Applied Sciences Insights Newsletter - Issue 1

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN:

Hello Everyone

As we usher in 2024, there are many milestones to celebrate. A very important one is the more than 1,000 new first-year students whom we welcomed to the Faculty this year. They have chosen CPUT, and our Faculty in par�cular, to lay the founda�on for their professional lives. I would also like to extend my best wishes to everyone in the Faculty as we support these First-Years and our returning students towards achieving their dreams and poten�al.

Another milestone is the launch of our very first Faculty Newsleter. This exci�ng venture is aimed at sharing our experiences across the Faculty. The Newsleters will encapsulate our collec�ve journey – highligh�ng our triumphs, innova�ons, and the unwavering spirit of our community (staff, students, and collaborators). They will hopefully enhance communica�on and further cul�vate our sense of togetherness as a Faculty.

We aim to have four Newsleters each year (one per Term) and, although they will not contain everything that has been achieved in the Faculty by that �me, they will give a window into the great and impac�ul work being done across the Faculty. We believe the Newsleter would give insight into the Faculty.

This first issue is a testament to our Faculty's vibrant academic ecosystem. From the exploratory ventures into the Zandvlei Estuary, enriching our understanding of Marine Biodiversity; to the celebratory end-of-year potjiekos compe��on; to the enlightening interna�onal exchange experiences with FH Münster University of Applied Sciences (in Germany); et cetera. Our commitment to addressing realworld challenges is vividly demonstrated through ini�a�ves like the student and staff-led gardening project aimed at comba�ng food insecurity on campus, while the spirit of innova�on is celebrated through the Science Idols event in the Chemistry Department, where students showcased their ingenuity and entrepreneurial skills.

This edi�on also highlights our efforts and successes in infusing Work Integrated Learning, Service Learning, and Civic Engagement into our curriculum – thereby empowering our students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.

As we reflect on these and other stories in the Newsleter, we are reminded of the strength of our community and the impact of our collec�ve efforts. Let us con�nue to inspire, innovate, and influence posi�vely – embracing the challenges and opportuni�es that lie ahead.

Here's to a year of new discoveries, learning, and growth.

• Dr Igna�us Ticha

• Assoc Prof Rashieda Toefy Ac�ng Assistant Dean toefyr@cput.ac.za

• Dr Tobie Oosthuysen Chemistry Department oosthuysent@cput.ac.za

• Mr Rendani Mulaudzi Environmental & Occupa�onal Studies mulaudzir@cput.ac.za

• Mr Rene Frans

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A recap of the 2023 Faculty of Applied Sciences Team Building

The CPUT Vision 2030 ins�tu�onal strategic plan focuses on oneness as one of its core pillars. In line with this, the Faculty of Applied Sciences held a teambuilding exercise on 14 December 2023. The main ac�vity of the team building event on the Bellville Campus of CPUT was a potjiekos compe��on.

The day was marked by lots of fun, good conversa�ons, and much hard work, cooking. The cooking compe��on uncovered hidden top chef talents within the departments as the staff gave it all, showcasing serious culinary prowess. The compe��ve spirit among colleagues was no�ceable, highligh�ng the dedica�on of all academic departments to the challenge.

Besides the cooking, other fun ac�vi�es included an egg and spoon race between departments. Characteris�c of the academic culture and milieu, even in moments of fun, the race was followed by

much delibera�on - on the outcome, with the Department of Conserva�on and Marine Science eventually emerging as the winner.

Another fun event towards the end of the day was a lively dance performance, with some colleagues shining more than others, as they would agree.

The most delicate responsibility of the day was assigned to three independent judges who had the challenging task of deciding which department could be awarded the best potjiekos and the best team spirit awards. Although the judges agreed that all departments were good and fully invested in the mission of cooking a variety of mouthwatering meals, the Department of Biotechnology and Consumer Science walked away with the Best Potjiekos award and the Department of Chemistry the Best Team Spirit award. Well done to those colleagues.

In addi�on to the fun stuff, the Faculty recognised excellence by awarding accolades to colleagues shown below who did excep�onally well in their respec�ve work func�ons in 2023.

Most Masters students graduated in 2023

Doctoral Student gradua�on in 2023

Most publica�on Units in 2022

Most external funds raised in 2022

Dr Conrad Sparks

8 Masters graduated in 2023

Dr Boredi Chidi

Although a number of other supervisors graduated 1 Doctoral student, he was awarded as first-�mer who supervised a doctoral student successfully.

