Convocation Hybrid Annual General Meeting Agenda

NOTICE OF THE HYBRID CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (CPUT) CONVOCATION: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) (ELECTIVE)

In terms of Clause 71.1 of the Statute of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, notice is hereby given of the hybrid Annual General Meeting of the Convocation of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

AGENDA:

1. President’s Annual Report

2. Vice-Chancellor’s Annual Report

3. Report on the Financial Sta tements of the Convocation

4. Announcement of the Election Results of the President of the Convoca tion and the Convocation Executive Committee

5. Address by the incoming President

6 . Mandate to CONVEX

7 . Closure

Members of the Convocation, as defined in Clause

69 (1) and (2) of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology Statute, are invited to attend the hybrid AGM meeting of the CPUT Convocation.

DATE: SATURDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 2025

VENUE: Auditorium, CPUT Bellville Campus, Symphony Way

TIME: Registration: 09:00–09:45 (No registration will be allowed after 10:00)

– Convocation Meeting Starts at 10:00

VIRTUAL MEETING DETAILS: Will be communicated on the CPUT website in due course

RSVP: Please RSVP to registrar@cput.ac.za no later than Tuesday, 9 September 2025

For further details, please visit the CPUT website (www.cput.ac.za)

Registrar and Secretary of the Convocation, Dr PP Masala: registrar@cput.ac.za

+27 21 959 6767

info@cput.ac.za

www.cput.ac.za

@wearecput facebook.com/cput.ac.za

@cput

20 YEARS OF GROWING

FROM GREATS #CPUT20YEARS creating futures 2 of 32

VIRTUAL MEETING PROTOCOL

Introduction

The distinguishing feature between a virtual and a (physical) meeting is that virtual meeting takes place in a virtual space, also referred to as “online” using electronic meeting software

It is expected that participants (committee members, invitee and/or presenters) give the meeting their full attention (as if it were a physical meeting) and not be distracted from the meeting by any external factors, namely email correspondence, texting or continuing with other work.

For the integrity of the meeting and to safeguard the confidentiality of discussions, participants of the virtual meetings should ensure that the physical environment in which they choose to conduct the virtual meeting is conducive, i.e. comfortable to allow the user to be engaged in the discussions and that no external parties (those not associated with the University of the meeting in question) are present.

Normal meeting requirement will apply however, participants should be mindful of the following etiquette rules for the virtual meetings:

1. Punctuality

Virtual meetings start promptly at the scheduled meeting time and all participants are expected to be present in the meeting room unless they have tendered an apology in the prescribed manner or informed the Chairperson of any other arrangements (i.e. joining the virtual space at a later time).

2. Stay seated and remain present

Participants are required to remain present throughout the meeting as this is necessary to ensure that principles of good governance, such as required quorum and fiduciary duties, are adhered to at all times. In the event that a participant must be excused during the duration of the meeting, the participant is requested to inform the Chairperson and the Secretariat before the meeting commences. The chat function in the virtual meeting software may also be used to alert both the Chairperson and Secretariat about the request to be excused from the meeting

3. Attendance, Declaration of Conflict of Interest and attendance list

Secretariat is to ensure that only the committee members (as per the Terms of Reference) are invited to the meeting and have access to the virtual meeting link.

At the start of the meeting, the Chairperson will request participants to declare any conflict of interest. The participants are required to declare any conflict (or perceived conflict of interest) by using the chat function in the virtual meeting software.

Secretariat will download an attendance register from the virtual meeting software. This will indicate when participants joined and left the meeting.

4. Muting of microphones and video display

Unless participants are presenting or commenting on an issue, it is requested that all microphones be muted during the meeting proceedings. Video displays should be deactivated unless the Chairperson requests otherwise.

5. Recognition of speaker

The participant must use the “raise your hand” function if they wish to comment or raise an issue during meeting deliberations. The Chairperson will recognise the speaker and invite the participant to speak so to avoid disrupting other speakers. Participants are reminded to unmute the microphone when addressing the meeting.

The chat function could also be used to draw attention to a possible speaker. Secretariat would assist the Chairperson with the sequence of hands.

Members are cautioned not to use the chat functionality to raise motions, debate or make substantial inputs on motions.

6. Speak audibly and respectfully

Address the meeting whilst facing the camera on the device (laptop or computer). Keep bodily movements minimal should the camera be activated to avoid blurring or affecting the quality of the video. Side-conversations are strongly discouraged. Members are encouraged to maintain high level of respect and collegiality for each other as they engage on issues, irrespective of their difference of opinions.

7. Dress appropriately

Members are always encouraged to dress appropriately.

8. Confidentiality

Members are expected to maintain high level of confidentiality during and after the meeting. Meeting documentation and discussions cannot be shared with non-members.

9. Recording of meetings

The use of the recording function in the virtual meeting software is strongly discouraged for security purposes, unless the Chairperson requests otherwise.

Secretariat may use meeting voice recording tools to assist in capturing the essence of the discussions and minuting purposes. This recording cannot be circulated nor be shared with anyone else.

