Electrical Engineering), Dr Olga De Smidt (Yeast Genetics) , Dr Hanita Swanepoel (Product Developer & Brewer), Edrick van der Merwe (Microbiologist & Brewer) and Jaco Faul (Marketing & Management)

Passionate craft brewers from the Centre for Applied Food Security and Biotechnology (CAFSaB) in the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences made their debut at the prestigious SAB Intervarsity-Brewing Challenge and won accolades for CUT.

The team, which runs a small operation, CUT Phehla Brewery under the leadership of Dr Hanita Swanepoel, won the Best Spirit award for the team with the most energy and innovative ideas, and 3^rd place for their Trappist Speciality Monk’s Ale (brewed by Hanita Swanepoel).

This challenge is the biggest internal event organised by SAB with 15 of the top South African tertiary institutions’ brewing teams set against each other. Brews were evaluated by some of the beer industry’s most prominent independent and accredited South African and international tasters.

A year ago, something was brewing in the dungeons of the Old Dirk Coetzee Building where Dr. Swanepoel, a post-doctoral research fellow at CUT, took up a new hobby of brewing. Her dream came true when she assembled a versatile team of microbiologists, food scientists, engineers, marketers, and graphic designers to open a brewery. This year, the team was on its quest to enter into the national challenge. They wanted their beer to be in the competition because it tasted good enough to share. “Once you’ve tried our craft beer, you will no longer want to drink from any other brewery”, Dr Swanepoel said.

The brewery derives its name from Phehla which is one of the Mzansi’s urban legend stories. It is known and popularly believed among communities that a Phehla beer is brewed by a woman to ensure that her husband or partner will not have ‘a wandering eye’.

“Beer is an alcoholic beverage but should be savoured and enjoyed responsibly; and my vision is to be able to create a responsible and creative beer culture amongst our students,” she concluded.

“Once you’ve tried our craft beer, you will no longer want to drink from any other brewery.” Proudly CUT ales

Updated: 16 September 2016

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Conference Theme

Challenges of Engineering Education in the 21st Century: Creating Sustainable Solutions

Visit, 6th African Engineering Education Association 2016

Updated: 19 September 2016

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CUT has been making strategic investment in the transformation of the education programmes offered (more information on the STEPS project). In 2013, the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) accredited the institution’s engineering programmes, and the Civil Engineering programmes obtained accreditation with only a single visit from the assessors, which according to the report was the first time to occur since 2008.

As a new-generation institution, contributing to the development of the region and beyond, a career-focused and interdisciplinary curriculum is needed. Two brand-new programmes in the Department of Civil Engineering are: the Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transportation Management and the Bachelor of Science in Hydrology and Water Resources Management.

Advanced Diploma: Logistics and Transportation Management

This brand new offering will enable graduate to identify, prepare, analyse and manage logistics and transport projects, conduct freight planning and its management. The programme will also give career opportunities in companies dealing with transport economics, engineering and infrastructural developments.

Minimum duration: 1 year | SAQA Credits: 132 | NQF Level: 7

Bachelor of Science: Hydrology and Water Resources Management

The career in hydrology and Water Resource Management (water management, water supply and distribution, wastewater treatments, environmental management, etc) has been declared as a scare skill in South Africa and is listed in the Department of Labour 2007 National Scarce Skills List. Graduates can find career opportunities in both private and public sectors

Minimum duration: 3 years | SAQA Credits: 366 | NQF Level: 7

Both programmes are open for application and will commence in 2015.

Updated: 27 August 2014

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“The best thing a man can do to correct the cultural injustice is to acknowledge that women are not subservient but equal to the task.” These were the words of Prof. Odireleng Martin Ntwaeaborwa, during his address at a public seminar on Women in Science, which was held on 12 August 2016. Prof. Odireleng Martin Ntwaeaborwa, is a researcher at the University of the Free State and President of South African Nanotechnology Initiative and a self-proclaimed feminist. The purpose of this event is to celebrate National Science Week and Woman in Science, an initiative by the department of science that aims to promote and honour woman in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) within CUT.