Prof Victoria Jideani

7.165 units in 2022 (3.665 units in journal ar�cles and 3.5 units in a book).

Prof Maretha Opperman

NEP grant for GC-MS/MS; Funding for Science Shop

Over R5million

Receiving new or renewed NRF ra�ng in 2023

Obtaining Doctoral degree in 2023

Prof Ayesha Jacobs

Prof Victoria Jideani

Prof Mangaka Matoetoe

Prof Felix Nchu

Dr J Sagbo

Dr Mike Agenbag

Dr Thomas Farrar

Dr Lusani Vhangani

Dr Shaheeda Adonis

Dr Mbappe Tanga

Department with the Highest per capita publica�on Units in 2022

Food Science & Technology

1.32105 units per permanent academic staff member.

NB: Hor�cultural Sciences was VERY close behind. It was pleasing to note that nearly all Departments had a per capita output exceeding the DHET norms for UoTs (0.5 units/ yr)

AWARDS

1. Support Staff Awards

• Most Innova�ve Non-academic Staff member – Lamla Mayekiso

• Outstanding Technical Staff member award – Terence Mabela

• Outstanding Secretary/ Office Administrator – Cecile Hansby

• Outstanding Non-academic Staff member – Rashieda Bartlet

• Posi�ve Spirit Award – Merichia Petersen

2. Teaching Excellence Awards

• Faculty Award - Dr Courtney Puckree-Padua

• Departmental Awards:

• Biotechnology and Consumer Science – Dr Boredi Chidi

• Conserva�on and Marine Sciences – Dr Koebraa Peters

• Environmental & Occupa�onal Studies – Dr Megan Lukas-Sithole

3. Awards from Team-building Day

• Team Spirit Award – Chemistry

• Potato Race winners- Conserva�on and Marine Sciences

The day was excep�onal, and we look forward to another event where colleagues get to spend quality �me together and con�nue building oneness in the very successful team building event.

AWARDS

Nature Conservation and Marine Sciences students explore the wonders of Zandvlei Estuary

Nestled along the coastline of Cape Town lies the Zandvlei Estuary, home to a diverse array of plant and animal species. An estuary is one of nature’s grand mee�ng places where land meets sea, accompanied by teeming biodiversity.

The Zandvlei Estuary cons�tutes a mosaic of habitats, which include salt marsh, seagrass, and mudflats. The significance of the estuary extends beyond its ecological value as it serves as a recrea�onal hub for surrounding communi�es. As a result, this estuary provides invaluable learning opportuni�es for researchers and students alike.

Recently, the Advanced Diploma, Marine Science and Nature Conserva�on students had the opportunity to explore the wonders of this estuary, gaining insights into the importance of conserva�on efforts for estuaries. The visit to Zandvlei Estuary (led by

experienced instructors and guides) offered the students a hands-on opportunity to apply the theore�cal knowledge they had learned about estuaries in a real-world se�ng.

Overall, the experience not only deepened the students’ knowledge and understanding of these ecosystems but also ins�lled in them a sense of responsibility to act as stewards of marine and coastal ecosystems.

Transformative exchange experiences for Food and Nutrition and two German exchange students

As part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the FH Munster University of Applied Sciences, Germany, and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology – CPUT, two German students registered for and atended Food and Nutri�on Programme classes from February to June 2023. The students registered for and par�cipated in the subject Food Produc�on and Service Opera�ons 2 (Semester one). The exchange students par�cipated in the theory and prac�cal components of the subject (i.e., largescale food produc�on). The exchange significantly impacted the local and visi�ng students, as indicated in the reflec�ons that follow.

Feedback from CPUT students:

Oyena Dlwengu (CPUT, 2nd-year student) stated that “it was really awesome working with Litha [one of the exchange students]. At first, I thought she was just here to study and return to Germany, but she became like a schoolmate! It was amazing working with Litha as she offered unique perspec�ves and ideas to assist with group prac�cals. Despite the social differences and language barrier, Litha worked well with us and demonstrated a posi�ve and enthusias�c approach toward the subject. It was a pleasure working with her” .

Alistor Rossouw (CPUT, 2nd Year student) indicated that “for me, it was enjoyable to work with Freya [the second exchange student] in a group. I learned some fascina�ng facts about Germany . She is an imagina�ve person and always has solu�ons for challenges in a prac�cal laboratory. Freya is one of those people who has a diligent mindset and will always work towards her goal” .