CAPE

PENINSULA

UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (CPUT) CONVOCATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) RESOLUTIONS – SATURDAY, 05 OCTOBER 2024, AUDITORIUM, BELLVILLE CAMPUS

1. Resolution of the Convocation AGM held on Saturday, 30 September 2023

Convocation approved the resolutions of the previous AGM held on 30 September 2023 as the true reflection of the proceedings held on that day, Mr S Zondi moved for approval, seconded by Ms A Mrasi.

2. Convocation resolved that creative means be considered to curb substance abuse on University Campuses. This would require more impactful and educational programmes in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

3. That the University should consider institutionalizing the Alumni Magazine for purposes of tracking and tracing its graduates (Graduate Connect); (each faculty to launch its graduate connect magazine)

4. The National Convocation Forum or Association should relook at the role of Convocation vs Alumni and consider alignment where necessary.

5. In respect of the One Garden, one Campus project, Convocation resolved that students needed to be mentored to commercialize the produce for purposes of social entrepreneurship.

6. Convocation reiterated the resolution taken at the previous AGM held on 30 September that; Convocation should have full status and representation in the following Committees of the University (Senate; Search and Selection Committee for Senior Appointments (SSCSA); and Honorary Degrees Awards Committee (HDAC).

7. Council be requested to consider the review of the Statute so to grant Convocation full status in the aforementioned Committees (refer to point 6). In the process of reviewing the statute consideration be given to increase the number of Convocation representatives to Council from one (1) to two (2) as it were in the previous statute.

8. The internal Convocation academics should on Semester basis convene programmes that will seek to bridge the gap between academics and students.

9. The University should invest in commercialization of the Granger Bay Campus (Hotel School), through conferencing and other means for third stream income purposes.

10. Convocation endorsed the amended Convocation Constitution for approval by Council subject to the following suggestions being factored:

(a) Clause 17.4 “for purposes of alignment of nomenclature, the University alumni should be defined. Or remove the word alumni and replace it with “Member of Convocation”.

(b) Clause 11 (11.1) Election of the President “It must be succinctly clarified that the President is elected at the Convocation AGM and immediately presides over the remainder of the AGM Agenda”.

(c) Clause 19 Eligibility – by majority, Convocation resolved that the threshold for eligibility to be elected as Convocation President should be 10 years and for being an executive member should be five (5) years. The threshold should count from the first graduation.

(d) Convocation further agreed that a criterion should be developed that speaks to eligibility of being a President beyond the number of years being CPUT Graduate.

(e) Clause 14.3 for purposes of readability, the clause should be revised. The threshold to call for extraordinary meetings should be applicable to both the President and ViceChancellor when acting as President.

(f) Convocation resolved that in line with Clause 19.3 (1) the elections/voting should remain online to accommodate maximum participation of Convocation members residing outside the Western Cape.

(g) Clause 14.5 the word “virtual” be removed and retain “Hybrid”.

(h) Clause 13.6 when the statute is being reviewed consideration be given to include “Deputy President” for Convocation.

(i) Clause 19.3 (2) AGM resolved on one (1) day for voting.

Mr A Gladile moved for endorsement of the AGM resolutions, seconded by Mr S Zondi.

Convocation Annual General Meeting

20 September 2025

INTRODUCTION

In September 2022, the Convocation held its elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) and I was elected as Convocation President for a 3-year term For me, this marked a return to where my professional career began No doubt, the same for every other member of the Convocation Executive (Convex) who was subsequently elected

It is therefore necessary, at the outset, to signify my gratitude for the responsibility given to me to lead the body that represents the interests of graduates / diplomats of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) including Academic Employees on the permanent staff of the University, professors emeriti, and other retired Academic Employees who have been permanently employed by the University in continuous employment for no less than 10 years immediately prior to retirement.

The CPUT Convocation is a creature of University Statute deriving its mandate from paragraph 68 of same. Convocation may discuss and state its opinion upon any matter relating to the University The Statute further elucidates that such matters as may have been referred to it by the Council, the Senate or the Institutional Forum during the period since the previous meeting of the Convocation or such matters pertaining to the University as may have come to the attention of the President of the Convocation since the previous meeting. Also, the Convocation is accountable to the Council

Upon assuming office, we developed a three-year strategy outlining key focus areas, which included building a strong Convocation brand, contributing to nurturing students and their development, fundraising, building strategic partnerships with stakeholders, and the entire CPUT community.

Most of the work undertaken by Convocation has been public in nature. So, it will be familiar to you. However, it is still necessary to put some of the activities in a narrative for record keeping and for posterity. I propose to divide these items according to the agenda we set for ourselves three years ago.

It is, however, important I point out that this report mainly focuses on work undertaken over the last year because in between the electoral years, we have convened two (2) non-elective AGMs where I provided comprehensive Annual Reports on both accounts

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

One Residence One Garden

The “One Residence, One Garden” project, a partnership between the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) and Convocation including other critical stakeholders, continues to make significant strides in advancing food security, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering community engagement across CPUT residences.

I am pleased to report that over the past year we received support from the office of the Dean of Applied Sciences towards procuring essential tools to strengthen the initiative.

Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between CPUT and Nature Brands Labs, strengthening collaboration and support. As part of this partnership, Nature Brands Labs donated over 400 vegetable seedlings, including spinach, beetroot, cabbage, peppers, and tomatoes, which have been distributed across participating residences.

In addition, the project has benefitted from the donation of 45 work suits and safety boots, ensuring that participating students are well-equipped for garden activities.

The project has expanded significantly across residences, with Catsville Garden fully established, while MGR and Granger Bay are at ongoing stages respectively, the latter in partnership with Food and Consumer Science postgraduate students.

At DTL and the Old Science Building, gardens are in their initiation phases, laying the foundation for future development. Importantly, the Faculty of Applied Sciences recently established a food garden in collaboration with Food and Consumer Sciences within the courtyard of the D6 Campus Applied Sciences Building.

These milestones reflect steady progress in embedding sustainability, enhancing food production capacity, and promoting mental and physical well-being among students through hands-on engagement in food gardening

Resuscitation of the CPUT Athletics Club

Following a series of engagements between Convocation and the Department of Sports, under the leadership of Mr. Mamabolo, I am pleased to report that we have reached an agreement to

resuscitate the CPUT Athletics Club, which has been dormant since the Covid period particularly where alumni and staff are concerned.

As per Athletics South Africa (ASA) and Western Province Athletics (WPA) requirements, each affiliated athletics club is expected to host a minimum number of activities annually. In line with this, and recalling our pre-Covid tradition, the first event will be the 10 km Fast & Flat Fun Run. This event will happen in November 2025. The Convocation Fun Run will not only encourage healthy lifestyles within our community but also serve as a fundraising opportunity and a platform to promote unity within the institution.

Supporting Boxing Development

Convex facilitated engagements between the CPUT Sports Department and Boxing South Africa (BSA), which led to the BSA being invited to the Mandela Day celebrations wherein a new Boxing ring was launched in July 2023. More significantly, the BSA hosted a professional boxing bout at CPUT Bellville Campus where CPUT amateur (students) boxers were involved in curtain raiser fights on the day. It is hoped that this relationship will be maintained going forward.

Advancing Support for CPUT Rugby

We have noted with concern some of the challenges CPUT Rugby is confronted with, as it relates to attracting and retaining the best talent. During 2025, we held several engagements with students, the Sports Department and Management with the objective of understanding these challenges better. Some of the contributing factors include players not being supported adequately with requisite support mechanisms such as medical care, allowances, accommodation and transport among others.

We believe that as alumni we can do more to support same to attain partners that will propel CPUT rugby back to the top, where it was previously. I call on the new Convex to pursue this further to devise innovative mechanisms that will attract the right partners and sponsors for Rugby.

Student Leadership Incubation

Convocation collaboration with the DSA, and other key University stakeholders was maintained, and this was displayed on several programmes in 2024 such as the launch of Student Parliament and the initiative of the former student leaders’ homecoming earmarked to be an annual event. Other initiatives include the promotion and support of dry campus related campaigns.

Student and Graduate Debt

The Presidents of Convocations from sixteen South African universities gathered for an unprecedented inaugural national dialogue at the University of Johannesburg in July 2024. This landmark gathering addressed critical issues facing the higher education sector, focusing on the pressing matter of student and graduate debt.

The Convocation presidents recognised various challenges related to the student and graduate debt, irrecoverable debt resulting from various factors, use of debt collectors by institutions, prescribed debt, top-slicing by NSFAS, unwillingness of institutions to release certificates, psychological effects of graduate debt, institutional size and shape in relation to enrolments in fields where there is oversupply and less demand of certain skills, and so on. The question was how Convocations can make a meaningful difference regarding the forgoing. The following was agreed:

• Separate student debt from the broader funding-model debate and give it urgent attention

• Award certificates to students excluded from NSFAS through no fault of their own

• Write off irrecoverable debt

• Engage the private sector, universities, and government

• Explore a national education fund with collective university fundraising

• Consider a submission to the GNU forum with proposals to address the debt crisis

In a build up to mobilising sector stakeholders, a follow-up dialogue is scheduled at UWC on 12 September 2025 to adopt the framework for a national voluntary organisation of Convocations among others

BUILDING A STRONG CONVOCATION BRAND

Digital Prescence

Having already committed to working with the DSA as far as student leadership support, Convex saw the need to establish relevant platforms that it would use to communicate its mandate and programmes to its constituency.

I am proud to say today, the Convocation has a page on the CPUT website wherein all relevant information about the structure can be found. Furthermore, we have a social media presence with a Twitter (now X) page, Instagram and Facebook pages respectively. We have also established a Convocation Library which is used as a repository for all Convocation work, events and programmes in a quest to build institutional memory.

Convocation Blazers

In a quest to align with the University colours, we redesigned the Convocation blazer, and it gives me great pleasure to confirm that the blazer is available for purchase by all members of the Convocation. Convex hosted a successful Convocation blazer sale initiative during the Autumn graduations at the CPUT Bellville Campus. I must highlight that even Convex members have purchased Blazers. This initiative contributes to fundraising and supports operational needs. Additional apparel options are being explored for online sales.