Further, in his address to phenomenal women, Prof. Odireleng said that he is a proud feminist who relates to, and understands women and wishes that all men in science can become feminist and assist the government to successfully implement its initiatives to empower women. “For the past decades, women have made vast advancement in climbing the ladder and successfully building their careers in government and private sectors. We must be feminist and train them to become great scientists and engineers, not just secretaries and office managers,” he said. Prof. Ntwaeaborwa also presented on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, which he said are studies and applications of tiny things that can be used across all the other science fields, such as chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and engineering. He also highlighted that South Africa is the only country in Africa that is doing research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology with the main focus on Health, Energy, and Water. He also mentioned that Nanoparticles could be used to harvest energy from the sun to improve the efficiency of solar panels and treat water in a cost effective manner by putting magnetic nanoparticles that cleanse water effectively while Nanomaterial can be used to detect and treat cancer at an early stage without any pain incurred.

Other women scientists in the faculties who presented include Dr Ntsoaki Malebo, Scientist and researcher in the Department of Life Sciences and her team, who shared their research experience on various issues such as health, indigenous knowledge and life sciences. Their work is a combination of medicinal plants and indigenous knowledge in searching for new drugs. They also use these plants to affirm the traditional healers’ information. Once the necessary information is acquired, the medicinal plants are tested at the lab for validation, evaluation, and development of plant products that are safe for human consumption.

Dr Lize Theron and her fellow researchers from the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology spoke about women empowerment in the male-dominated environment of engineering, encouraging South African women to follow careers in engineering, as it is one of the identified scarce skills in the country. She also mentioned a vast scope of careers within the engineering field that woman could follow including research on water resources etc. “The burden of planet change and access to safe drinking water falls on women more than on men. The involvement of women in higher levels will thus make a lot of sense for them to be part of decision makers.”

Dr Wendy Setlalentoa, Head of the Department Maths, Science and Technology Education (MSTE) in the Faculty of Humanities and her team, focused on sustainable development in science and the importance of education thereof. She encouraged women to be passionate science educators. “The world cannot grow at good pace unless women come forward and take initiative for the development of this country. Education is a mother of all professions, without it we wouldn’t be having all the engineers and scientists that we see here today.”

Thandokazi Sigcu and Ayanda Feliti, grade 10 learners from Commtech high school said attending the seminar was an eye-opening experience for them and they were highly motivated and inspired by the work that women scientist are doing. “We are already in the science career field and we will take all this knowledge and challenges with us to turn things around for the women in our generation. The pressure will always be there but change is possible if you put your mind to it. We are just waiting for our time and space.”

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1: Prof. Odireleng Martin Ntwaeaborwa, a researcher at the University of the Free State and President of South African Nanotechnology Initiative was a guest speaker.

2: What has been common in Africa about the education of a girl child emanates from the famous proverb that says: when you educate a boy, you educate an individual, but when you educate a girl you are educating the whole nation or village. The grade 10-12 girl learners from Commtech and Tsoseletso high schools also attended the seminar to learn more about their future role in science and how they can turn things around to make South Africa a better place.

Uploaded: 16 August 2016

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CUT Hotel School held its first ever high school career competition on 11 August 2016. The grade 10-12 learners from Mangaung high schools entered the competition where they had to choose any career option within the hospitality industry and design a visual A-2 size poster. Approximately 32 posters were received from five different high schools viz. Hendrik Potgieter, Jim Fouché, Louis Botha, Dr Viljoen, and Fichardtpark. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes were sponsored by Protea Hotel Willowlake, Tsogo Sun, CUT Hotel School and Bon Hotel. The price tag for the best poster was 10 000.00 for their school. Posters were loaded onto CUT Hotel School’s Facebook page where fellow learners could vote for their favourite poster.

The 1^st prize went to Bianca Wessels, a grade 12 learner from Fichartpark high school who won herself R2 000.00 and an additional R10 000.00 for her school which was proudly sponsored by CUT Hotel School. 2^nd prize winner went to Marli du Preez, a grade 10 learner also from Fichartpark high school. She won herself R1 500.00 and 3^rd prize, winner, Amoré Smith, a grade 10 learner Jim Fouche high school who won herself R1 000.00. 

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1: Ecstatic! From left, Ms Dalene Crowther, Acting Head of the Department Hospitality Management;   Ms Bianca Wessels, 2016 High school career competition winner and a Grade 12 learner from  Fichardtpark High School and her teacher, Ms Urma Myburgh, Consumer Study teacher at Fichardtpark high school.

3: Some of the posters that entered the competition. The best-designed poster (bottom left) came from Bianca Wessels of Fichardtpark high school.

Featured image: Hotel school also took the opportunity to honour and award the 2015 top performing first-year students. From left: Angela Mabaso 3^rd place, Denise Ackerman 1^st place, and Juanita Kriel 2^nd place.