Feedback from exchange students:

In a combined response, Litha & Freya (German exchange students) stated “We enjoyed our stay in Cape Town! The cultural immersion, educa�onal opportuni�es, and warm hospitality of the South African people made it a truly memorable experience. We also had the chance to collaborate with students of the Department of Biotechnology and Consumer Science, gaining valuable insights and different perspec�ves. The academic staff were knowledgeable and passionate about their subject.

The reflec�ons of both the local and the visi�ng students serve as a compelling indica�on that the exchange significantly enriched the learning experiences of both local and exchange students, fostering cultural sensi�vity and expanding their horizons.

Empowering tomorrow’s scientists through Work Integrated Learning, Service Learning and Civic Engagement

The Faculty of Applied Sciences has a Work Integrated Learning, Service Learning and Civic Engagement Unit that assists departments to integrate, plan and opera�onalise credit-bearing ac�vi�es for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and Service Learning (SL) and volunteer-based civic engagement projects.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL)

Co-opera�ve Educa�on is a learning philosophy based on a partnership between the ins�tu�on and its external stakeholders (industry, employers and government). The common objec�ve is to provide the student with an enhanced learning experience in the workplace. In essence, this is a three-way partnership in which students alternate academic study with periods of work experience, during which they apply their learning in real-life situa�ons under the supervision of experienced mentors in the workplace and the guidance of academic staff from the ins�tu�on.

The work covered during this period is monitored and assessed according to requirements set out by specific departments. This type of learning is called experien�al learning or Work Integrated Learning (WIL).

Service-Learning (SL)

Service-learning (SL) is a course-based, credit-bearing experience in which students par�cipate in an organised service ac�vity that meets iden�fied community needs and reflects on the service ac�vity in such a way as to get a further understanding of course content, a broader apprecia�on of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.

Community Engagement (or Civic Engagement) (CE)

Community Engagement (or Civic Engagement) at CPUT encompasses voluntary and community-based ac�vi�es that operate independently of the learning outcomes of academic programmes. As these ac�vi�es are NOT integrated into the mainstream curriculum, students are not awarded marks for their par�cipa�on. This makes these ac�vi�es different from service-learning.

Civic engagement provides non-curricular opportuni�es for administra�ve staff, student socie�es/clubs and academic staff to contribute to socio-economic development through various ac�vi�es. It prepares students for good ci�zenship by raising awareness of the need for social responsibility and commitment to building South Africa’s future economically, poli�cally, and socially.

Civic engagement aims at developing the following atributes in students and staff:

• Intellectual Imagina�on: Ability to see the unseen, challenge the status quo and suggest that things could be done differently.

• Personal Ini�a�ve: Making things happen and celebra�ng the sa�sfac�on of bringing new things into being through independent, proac�ve and self-star�ng ac�on.

• Spirit of Selflessness, passion and integrity: Recogni�on that ul�mate personal sa�sfac�on comes from empowering oneself so that one may serve others.

• Courageous Commitment: The courage and dedica�on to con�nue, realising that applying consistent commitment has a way of overcoming.

With these atributes, civic engagement aims at capital development, including human, entrepreneurial and social capital

htps://www.cput.ac.za/services/ccewil/engagement

Innovative minds shine bright: Science Idols 2023 in the Chemistry Department

could display their hard work and achievements during their second-semester chemistry projects. Project topics ranged from the valida�on of analy�cal methods to the analysis of ions in rainwater to the prepara�on of new materials.

The Chemistry Science Idols are named after the popular TV show “Pop Idols” held on 22 and 23 November 2023 in the Chemistry Department, Bellville Campus of CPUT. The event has become a highlight in the department’s calendar, celebrating students' innovative spirit and scientific knowledge.

On the first day, the research project students presented posters detailing their industry research work, followed by engaging flash presenta�ons. The photos below show the posters and talks.

On the second day, WIL entrepreneurial students took the stage, displaying products they had developed in Chemistry labs and engaging the audience with detailed presenta�ons on their marke�ng strategies,

Students were judged by staff from the Chemistry department and two external judges from Industry. NuWater Systems (Pty) Ltd kindly sponsored prizes for the best presenta�ons and posters. There was a �ght compe��on, and the top three research project awards were given to Anele Sinto (first), Sibulele

Malan� (second), and Mandisa Madondo (third place). For the entrepreneurial group, the first prize went to Josias Masangu, and the second prize went to Dan Ilunga. There was also an award for the student who made the most sales and profit (Aphiwe Magangana).