Alumni Engagement and Visibility

In July 2024, the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS) launched the inaugural edition of the #myFBMS Alumni Connect magazine, profiling graduates who are trailblazers in their respective fields. Over 200 copies were printed and distributed locally and internationally to key stakeholders. The purpose of this initiative is threefold: to inspire current students, to showcase the quality of CPUT’s qualifications, and to enhance the institution’s brand while forging new strategic partnerships. The Convocation is in discussions with other faculties to expand same to be a university-wide initiative.

FUNDRAISING, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS, COLLABORATION AND ENGAGEMENT

While Convex serves as the custodian of the programme of activities, the importance of strategic collaboration remains central to our approach. We continue to strengthen our engagement with stakeholders, the general alumni body, and quintuple helix partners namely academia, industry, government, and civil society

Fundraising and related Initiatives

Fundraising for the benefit of CPUT has been one of the key strategic tasks of the Convocation. Most of the work of Convocation is geared towards this aim. It is necessary to state that most of the fundraising work of Convocation is indirect. We do not directly ask for money. Instead, funds are a spinoff of many of our activities. Nevertheless, we have, however, been involved in direct fundraising activities. Let me list a few that should be stated:

• Convocation Business Breakfast

o Six (6) South African Companies from various sectors pledged partnerships with CPUT to avail employment/ internship opportunities for CPUT graduates. The companies are:

▪ Sep Sci

▪ AL&A

▪ Hot Water Cylinders

▪ Centa (Oryx Risk Management)

▪ Sisonke software solution

▪ Soul food Harmony

o One Multinational (CIMSO) pledged a Hotel School - Hospitality and Business Management Software valued at R 5 million as a donation to CPUT as part of its “give back policy” to accredited educational institution and registered TVET institutions in South Africa

o Partnership with AgriSeta on agricultural projects, the wine industry, agricultural offerings, and marine studies/ agriculture fisheries. AgriSeta also seeks to support the District Six land claimants and integrate with mainstream agriculture, particularly the education aspect, work-integrated learning, internships, and graduate placement including bursary applications for unemployed learners in the institution

• Bursaries for CPUT Students

o R 700 000.00 to 20 (R35 000.00 each) financially deserving students funded by CHIETA. The was a bursary for students in the second year and above that had not received any other state funding or bursaries

o Over R 500 000.00 funded by Elcarbo and Elkamet respectively. The key requirement for this funding was for students who have at least a 65% aggregate and have not received any funding to date. This amount will increase once the 2025 figures have been confirmed by University officials responsible for private donors

• One Residence One Garden Project

o R11 000 donations towards tools by the Dean of Applied Sciences

o R 50 000 in kind (45 work suits and safety boots, over 400 seedlings) by Nature Brands Labs

• Inaugural Chancellor’s Fundraising Gala Dinner

o The Chancellor's Fund was launched at this event as a bold initiative to inspire philanthropic support for expanding access to quality higher education at CPUT. Its primary mission is to raise funds for academically deserving and financially needy students, especially those burdened with legacy debt owed to the University. A plethora of organisations including alumni made pledges to contribute to this fund consistently

• CPUT Annual Golf Day

o After experiencing changes in the previous years, I am proud to report that CPUT stakeholders are busy with preparations to host a Golf day on 16 October 2025 in Cape Town. Convocation is part of the key stakeholders involved in this initiative

The programme of fundraising is ongoing. We require a more structured approach to fundraising. This includes ensuring that we have a separate bank account to ensure that the actual financial benefit accruing because of Convocation work can be separately treated and accounted for. But that may require broader reforms on the institutional structure

Advancing Internationalisation

You will recall that, over the past three years, notable progress has been made in advancing CPUT’s internationalisation agenda and the Convocation has made significant contributions In the last AGM, we reported that we facilitated the introduction between North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (North Carolina A&T) in the United States of America and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).

This collaboration has resulted in two official visits by North Carolina A&T to CPUT. The purpose was to learn more about the University with the intent to create reciprocal exchange partnerships between the two institutions for study abroad, faculty exchange for teaching and research, as well as reciprocal pathways for undergraduates to come to our institution for their postgraduate studies and vice versa.

This culminated in the successful launch of the Afrocentric International Student Affairs Conference, hosted at the Cape Town Hotel School from 26–30 May 2025.

Further contributing to Focus Area 5 of Vision 2030: Smart Internationalisation, FBMS has partnered with OTH Regensburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany to establish CPUT’s first Alumni Abroad Chapter.

This agreement was formalised during CPUT’s institutional visit to OTH Regensburg from 14–17 May 2025. The Alumni Abroad Chapter will be piloted in Germany, given the concentration of CPUT’s international partners in that region.

Membership will include German exchange students who studied at CPUT, our students who completed academic exchanges in Germany, and graduates residing in Germany. The chapter’s objectives are to expand CPUT’s global brand visibility, identify international opportunities, and strengthen strategic partnerships.