Uploaded: 17 August 2016

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View upcoming Conferences | Seminars | Workshops at CUT.

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CUT wishes to congratulate one of its alumni, Dr Herman Mashaba for his recent appointment as the new Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg. On 12 March 2013, CUT became the first university in South Africa to award an Honorary Degree (honoris causa) Doctor Technologiae: Business Administration to the South African business tycoon and founder of Black Like Me Ltd. We wish him well in his future endeavours.

From the archive: http://www.cut.ac.za/leadership/cut-honours-south-african-business-tycoon-and-founder-of-black-like-me-limited/

Uploaded: 24 August 2016

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Professor Thandwa Mthembu promised to share his graduation speech with CUT community: Congratulatory Message to Graduates – Spring Graduation

Uploaded: 21 September 2016

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CUT envisions itself to be a center of knowledge, innovation and excellence, producing a critical mass of researchers and innovators that directly contribute to prosperity creation. 20 to 22 September 2016 the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology hosted the 6^th African Engineering Education Association (AEEA) Conference to provide an opportunity for researchers and students to network and embrace intellectual development by allowing educators, professional organisations and industry leaders to discuss common problems in engineering education. The conference also created a platform for engineering educators to examine approaches to teaching, learning and curriculum structures that would advance engineering education in resource-constrained environments. It also allows for the exchange of information, links, and collaboration between delegates from various institutions and addresses the global issues relating to engineering education.

This jointly hosted a conference by the African Engineering Deans Council aims to provide an opportunity for professional socialisation, networking, and intellectual development. “In a conference like this, critical minds come together to debate relevant issues logically for solutions and answers. At our university, diversity is critically important and what we are trying to achieve with this conference is to embrace it through our international delegates from across the globe. We believe that through embracing diversity, we can become better educators and leaders, said Prof. Henk de Jager Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal in his welcome address.

Dr Thomas Auf Der Heyde, Deputy Director General: Research Development and Support from the Department of Science and Technology said although the university is historically one of the smallest universities in South Africa, it is at the forefront of several important areas of development, particularly in rapid prototyping. He commended the University for its leadership in the engineering field in South Africa. “As a department, we are very proud to be associated with the developments of this capacity at this university.”

In his keynote address Prof. Yacob Astatke, an Interim Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, School of Engineering at Morgan State University, Baltimore- Maryland spoke about the Pan African Research Collaboration: A vision for the future of engineering education in Africa, stating human capital as an important factor. He further said that Africa has a young population that needs to be engaged properly to help solve the major problems that will be faced in the future. “Education is expanding and if we engage the students and focus on entrepreneurship, we might be able to conquer the future challenges for Africa. My vision for the next 5-10 years is to have Pan African Research collaboration where African and international institutions partner to work on global solutions as we are all faced with the same challenges.”

Prof. Mona Lisa Dahm, an Associate Professor at Aalborg University presented on the Challenge of Responsible Engineering: Balancing Technological Advancement, Social Responsibility and Sustainability. As she elaborated on the subject, she said that responsible engineering is engineering that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the impact of engineering activity on the society, economy, workplace and physical environment and addresses the issues by defined procedures (ECSA, ELO 7, 2014). She also said that sustainable development is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the future generations.

Prof. Jian Lin presented on a Plan for Educating and Training Outstanding Engineers (PETOE) in the 21^st century. He referred to it as one of the methods used by China government to promote engineering education on a great scale in its quantity to a great power in its quality. “To ensure high-quality training, PETOE formulated the general standards at undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels and these standards are nationally benchmarked for training the future outstanding engineers. PETOE has had a great influence on higher education and universities, and it has powerfully pushed forward China’s engineering education in the past six years,” he explained.

Prof. Yuan Si from the Department of Civil Engineering, Tsinghua University presented on Engineering Education in Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Era. MOOC is an online course aimed at unlimited participation and open access through the web. He made it clear that his attendance is more on forging collaborations and alliances with other institutions, universities, and government organisations. “Though formed collaborations, we can provide online engineering education courses or develop new MOOCs dedicated to African Engineering Education.”

Prof. David Norris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) shared the challenges encountered at Botswana University as a young institution that still needs to find its ground especially on research funding and programme accreditation. “I am delighted to be part of this conference. I have learned from the best and hope that my networking will go beyond this.”

Images

1 and 2 (Featured image): Day one of the conference with engineering delegates learning how to use visual aids to enhance teaching and learning in the engineering field.