The success of Science Idols 2023 can be atributed to an excep�onal team's me�culous coordina�on and dedica�on. Meredith Kujawa, Por�a Jaynarayan, Masixole Makhaba, Masande Yolo, Dawn Petersen,

and Rene Frans worked �relessly to ensure the event's smooth execu�on and profound impact on students. Their commitment to excellence and passion deserves our highest apprecia�on.

Nature Conservation students are treated to an engaging working dog demonstration

On a sunny morning in early February (before firstyear students arrived) for the 2024 academic year, the Nature Conservation Advanced Diploma class was treated to a live demonstration (of detention, arrest and search procedures by a small team from a conservation agency. The simulation mimicked a likely compliance breach scenario that is all too common in nature reserves, parks and protected natural areas.

The simulation team consisted of the Compliance Officer, an actor playing the role of a poacher and the star of the show – a canine conservationist, Lola. Lola and her handler demonstrated how these dogs are trained to detect the scent from an assortment of contraband (in this case, abalone), pursue a suspect, and finally, detain the suspect – all on careful command from their trusted dog-handler. Belgian Malinois (such as Lola) are a common working dog breed, selected for their intelligent, hard-working, and protective temperaments.

The scene consisted of Lola eagerly springing into a frenzy to detect the abalone scent on the suspect’s clothing. She bolted at lightning speed after the fleeing suspect, and with an agile leap, she quickly apprehended the suspect with a firm grip on her well trained jaws. A bite-resistant sleeve was used for demonstration purposes since few would volunteer to receive a real working bite from Lola. The enactment continued with a demonstration of correct handling, searching and detention procedures of suspected individuals and, later, the appropriate handling of evidence and/or seized possessions.

Illegal wildlife harvesting of items that may include perlemoen, slow-growing succulents, cycads, bark of trees and even whole animals continues to have devastating effects on ecosystems. With such practical training, the Nature Conservation students can better prepare themselves as future custodians of our natural resources.

Reflec�ng on the experience, the student Sai Seolin Pillay commented:

The contact session involving the police dog was impac�ul as it gave not only me but other students an understanding of how dogs react to a suspect or someone suspicious. Having a visual demonstra�on was really good as I am more cognizant on how dogs do their work using their senses, skills and ability to carry out a duty as well as demonstra�ng the arrest procedures. Thank you so much for the demonstra�on. It was really helpful and I hope we can get more demonstra�ons like this in the future as it was really well thought off. I encourage this form of learning both theory and prac�cal was a good approach. Mam, you have my permission to use my response on the dog demonstra�on for the Newsleter.

A second student, Lisa O'Malley opined:

I enjoyed the dog demonstra�on. It provided me with a real life scenario which was helpful it knowing how the procedure goes as I have not yet witnessed this in real life yet. It demonstrated how I should conduct myself and speak if I am searching someone for a criminal offense in the conserva�on industry.

The live demonstra�on provided a unique and invaluable learning experience for our Conserva�on Advanced Diploma class. By simula�ng a real-life scenario, students gained prac�cal insights into compliance and enforcement procedures crucial for their future roles as conserva�onists. We sincerely thank the na�onal conserva�on agency team for their informa�ve session.

CPUT Marine Science students’ engaging participation at Africa's Ocean Innovation Summit

Charting new waters

As a Master ’s student in Marine Science at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the ac�ve par�cipa�on of our students in the 5th edi�on of Africa's Ocean Innova�on Summit, held from February 20 to 22 2024. The summit served as a pla�orm for showcasing African ini�a�ves and fostering collabora�on among interna�onal entrepreneurs, investors, scien�sts, businesses, and leaders dedicated to posi�vely impac�ng our oceans.

The involvement of CPUT marine science students in the summit was facilitated by an opportunity shared by Tariro Paul Makanha, from Ocean Hub Africa. Recognising the significance of such an event, I disseminated the informa�on to students, urging them to seize the chance to volunteer. Moreover, this opportunity was extended to students from other ins�tu�ons, resul�ng in 56 entries.

Despite the limited number of posi�ons available,

Recognising the value of student par�cipa�on, those not chosen as volunteers were graciously provided with complimentary passes for one day of atendance at the summit. The summit provided an invaluable opportunity for our students to engage with stakeholders from various African countries and islands. Through networking sessions, panel discussions, and workshops, our students were able to forge connec�ons, exchange ideas, and gain insights into the pressing issues facing our oceans. Many expressed gra�tude for the opportunity and emphasised the significance of the contacts they established during the summit.