Graduate Support and Employability

Through our networks, we were able to get five (5) CPUT IT graduates placed for an internship at the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), Western Cape. The students were recruited directly from the IT department of the University.

We are grateful to our alumni, who were instrumental in making this possible. We also understand that this relationship will be formalized soon and are confident that the university will harness the relationship.

Recognising the dual role of alumni as both partners and beneficiaries, efforts have also been directed towards addressing graduate unemployment, a significant challenge facing first-time graduates.

In April 2025, CPUT partnered with Nedbank Limited to recruit over 700 unemployed graduates holding NQF Level 6 and 7 qualifications across the Western Cape through the bank’s YES Programme. This collaboration reflects our commitment to contributing meaningfully towards reducing graduate unemployment while positioning alumni as a vital resource for institutional growth and sustainability.

CPUT Convex through Business Incubation Web Association (BIWA)-Partnerships

The Business Incubation Web Association (BIWA), a Convocation-led initiative, was established through partnership between Nelson Mandela University (NMU), the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and Walter Sisulu University (WSU). BIWA strengthens the businessincubation ecosystem by bridging academia, industry, government, and community. Its mission is to promote research commercialisation, entrepreneurship, and innovation for sustainable economic development. The network now includes seven universities: NMU, WSU, CPUT, CUT, UMP, VUT, and DUT.

Over the past year, BIWA focused on capacity building and knowledge exchange through workshops and panels on intellectual-property management, sustainable incubation practice, and embedding entrepreneurship in higher education. Incubatees highlighted the value of mentorship, post-incubation support, and adaptability.

In January 2025, we introduced the Mashauri Virtual Incubation Programme, a three-month offering that provided mentorship, investment-readiness support, and access to virtual resources. Of the 23 CPUT students who took part, 15 (65%) started and completed the programme. The programme reflects our commitment to adopting innovative incubation models that broaden access, particularly for entrepreneurs operating in geographically dispersed areas.

Since BIWA’s inception, it has continued to develop strategic partnerships that support entrepreneurship, research, and innovation, among other important pillars of the institution.

Additions to the partnerships include but are not limited to:

• Female Academic Leaders Fellowship (FALF) NPC in a quest to establish a Research Chair In Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion at CPUT. FALF is a non-profit company that seeks to develop a pipeline of women academic leaders, using an intersectional lens to ensure no demographic group is left behind. It is expected that the University will take the discussions forward to ensure that this aspiration is realized

• Adapt IT Education, the division's in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by the education sector, enables it to design, develop, implement and maintain a range of education software products and services.

• International Entrepreneurship Forum (IEF), a network that consists of academics, practitioners, policy makers and representatives from social and community-based organisations.

• The Education Collaborative to tackle monumental challenges and solve the most complex problems facing students, staff, and schools. Its practice is driven by research, experience, and compassion to drive equity and opportunities.

These partnerships are not merely a Memorandum of Understanding but foster implementation and action that drives the longevity of partnership, strategic development and enabling solutions. Furthermore, BIWA still stands to establish more partnerships in research, social development and innovation, and entrepreneurship among others

Collaborations with the Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA)

Convex identified THENSA as a strategic partner and initiated discussions through the ViceChancellor’s office. Consequently, discussions are under way to realise this partnership.

THENSA includes six (6) South African Universities of Technology, three (3) South African comprehensive Universities, and one (1) African University. The guiding principles of this partnership include connecting minds, establishing networks for collaboration between smart

institutions focused on Technology Research and Innovation with its key focus being the promotion and advancement of Science, Engineering, Arts and Technology Programmes for the world of work.

TRANSFORMATION AGENDA

We have made consultations with various university stakeholders in a quest to understand the progress made by the University against its transformation targets and align it to the role the Convocation should play in supporting the institution.

We appreciate the efforts made by the University for students and staff living with disabilities and we see it in all the new infrastructure and buildings we hope that this will be maintained, and more efforts will be put into addressing the gaps in the old infrastructure. We acknowledge the commitment made to provide bursary opportunities for postgraduate studies to a significantly higher number of South Africans.

As the Convex, we monitored this closely to ensure that the face of the postgraduate students in the university significantly changes. This included the strides in transforming the curriculum to be industry-responsive and alignment to the national developmental agenda, the teaching pedagogies, research priorities, and CPUT graduate employability.

With all the great work reported and provided in some instances, as Convocation, we need to ask these fundamental questions and answer them honestly. What has been the impact of the transformation interventions made by the University? What are the perceptions from the stakeholders (internal and external) about CPUT and its transformation agenda and what are the different experiences of stakeholders in the university post the interventions targeted at realising transformation targets? and how do we help CPUT to improve in areas such as:

• Internal Talent Development Programme and Staff Development

• Optimising Resource Allocation

• Promoting Internal Staff Mobility and Recognition

• Academic Promotions, Assessment, and Analysis

• Performance Management and Leadership

• Policy and Process Reform

• Capacity Building

• Communication and Engagement

GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP

Developed a new Convocation constitution

You will recall that in 2024, a constitutional summit was convened to undertake consultations with members on the newly drafted constitution, whose recommendations were approved by the October 2024 Convocation AGM and subsequently, in November 2024, Council approved the new constitution. Fellow Convocants, we can all be proud of this significant milestone because we have operated with an interim document since the inception of Convocation at CPUT and had become outdated.