3: From left: Prof. Jian Lin, Prof. Hans Hoyer, Secretary General at the International Federation of Engineering Education Societies (IFEES); Prof. Henk de Jager Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal Elect; and Prof. Funso Falade, President of African Engineering Education Association (AEEA) who enjoyed a tour at the Bagamoya Wildlife Estate during the conference.

Uploaded: 29 September 2016

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An ace student in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at CUT, Myric September, a final year Btech: Information Technology (Software development) has won the worldwide competition as graduate of the year 2016, run by Adzuna in eight countries. Adzuna is South Africa’s largest job aggregator.

Myric hails from De Aar, Northern Cape province, and has been an ace student from an early age in his school years and ended up as a deputy head boy in his primary school and a school prefect at Orion High school where he matriculated. At varsity, he became the best 3^rd year, best senior, best National Diploma and best overall student and has received the Vice-Chancellor’s award category 1 since 2014.

He entered the Adzuna Graduate of the Year 2016, and competed with talented graduates from eight countries in the world and came up tops with a sizeable cash prize, an internship at a top UK company and a CV clinic with a top UK entrepreneur. As the Graduate of the Year, Myric plans to get exposure and as much knowledge as he can possibly acquire, learn how the industry operates, venture into business, reach his ultimate goals and make a name for himself.

“Growing up with grandparents, life was not all glitz and glamour as some years I never had shoes but the constant motivation I received from them got me and has kept me going. We never had toys like other kids but I made my own, that built my character! When I came to Bloemfontein, life was tough. I stayed in a shack with no food on many occasions. I would go back after school and just play gospel music to fill up my soul.”  He acknowledges his grandmother for always praying for him and believing in him even when the road was bumpy. “My granny is my rock!”

Myric said that he still pinches himself because he does not believe that he has made it through his talented competitors from eight countries around the world. “At the moment I am on cloud nine! I feel awesome! When I got the call, I was on campus and other students were toyi-toying in the background so I was not sure if I heard the caller correctly, (chuckles) but to be honest, I am humbled. I have come from so far to where I am today.”

According to the panel of judges (a group of investors and HR directors in the UK), what made Myric a ‘CUT above the rest’ is his remarkable academic achievements, his desire to help other students to fulfill their potential and his promising entrepreneurial streak. “This is one name to follow in South Africa’s up and coming tech scene,” one judge said.

Today, Myric is on the verge of developing a system for the campus library to improve security of library books and other valuable items. “This win motivated me to come up with more solutions because it expanded me personally, my mind and my creativity levels. It has also broadened my scope and opened my eyes.”

His advice to his fellow students is hard work, dedication, and discipline every day all day. “It is important to have a vision for your life, work towards sharpening your goals, take a chance and build something to fall back on. Always have a hunger for a better life, I know we don’t see ourselves reaching certain levels in life but working hard towards the better – you can open doors in the most unexpected places,” he said.

Outside of his studies and work time, Myric enjoys reading, volleyball and participating in athletics. His future goal is to run a successful international software company, starting in South Africa.

Uploaded: 29 September 2016

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As part of heritage month celebration, the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences in collaboration with the Faculty of Humanities co-hosted an art exhibition on 20 and 22 September 2016 to exhibit creative and innovative works of students from graphic design, photography and fashion programmes. The exhibition was also about collaborative projects between CUT and traditional healers and how to integrate indigenous knowledge reference to medicinal, food, and essential oils and the value that it carries.

The Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences exhibited traditional health care products which have indigenous properties to heal day-to-day ailments and chronic illnesses such as cancer and diabetes. The exhibition involved ethnobotanical surveys and the systematic documentation of indigenous knowledge, propagation, agro-processing, and beneficiation of key plant species, scientific validation of medicinal claims, evaluation of nutritional value, as well as evaluation of toxicity of raw materials and end products. The envisaged products (pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals and teas and vegetables) will be aligned to the culture and needs of the local people.

Both the faculty and traditional healers represent a model of collaboration which will not only be mutually beneficial, but also central to the aspirations of our vision in terms of its broader objectives of conceiving and developing social and scientific solutions for the region. These solutions are now tested for treatment of illnesses.

“I’m confident that this event came at the right time where students are requesting academics to decolonise the curriculum and Africanise it. We cannot start decolonising the curriculum without knowing what African knowledge holders pose,” said Dr Ntsoaki Malebo, Microbiologist and Head of the Clinical Sciences Department.