In conclusion, Africa's Ocean Innova�on Summit catalysed student engagement and networking in marine science. The ac�ve par�cipa�on of CPUT students underscored their commitment to addressing ocean-related challenges and highlighted their enthusiasm for collabora�on and knowledge exchange.

Moving forward, it is impera�ve to con�nue fostering such opportuni�es for students, as they play a crucial role in shaping the future of our oceans.

Fun-filled and educative orientation in the Chemistry Department

The Chemistry Department hosted a weeklong orienta�on program for 154 new first-year students from 12-16 February 2024. The ac�vi�es for the week included a welcome address from the Head of Department, Prof Merril Wicht, and the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Prof Joseph Kioko.

To ensure that students gained informa�on on services available to support them, support service departments were invited to address students. These included the Faculty Librarian and a representa�ve of Jove, a video library dedicated to teaching scien�fic fundamentals through easy-tounderstand video demonstra�ons.

The orienta�on culminated in a fulfilled last day spent in the chemistry laboratories. To introduce them to the joys of studying Chemistry, students made their own lip balm from all-natural ingredients in the laboratories, choosing their preferred flavour and pigment. In a second engaging ac�vity, students made ice cream by cleverly mixing the ingredients in a sealed bag and using ice/salt mixture to freeze it. These fun experiments highlighted some important chemistry concepts they would learn and, more importantly, got students excited about and interested in laboratory work.

In typical South African style, the day ended with a lovely braai in the courtyard at the Bellville campus of CPUT.

The success of the orienta�on is credited to Dr. Shaheeda Adonis and her team of Prof Vernon Somerset, Dr. Shirley Le Roux, Dr. Masande Yalo, Dr. Dorcas Zide, Dr. Meredith Kujawa, Dr. Masixole Makhaba, Mrs Gillian Fennessy Yon, Ms Pumza Stemela, second-year students Ashley Bentley, Jwili Mluleki and Buyisile Cebisile.

Some photos from the day, published with students' permission.

characteristic humility, Prof Vernon Somerset did a sterling job as master “braaier”. Mrs Dawn Petersen, “caterer in chief”, ensured that students were well fed. The team of colleagues who all pulled together to serve ensured the success of the orientation.

One Rez One Garden project to address food insecurity on campus

Nourishing minds and bodies

In recent years, a growing global movement has sought sustainable living and mindful consumption. As we face the challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and food insecurity, it becomes increasingly important to explore innovative solutions that promote self-sufficiency through a closer connection to nature. The CPUT Convocation (which I am a member of) in early 2023 partnered with the Department of Student Affairs to address general student issues in and around the institution.

Our primary goal is to produce graduates (Alumni) who will be proud of their ins�tu�on and, in return, plough back to ensure sustainability in the ins�tu�on. We cannot deny that our graduates are our future leaders going into various terrains of influence. Hence, we wish to engrave CPUT in their hearts for future considera�on, and we can do that by ensuring that they are well fed intellectually but also physically. What beter way to do that than growing food in gardens on the residences?

Food gardens in our residences provide an opportunity to engage students and staff in sustainable prac�ces, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship. Through hands-on involvement in the garden, students learn about organic farming methods, compos�ng, water conserva�on, and the importance of biodiversity, and they grow food to feed the student community on campus. The prac�cal knowledge acquired is applied within the garden and in their daily lives, crea�ng a ripple effect of sustainable prac�ces throughout the CPUT community.

This project seeks to achieve a lot in the ins�tu�on. It seeks to feed hungry students, build harmony through the redress of lack within the CPUT family,

embrace the spirit of ubuntu and create a space free from creden�als and social statuses as both students and staff dirty their hands in the garden.

The Project Managers/owners include:

1. Student Development Affairs (SDA) – Primary funding and general implementa�on

2. Green Campus Ini�a�ve (GCI), the student body responsible for the day-to-day running of the project with residence management

3. CPUT Convoca�on, offering ini�a�ve coordina�on and promo�ng collabora�ons internally towards suppor�ng our students.

4. Faculty of Applied Sciences – CPUT Head of Food Security

As the Convoca�on execu�ve 2023-2025 is commited to implemen�ng Vision 2030 from essen�al engagements up, our primary aim while crea�ng one smart CPUT is to leave no one behind, and the garden project contributes to that vision.

FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

Tel: +27 21 460 3151

Email: AppliedSciences@cput.ac.za

www.cput.ac.za