The new constitution makes provisions for Hybrid / Virtual general meetings, online elections for the executive and the establishment of Convocation chapters among others. I have no doubt that this will enrich the quality of leadership, increase the participation of alumni in the work of the Convocation and strengthen the relationship alumni has with the university.

Functionality of Convex

One of the elements I am proud of is that Convex enjoyed another stable year in office with all members working towards one common objective That of course does not mean we are without internal difference or division. No structure is perfect. Nor does it mean that we are without individual and collective criticism.

None of us are beyond criticism. What it does mean, however, is that we try. We try to do our best in conditions of adversity We try to give back to the University that gave us so much and empowered us to be useful citizens not just of South Africa but of the world I can confirm that, as

a structure, we convened all our meetings timeously and were always guided by the Constitution and all members assigned to focus areas remained committed throughout the year.

University Governance and Participation

Convocation is represented in Council and other university structures such as the Institutional Forum (IF) and the Naming Committee while it is invited as an observer in other critical structures such as the Council Committee on Senior Appointments (CCSA), and Honorary Degrees Awards Committee (HDAC) among others.

The Convocation is represented by the following members in University Governance Structures and Committees:

Committee

Council

Institutional Forum

Search & Selection Committee on Senior Appointments

Naming Committee

Chancellor Search Committee

Honorary Degrees Awards Committee

Representative

Mr Lwandile Socikwa

Mr. Malwande Sityoshwana

Mr Lwandile Socikwa

Ms. Xolelwa Olayi

Mr Elvis Mahote

Mr Lwandile Socikwa

The October 2024 AGM mandated us to seek amendments to the University Statute and other relevant policy instruments and guidelines to address the glaring gaps identified, which include the following:

• Under- representation of Convocation in Council

• Non-representation of Convocation in Senate

• Non-representation of Convocation with full membership in the Search and Selection Committee on Senior Appointments

Submissions to Council on the amendments of the University Statute were successfully done and it is expected that the new Convex will play a key role and shaping the contents of amendments when the process resumes. This AGM, in its wisdom may make further pronouncements on other areas of the statute that require amendments

I am proud to report that in March 2025, Council approved the new Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the Search and Selection Committee on Senior Appointments, and I can confirm that Convocation has full membership status in that committee. While the successes can be celebrated by Convocation, the absence of Convocation in Senate remains something that is outstanding.

Access to these structures enables Convocation to play a more influential role in the affairs of the University. Yet it poses a risk as well. If Convocation becomes embroiled in the internal affairs of the University, there is a risk that it will be perceived as taking a side and lose the moral and ethical integrity which is necessary to sustain the work of Convocation.

CONCLUSION

Fellow Convocants, we mourn the passing of several members over the past year. Consequently, we take this moment to convey our heartfelt condolences to their respective families on the painful loss of their loved ones. The loss of their loved ones was felt by us as well because these were our friends, comrades, partners, and most importantly, ambassadors of the university.

We remember all these fallen heroes and heroines, and their memory lingers on.

It has been a pleasure to lead this Convocation in the last 3 years. It has given me unique insights into the operations of the University and the higher education sector. Very few things could have given me the satisfaction that the leadership of Convocation has done.

Thank you for the opportunity, for your support, and for your continued commitment as ambassadors of our alma mater

May God bless the CPUT Community Maz' enethole!

CONVOCATION AGM REPORT

SEPTEMBER 2025

CPUT REPORTS 2025

20 YEARS OF GROWING FROM GREATS #CPUT20YEARS creating futures

In 2025 CPUT proudly celebrates 20 years since the merger process in 2005. Our legacy, built with the invaluable support of our active and engaged Convocation, stands as a testament to our collective efforts. Our alumni are integral to our 20 Year Celebration theme of "Growing From Greats." You are a vital part of our ongoing mission to build a robust institution for future generations. Together, we will ensure that CPUT remains the top University of Technology in the country.

Learning and Teaching

The overall institutional enrolment stands at 99.2% of the target, with 38 144 students enrolled against a target of 38 439. It is worth noting that in 2025 the institution did not open for late applications. This shows the desirability and demand for a space with us.

Academic performance of all faculties reflects a steady improvement in student success rates (a three-year upward trend) We believe that interventions like the appointment of tutors, mentors, and teaching assistants, focused workshops, and integrated student feedback processes strengthen teaching quality and improve student throughput.

By continuing to attract the best students, CPUT remains relevant and ensures that the qualifications that Convocation members (and indeed all alumni) have obtained, are from a university of repute with an impactful industry presence.

In April, the Autumn Graduation ceremony series saw 7 500 graduates join that alumni pool. Sixteen doctoral degrees were also conferred, one of the 16 ceremonies was extra-special because an Honorary Doctorate was bestowed on former CPUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Anthony Staak, who retired after 37 years in 2018.