“Once we know, we will take the knowledge and incorporate it within our curriculum to ensure that African knowledge is preserved and our learners know more about it. In this way, traditional knowledge will be rescued and made relevant for contemporary life,” she said.

According to Dr Ntsoaki Malebo, Indigenous Knowledge Systems Research in the Faculty started indirectly with Ethno Pharmacology Projects led by Professor Samuel Mashele who is the Dean of the Faculty. During that time, a group of researchers partnered with the Kopanang Dingaka Association of Thaba Nchu an association of traditional healers who have so far, contributed immensely to the research carried out by scientists.

The team has since started a project for the establishment of medicinal plants garden in Thaba Nchu. To date, more role players are involved and the research has become multidisciplinary. Research activities now involve plant propagation, agro-processing, and beneficiation of indigenous plants. The key role players in the project are Dr IT Manduna, Ethnobotanist, Dr Ntsoaki Malebo, Microbiologist, Mr Lesitsi Kobo, local farmer and Indigenous Knowledge holder, Mr T Ntjane and Ms S Mofammere, Traditional healers from Thaba Nchu, Ms M Malinga, Traditional healer from Reitz, Ms MV Sehlabo, Traditional Knowledge holder, CUTs Department of Agriculture, and Ms MJ Khamane, representative from the Free State Department of Health.

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From left: Mr Maele Ntjane and Ms Silvia Mofammere, traditional healers from Thaba Nchu displaying their medicine made from indigenous plants.

Uploaded: 03 October 2016

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On 26 September 2016 the Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) and Central University of Technology hosted a public lecture in celebration of tourism month. The public lecture served as a platform to exchange and share ideas with industry role players on how best South Africa can enhance and promote universal access in tourism.

This year’s theme: tourism for all promoting universal accessibility brought to light factors that needed attention regarding the growing demands for universal accessibility to restore dignity and respect to people living with disabilities.

When elaborating on the purpose of the day, Prof. Albert Strydom, Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, said that as institutions, they need to dig deeper to understand the 21^st century challenges facing the tourism industry in South Africa and the world at large. “We need to allow ourselves to have a dynamic engaging analysis of our constitutional rights to equality and provide solutions to the sector and direct our thoughts into these issues that are dear to CUT community, our partners in government, business and industry, media and the general public at large.” He further mentioned that collaborative planning and investing will bear more fruits, address the growing demands for universal access, produce intended outcomes of universal accessibility and restore some form of dignity of the downtrodden.

Mr Derek Hanekom, Minister of Tourism said in keeping up with the theme, the overall challenge is to provide for the specific needs of domestic and international tourists living with disabilities. “As far as possible, airports, hotel rooms, restaurants and other facilities must cater to the needs of people who are blind, deaf and those living with other disabilities. Professionals should always available to help customers with special needs and provide them with information about local attractions that meet their needs. We understand that every facility can’t meet everyone’s need but every facility should do its outmost best to cater for such needs,” he said.

In her keynote address Ms Therina Wentzel, Director: National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa said, “when we refer to accessible tourism we mean tourism that enables everyone regardless of their functional limitations to participate in the tourism experience. That freedom should confidently and independently allow all citizens access to all tourism products; services and environments and ensure that universal designs are systemic throughout the tourism value chain.” She also highlighted that the transport systems and services are not user friendly thus; people with disabilities are often unable to enjoy the same freedom of travel as other citizens.

Speakers from various organisations discussed issues based on the challenges and experiences that disabled people face on a daily basis. They not only brought challenges forth but also proposed ways of overcoming and improving on them. The speakers included Mr Francois Deysel from Deaf SA, Mr Simon Netshituni from Blind SA, Mr Freddie Botha from Kaleidoscope SA, Ms. Pam Taylor from Flamingo Tours and Disabled Ventures and Mr Gary Hopkins from I love coffee.

In conclusion, MEC for Free State Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Sam Mashinini said the key lies in finding how universal accessibility can be achieved. “We need to encourage and motivate people living with disability to be part of the rest of the people, they must not feel separated.” MEC Mashinini also promised that all urgent matters particularly in the Free State would be actioned and improved.

Images

1: Front row, from left: Mr Derek Hanekom, Minister of Tourism; Mr Sam Mashinini, MEC for Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in the Free State; and Prof. René Haarhoff, Senior Lecture in Tourism at CUT with CUT students in the back row.

2: Mr Simon Netshituni Vice-President of Blind SA during a panel discussion delivering his presentation on Universal Design.

Uploaded: 06 October 2016

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Prof. Herman Vermaak was inducted into ‘the academic hall of fame’ when he was recently inaugurated as a full Professor on 07 September 2016. His address was a summation of his prowess as a scholar of note in the field of engineering. In his address, he presented Design-for-Testability: the solution to improved test engineering and product quality as a tribute of his work of many years as artisan, technologist and engineer. His presentation was based on issues such as the importance of testing, digital circuits, design-for-testability, virtual commissioning, condition monitoring and the future of testing, and how they all fit to one another.

“Testing is not a once off exercise; it is an all-time operational task. The main purpose for testing is to ensure that all equipment is working according to the standards of what it’s designed for and that it is reliable and operating according to its specifications. In today’s world, we sometimes take it for granted that electronics are part of our lives until technology fails us and things do not work properly,” these were the opening remarks of Prof. Herman Vermaak at his Professorial Inauguration.

When unpacking his work to the audience, Prof. Herman explained that Testing becomes a major activity in any developing life cycle. He also explained the importance of testing every piece of equipment that goes into the designing and manufacturing of a complete product. “It is very important that each piece of equipment is tested, however not all application are easy to test; sometimes some parts of the circuit will be tested once and never again because it is not easy and it is very costly. To determine when testing can take place depends on the type of media or circuit being tested. If it is in a design then testing will happen in the beginning and will carry on throughout,” he said.

He also spoke about virtual commissioning with design for testability as a technique used when developing a system without having hardware and conditioning monitoring that provide data of process indicators when applied in an automated environment. “For future of testing, we are looking at utilizing smart technology like internet of things, testing Silicon smart cut, smart manufacturing test bed and robotic systems.”

Professor Herman Vermaak is currently a Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology: Department of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering. He was Head of the Department for eleven years and Acting-Dean of the Faculty for fourteen months. He has presented numerous papers at international conferences, published widely in international journals, and supervised twenty-eight completed post-graduate studies. He has also produced two technical reports for Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on Reconfigurable Assembly Systems.

Both Profs. Henk de Jager, acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal and Alfred Ngowi commended Prof. Vermaak for reaching a pinnacle of his illustrious career in academia. Prof. de Jager said that at CUT, all its academic staff members are expected to address their peers and CUT community on their research and lessons to share.

Prof. Alfred Ngowi, Dean: Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology commended Prof. Vermaak on his work and achievements in his career stating that in the five years that he has known and worked with him, he has always known him as a rare germ and a cutting edge researcher. “In my years as an academic, I have never found a person with a rare combination of skills and knowledge like Prof. Herman. In this career, you can find an artisan or engineer or technologist, but not all three in one but Prof Herman is a combination of all three. There are only a few people with that combination,” he concluded.

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Prof. Henk de Jager, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal  and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagements; Dr Nomathemba Mrwetyana, CUT Registrar, the newly inaugurated Professor, Prof. Herman Vermaak, Prof. David Ngidi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning and Prof. Alfred Ngowi, Dean: Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology.

Uploaded: 09 September 2016

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CUT Management and the Student Representative Councils of Bloemfontein and Welkom Campuses met on 12 October 2016, to discuss a way forward for the institution.

The following important matters need to be brought to your attention:

1. Academic activities which include lectures and assessments that were postponed will continue on Monday, 17 October 2016.
2. A revised academic programme of academic activities to compensate for lost time will be communicated soon.
3. Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses are open – the Library and Information Services Buildings, and the Academic Development and Support Centres, as well as all the other campus services, are open.

We wish to reiterate our appreciation to our staff, students, parents, and alumni whom the institution has depended upon their continued support in making CUT a cut above the rest.

Uploaded: 13 October 2016

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CUT Management and the Student Representative Councils of Bloemfontein and Welkom Campuses met on 12 October 2016, to discuss a way forward for the institution.

The following important matters need to be brought to your attention:

1. Academic activities which include lectures and assessments that were postponed will continue on Monday, 17 October 2016.
2. A revised academic programme of academic activities to compensate for lost time will be communicated soon.
3. Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses are open – the Library and Information Services Buildings, and the Academic Development and Support Centres, as well as all the other campus services, are open.

We wish to reiterate our appreciation to our staff, students, parents, and alumni whom the institution has depended upon their continued support in making CUT a cut above the rest.

Uploaded: 13 October 2016

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On 11 October 2016, the Faculty of Humanities at CUT hosted an Annual Prestige Research Seminar to foster staff members, postgraduate students, and academics to share their research endeavors, innovations, models, theories and strategies that address the issues and challenges related to cultivating communities for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research in the faculty.