Centre for Work Integrated Learning (CEWIL) and Community Engagement

Our commitment to STEM education and research is a pillar of our research agenda at CPUT and infuses much of the work projects undertaken. Most recently the VC’s National Science Week STEM Expo saw student innovation showcased to industry partners, educators, and peers. Through the combined efforts of students, educators, researchers, and strategic partners, CPUT is building a vibrant STEM ecosystem through a mixture of events. The initiative embodies the university’s strategic dedication to excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and strengthens CPUT’s vision to increase future careers in STEM.

CPUT’S commitment to societal change and active citizenry has continued unabated. The application of our knowledge to improve not only our surrounding communities but also our students is a hallmark of a CPUT student.

This year we built on an existing partnership with the City of Cape Town and the Robben Island Museum to implement Service-Learning projects across various academic disciplines on the island. The initiative links with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), in partnership with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It sees our students participate in several improvement projects on the world heritage site. These include developing an indigenous and medicinal garden, a clinic and recreational activities like a Putt-Putt course.

Similarly, CEWIL has continued to strengthen its role in fostering meaningful industry collaborations like the Vice-Chancellor’s Business and Industry Engagement Event. It brought together key stakeholders from academia and industry. The event facilitated discussions on workforce readiness, curriculum alignment with industry trends, and the role of partnerships in advancing experiential learning. A major highlight was the launch of the Institutional Industry Advisory Forum, which will provide a structured platform for continuous industry input into curriculum development, boost WIL placements, and research initiatives. Additionally, the Department of Tourism and Event Management, in collaboration with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), led a Community Engagement Day that connected over 60 high schools with tertiary education opportunities.

All CPUT students were recently invited to give their future careers a kickstart by attending a vibrant on-campus Career Fair that featured a dynamic mix of exhibitors and networking opportunities with top companies. All these companies are eager to hire CPUT graduates, and we are pleased that students attended and saw the merit of engaging in this event.

Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships

The spirit of ingenuity and pushing boundaries continue to set CPUT researchers apart and guide us towards our vision of becoming the MIT of Africa.

CPUT has increased its total of NRF-rated researchers from 63 (in 2023) to 71 (2 more are pending). Ten new rated researchers have also come into the fold. One Smart CPUT, is not just a hollow statement but a culture which infuses our people and all our endeavours.

An example of an early career researcher being supported by the institution is Avela Songoni, a doctoral student, who last month won a NRF Next Generation Research Award for excellence. Equally impressive was the fact that CPUT has won a top prize at the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) awards. Colloquially called the “Science Oscars”. This year Prof Bongani Ncube won for her research into addressing water governance issues. As South Africa faces devastating water shortages in some provinces, research of this calibre is directly linked to the country’s development plans and finding solutions to real-world issues facing our nation.

CPUT boasts research focus areas and experts in Space Technology, Bioeconomy and Biotechnology, Climate Change, Food and Job Security, Human Health and Economic Development to name just a few.

2024 Research output

A total of 348.8744 units has been submitted to the DHET for the 2024 subsidy claim. The table below shows all the research outputs submitted per output type. The 2024 submitted research output (subject to DHET auditing) shows an increase in both the units submitted and the per capita output compared to 2023

Research Entities and Chair Reviews

The following Research Chairs are currently under review: -

1. The Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute (AMHBI) and Chair of Biotechnology – the process has been finalised and is pending approval

2. The Professional Education Research Institute (PERI) has started the process and intends to have it completed in 2025

3. The SARChI Chair: Work Integrated Learning (WIL) has started the process and is intended to be completed in 2025

4. The ETDP SETA Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Research Chair on improving the practice of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) in South African TVET Colleges has started the process, and it is intended to be completed in 2025

Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships

Global alliances were reinforced by visits to France, Angola, Brussels, MIT and Harvard University. CPUT was also pleased to welcome high level delegations from the US and India. These visits solidify MOU’s which are already in place and introduce many more- for the direct benefit of CPUT staff and students.

Student Affairs

SRC Elections

The advancement of the SRC elections is progressing on target. The announcement of the voting date has been made (15 and 16 October) and all other logistical matters are in place to ensure a free and fair election is held next month.

Residences

A multi-departmental task team consisting of Executive Management, Residence Business Unit, Student Affairs, Residences, Finance Department, and Marketing and Communication Department have been hard at work this year to ensure that we proactively and meticulously tackle the demand for residence placements. In 2023 CPUT could accommodate 13 200 in campus housing, and this year we have 16 200 beds available. This is also complimented by a 13+ page list of unaccredited (external) housing options for applicants who were not placed in institutionally owned and operated residences. The

accommodation cap imposed by NSFAS has made it increasingly difficult for CPUT to secure quality accommodation that falls within the NSFAS limit. Despite these challenges, the university has brought on board a state-of-the-art female-only residence a few metres from the D6 campus. Cape Suites houses 400 students and provides them with an aspirational living and learning environment. Cape Suites is a few metres away from the District Six campus and provides safe and upmarket accommodation featuring two swimming pools and a gym.