The keynote Speaker and Head of Department: Economic and Management Sciences at the School of Social Sciences and Language Education in University of Free State, Dr. Molaodi Tshelane, presented on ‘The changing context of Higher Education research in Africa’. Based on his topic, Dr Tshelane said that universities in democratic societies must go beyond professional curriculum practice, which is essential to understand how students learn and at the same time, forms part of a fundamental life plant of every research institution.

He also mentioned the three main aspects of a university – to educate, conduct research and translate research as positive effects in a changing society. He also mentioned the current uncertainties vis-à-vis the future of students in higher education, which he said, are due to the structural challenges that were overlooked in the past 22 years. “The aim of education is tied to the nature and epitomes of a particular society. Today we are forced by our students to pause a little, listen and remind ourselves of the objectives of a university. The recent aims promoted by the #fallism movement in South Africa clearly showed narrow thinking and requires us to talk to the question: whose agenda are we serving? To unmask this hidden agenda, we should demand more from universities than to educate people to be proficient in reading mathematics,” he said.

Emerging researchers and scholars from both Bloemfontein and Welkom campus present their research work and shared their accomplishments; received words of encouragement and in return, they received positive feedback and constructive criticism from experienced researchers. Presenters included Ms Nandi Lessing-Venter, Dr Luzaan Schlebusch, Mr Gustav Macklin Barnard, Mr Boitumelo Molokwane, Ms. M Phakisi, Department of Pure Sciences, Lesotho College of Education in Lesotho; Mr Martin Challenor, Ms Elena Baldea, Mr Pocian Tagutanazvo, Ms MB Maope, Ms Ntoatsabone Jeanette and Mr Joel Johannes de Lange, Head of Department:  Accounting, Goudveld High School.

Images

1: Dr Molaodi Tshelane, Head of the Economic and Management Sciences Department, School for Social Sciences and Language Education at University of the Free State.

2: Attendees during the prestige research seminar.

Uploaded: 13 October 2016

The post Faculty of Humanities hosts Prestige Research seminar appeared first on CUT, South Africa.

Dear Students and Parents/Guardians

As you are aware, we have communicated to you that the academic programme would continue on Monday, 17 October 2016, whilst we continuously engage, in a transparent and open manner, on matters that affect both our students and staff. Management also made extensive commitments to meet students’ demands related to CUT matters.

Unfortunately, disruptions of tests and lectures at both the Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses, and victimisation of staff and students, continued on Monday, 17 October 2016 and today. Furthermore, two of the University’s buildings at the Bloemfontein campus were petrol bombed, causing severe damage. This is in addition to the Cafeteria being raided on Friday, 14 October at the Welkom campus. Intensive clashes between protesting students and the South African Police Services (SAPS) also took place at both campuses.

By assessing (i) the current situation at the University; (ii) the primary demand by students for free education for all, which the University Council and Management cannot resolve; and (iii) the safety of students, staff and property, Management agreed to the following way forward related to the remainder of the 2016 academic programme:

• Formal lectures (face to face) and scheduled “sit-down” assessments are suspended with effect from Wednesday, 19 October 2016.
• Faculties will engage with all students and clearly indicate to them the way forward to ensure that their respective academic programmes are completed, which could include exceptional cases for some programmes.
• Academic staff members will engage with students via the University’s digital platform, e.g. e-Thutho, Blackboard, and electronic and social media, about alternative arrangements, assignments, assessments, etc. to ensure that the syllabus of each module is completed by Friday, 4 November 2016.
• Undergraduate students who do not have access to computer facilities and the internet off campus, or who do not have a conducive study environment at the places where they stay, will be allowed to make use of the Student Academic Support Centres, Library and Information Services and the 24-hour study areas on our campuses.
• The main assessments will commence on Monday, 7 November 2016, as published.

We remain determined to complete the academic year and that no student will be deprived as a result of these alternative arrangements.   

Once again, I would like to extend my sincere apology to students, staff, parents, guardians, alumni and external partners for the inconvenience caused as a result of this decision.

Let us continue to work together in promoting positive dialogue to resolve these concerns, and to complete the 2016 academic year successfully!

Thank you for your understanding and support!

Kind regards

Prof. Henk de Jager

Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal

See Communique, 18 October 2016 (PDF)

Uploaded: 18 October 2016

The post 2016 Academic Programme at CUT: the way forward appeared first on CUT, South Africa.

Dear Students and Parents/Guardians

As you are aware, we have communicated to you that the academic programme would continue on Monday, 17 October 2016, whilst we continuously engage, in a transparent and open manner, on matters that affect both our students and staff. Management also made extensive commitments to meet students’ demands related to CUT matters.

Unfortunately, disruptions of tests and lectures at both the Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses, and victimisation of staff and students, continued on Monday, 17 October 2016 and today. Furthermore, two of the University’s buildings at the Bloemfontein campus were petrol bombed, causing severe damage. This is in addition to the Cafeteria being raided on Friday, 14 October at the Welkom campus. Intensive clashes between protesting students and the South African Police Services (SAPS) also took place at both campuses.

By assessing (i) the current situation at the University; (ii) the primary demand by students for free education for all, which the University Council and Management cannot resolve; and (iii) the safety of students, staff and property, Management agreed to the following way forward related to the remainder of the 2016 academic programme:

• Formal lectures (face to face) and scheduled “sit-down” assessments are suspended with effect from Wednesday, 19 October 2016.
• Faculties will engage with all students and clearly indicate to them the way forward to ensure that their respective academic programmes are completed, which could include exceptional cases for some programmes.
• Academic staff members will engage with students via the University’s digital platform, e.g. e-Thutho, Blackboard, and electronic and social media, about alternative arrangements, assignments, assessments, etc. to ensure that the syllabus of each module is completed by Friday, 4 November 2016.
• Undergraduate students who do not have access to computer facilities and the internet off campus, or who do not have a conducive study environment at the places where they stay, will be allowed to make use of the Student Academic Support Centres, Library and Information Services and the 24-hour study areas on our campuses.
• The main assessments will commence on Monday, 7 November 2016, as published.

We remain determined to complete the academic year and that no student will be deprived as a result of these alternative arrangements.   

Once again, I would like to extend my sincere apology to students, staff, parents, guardians, alumni and external partners for the inconvenience caused as a result of this decision.

Let us continue to work together in promoting positive dialogue to resolve these concerns, and to complete the 2016 academic year successfully!

Thank you for your understanding and support!

Kind regards

Prof. Henk de Jager

Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal

See Communique, 18 October 2016 (PDF)

Uploaded: 18 October 2016

The post 2016 Academic Programme at CUT: the way forward appeared first on CUT, South Africa.

Information on this page is relevant to first-year and senior students during enrolment/registration. You should have already applied to CUT.

Find what you need:

1. Check list – what documents need to be in order

2. CUT Selection Test

3. National Benchmark Test (NBT) is compulsory for all first-years

4. Minimum Fees payable to register (3 days before you register) – to be updated.

6. Online Registration

Visit the Enrolment/registration page.

Download the Enrolment/Registration Guide – 2017 | Dates, what, where, when, – to assist with enrolment/registration process.

Dates

Please register on the date specified for your programme in the table below.

First-year students

 Senior Students

Important Dates: Course control dates starts on 19 January until 24 February 2017.

No addition or cancellation of subjects will be accepted after 24 February 2017.

Note:

1. Class Attendance is compulsory
2. The medium of instruction is English

Uploaded: 28 October 2016

The post Registration 2017 appeared first on CUT, South Africa.

Professor David Ngidi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning would like to share the following recommendations made by CUT’s Senate.

The outcome of the round-robin process of SENATE is as follows:

Senate approved the following recommendations pertaining to assessments 2016:

1. All students should be allowed to write the final assessment.
2. After the final assessment, the final mark and the course mark will remain and apply as in the CUT 2016, calendar, p.183 i.e. 40% for the course mark and 60% for the final assessment for semester subjects and 20% course mark and 30% final assessment mark per unit for year subjects to determine the final mark. Students with 50% and above final mark will pass even if their course mark is below 40% for semester students and even if their course mark is below 20% per unit for year subjects. Students with 45% to 49% final mark qualify for re-assessment.
3. In cases where some students couldn’t write one or more tests due to intimidation or any other cases with merit, they should be given another opportunity to complete the outstanding assessment online so that they can have a complete course mark. This should preferably happen before the commencement of final assessment.

Let us continue to work together in promoting positive dialogue to resolve these concerns, and to complete the 2016 academic year successfully!

See Communique, 28 October 2016 (PDF)

Uploaded: 28 October 2016

The post Assessment of students in 2016 appeared first on CUT, South Africa.