All 26 residences operate the SALTO access control system and the replacement and reconfiguration of all turnstiles at all residences is nearly at a 100%. We now have over 200 cameras for the exterior areas installed at strategic angles, functional, and monitored.

As the University continues to enhance the student experience, several projects are being carried out in living and learning spaces like improving “dead spaces” in residences to make them attractive hubs of networking and learning for staff and students. The Business Lounge in the Hanover Female Residence at District Six is an example of this. Thanks to its professionally designed interior (conceptualised by a CPUT alumnus), The Business Lounge has been featured in many television broadcasts, media networking events and is a popular meeting venue for staff.

Since we last met, the District Six campus is also now the proud home of two newly unveiled basketball courts. The costs for revamping the courts were fully covered by donors, while the university contributed by upgrading the lighting. With basketball being a priority sporting code at CPUT, these courts will inject new enthusiasm into this sport.

Finance

CPUT is proud to have 167 814 alumni, many of whom now hold leadership roles in business, government, education, and civil society. These alumni reflect CPUT’s global reach and the lasting impact of the education we offer.

However, as strong and capable as CPUT may be, it is a reality that challenges exist. Over 70% of our undergraduate students rely on NSFAS funding. The economic challenges are immense and growing requiring more focused fundraising initiatives.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) continues to face several unresolved challenges, particularly in relation to the payment of student allowances and the capping of student accommodation rates. Delays in NSFAS funding continue to affect students’ academic progress and place financial strain on the university. The issue of NSFAS “exceptions,” which results in the withdrawal of student funding midway through the year, also poses significant financial and reputational risks for CPUT. The university remains in continuous engagement with NSFAS to address these challenges. All these challenges result in an increasing burden of student debt.

To alleviate some of this debt burden, our Chancellor- Honourable Thandi Modise, has launched The Chancellor’s Fund. This will be focused on relieving the legacy debt of students. It is hoped that innovative solutions like this along with fee-lowering incentives for cash payments will assist to improve the financial outlook of the university.

We appeal to our alumni to encourage your peers and assist us in relieving the pressure which mounting debt brings. CPUT can only continue to offer the superior quality of learning and teaching because students also bring their part and honour their own fee-paying responsibilities.

Below please find comprehensive income statements for the period under review, as published in the annual reports.

Executive Management

We have just one vacancy in the EM tier- that of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Operations. This portfolio has a number of crucial departments reporting into it like Student Affairs, Security and Information Technology. The first round of interviews have happened and a second round will commence in due course.

Prof Marshall Sheldon has returned to CPUT in the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships. We are very pleased to have Prof Sheldon back in the fold and her immense institutional knowledge is already making a big impact. She previously acted in this role and is a highly accomplished leader in South African higher education, with more than 25 years of experience spanning teaching, research and leadership. A CPUT alumna, she holds a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the institution.

The new Registrar Dr Phumzile Prudent Masala joined the institution in April 2025. Dr Masala is highly skilled in governance, academic administration, communication, educational leadership, policy development, secretariat, and compliance. He has worked at the University of Limpopo, Technikon SA, University of Zululand, University of KwaZuluNatal, and Mangosuthu University of Technology, in addition to the Free State Department of Education.

The Executive Director: Finance is Mr Msulwa Daca. He joined CPUT in June 2024 during which time he underwent a handover process from his predecessor, Mr Peter du Plessis.

Property Services

There are several infrastructure projects which came online or are in the pipeline and reaching completion stage. We are pleased that these new developments, or rejuvenation of existing spaces, will be improving the living and learning experiences of our staff and students. Some of these infrastructure developments include;

• The Tygervalley Health and Wellness Science Building is complete and awaits the occupation certificate This building will house two clinics in Ophthalmic Science and Dental Technology.

• We have acquired land in Wellington. We anticipate the plot will be used to bolster food security measures and combat student hunger as our own Agriculture students use their practical expertise to farm produce on the property.

• Critical residence projects are underway at the D6 and Bellville campus respectively. The projects are pending Municipal approvals before construction can begin.

• The Applied Science consolidation project is well underway. Building has begun and the project is already a few months along.

• The Old Education Extension project is at the stage of Building approval.

20 Year Celebrations

A roving archival exhibition is currently touring our campuses celebrating CPUT’s 20 Years of Growing From Greats. Curated by the Records and Archives unit, the exhibit has already been open to the CPUT community in Bellville and brings the institutions proud history to life. I am sure many Convocation members will be pleasantly surprised to see the artefacts on display.

As part of the celebrations, we have invited former Rectors and Vice-Chancellors of CPUT (and legacy institutions) to reflect on the university they helped to build. This was produced into a vodcast series and explores interesting insights into the merger process, challenges and successes of the university.

Conclusion

I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the CPUT Convocation for their unwavering support and stewardship of our brand. Our alumni and Convocation are very much part of what makes this university one of the best in the country. A robust and invested Convocation will ensure that the institution thrives well into its next 20 Years. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for our country and beyond. Thank you for being an integral part of that journey.

Ends Vice-Chancellor

Prof Chris Nhlapo