2024
DONOR IMPACT REPORT 2024
MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR
As we reflect on 2024, I am proud of the resilience and growth that CPUT has demonstrated. The continued commitment of our donor community gives us hope and strength as we work to transform lives through education.
In 2024, we raised R96 million. This was achieved in a year marked by political uncertainty and leadership changes resulting from the national elections, factors that contributed to delays in governmentrelated funding. Despite these challenges, our advancement efforts prevailed, thanks to the unwavering trust and support of our donors.
I remain humbled by the confidence our donors have in CPUT. Your support confirms that we are on the right path— creating opportunities, delivering impact and building a university that truly serves its people.
Our outreach to schools continues to thrive. The Vice-Chancellor’s STEM Committee, launched in 2021, has expanded its impact through Maths, Science, digital literacy and robotics programmes aimed at our feeder schools. These initiatives are vital in
Prof Chris Nhlapo Vice-Chancellor and Principal
shaping a strong pipeline of future university students, particularly in critical STEM fields.
I continue to engage in meaningful dialogue with the principals of our feeder high schools. These conversations reveal our shared challenges and reinforce our collective commitment to solutions. The
DONOR IMPACT REPORT 2024
relationships we’ve built are strong and growing. I was honoured to welcome many of these principals to our graduation ceremonies and other university events. The impact of these partnerships is evident: for the 2025 academic year, we received over 500 000 applications, placing CPUT as the second most-applied-to university in the country. This is a powerful indicator that CPUT is increasingly seen as an attractive institution of higher learning.
Since the launch of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Awards in 2018, the programme has grown in popularity and impact. In 2024, we proudly celebrated supporting 12 successful master’s and doctoral graduates through this initiative, made possible by the generous sponsorship of the Mauerberger Foundation Fund. The Awards are helping us build a new generation of researchers and academic leaders who will shape the future of our continent.
Looking ahead, 2025 marks 20 years since the founding of CPUT. I look forward to celebrating this milestone and honouring the donors who have journeyed with us over the past two decades. These enduring partnerships reflect the core values of Vision 2030: One Smart CPUT— a university grounded in ubuntu (humanity), ubunye (oneness), ukungafani (diversity) and innovation.
To all our donors and partners: thank you for your steadfast belief in CPUT. We invite you to continue this journey with us as we work towards a more just, smart and transformative future.
I believe deeply in integrity. Donor funds must be used for their intended purposes, and beneficiaries must be supported fairly and transparently. At CPUT, we do not celebrate a clean audit—we expect it. It is a clear signal to you, our donors, that the resources you entrust to us are in safe and responsible hands.
Many of our students continue to graduate with historic debt. That is why, as part of our 20-year celebrations in 2025, we will be launching the Chancellor’s Fund—an initiative dedicated to raising funds towards legacy debt for graduating academically deserving but financially needy students. I urge our donor community to rally behind this cause. I hope I can count on your continued support as we build a brighter future together.
PROF CHRIS NHLAPO Vice-Chancellor and Principal
DONOR
MESSAGE FROM THE ADVANCEMENT DIRECTOR
The year 2024 has been another exceptional one for the Advancement Department, even as we faced several challenges. I am immensely proud that we raised R96 million in funding, enabling life-changing opportunities for our students. This achievement is especially significant given the uncertainty around leadership from our government donors after the national elections. As a result, we experienced delays in payments from some of our public sector partners.
Despite these setbacks, we secured funding to support bursaries, work-integrated learning programmes (WIL), internships and community engagement projects— directly benefiting over 2 000 financially needy students. These initiatives are vital in opening doors for young people who would otherwise have limited access to higher education and professional development.
We also expanded our reach to more than 350 high school learners from CPUT’s feeder schools. Through our community
Calvin Maseko Director: Advancement
engagement programmes focused on Maths, Science and digital literacy, we are investing in the next generation of university students.
Many of our students continue to face serious financial challenges and, once
2024
DONOR IMPACT REPORT
again, our donors demonstrated incredible generosity and commitment to the CPUT community. We are deeply grateful to each of you for answering our call and standing by us on this journey.
The dedication of the Advancement Department team has been nothing short of extraordinary, going above and beyond to ensure this success.
We also acknowledge the vital support of colleagues across the university who played a role in this achievement.
However, we are mindful that some students are still affected by delayed bursary payments, with 18 donors collectively owing R108 million. We sincerely thank the students for their patience and persistence in following up on outstanding funds.
In my discussions with several donors, I was encouraged to hear that they remain confident in the quality of our work and are committed to continuing their support. I am hopeful that these partnerships will grow even stronger in 2025 and beyond.
On behalf of the Advancement Department, thank you for your continued support. Together, we are creating a stronger, more equitable future.
R96 MILLION 2024 FUNDING RAISED
FINANCIALLY NEEDY STUDENTS
2 000 + 350 +
HIGH SCHOOL LEARNERS FROM CPUT FEEDER SCHOOLS
VICE-CHANCELLOR’S PRESTIGIOUS ACHIEVERS AWARDS 3
This programme supports postgraduate students who have shown academic excellence and embody the university’s graduate attributes.
In 2024, a record 38 applications were received from postgraduate students hailing from across the continent. Five exceptional postgraduate students were announced as the recipients of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Awards for 2024
and were celebrated at a ceremony at the Bellville Campus, where they each gave a short presentation on their research areas or topics. The awardees were:
Nomnqophiso Zantanta (Doctor of Horticulture) – Research title: The feasibility of soilless cultivation of selected indigenous legumes as fodder crops for small-scale livestock farming in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa.
DONOR IMPACT REPORT 2024
Kudzai Mugejo (Doctor of Engineering in Civil Engineering) – Research title: Infrastructure performance and water governance for climate change adaptation in smallholder farming systems in the Western Cape, South Africa.
Rentia van Heerden (Doctor of Business and Management Sciences in Business and Information Administration) – Research title: Navigating the consequences of occupational health and safety influences for flexible work practices in a public health sector.
Rinae Ndou (Master of Food Science and Technology) – Research title: Physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory properties of gluten-free conventional and steamed bread from Bambara Groundnut, Sorghum, Cassava and Cocoyam flour composites.
Phakama Ngwane (Master of Business Management: Hospitality Management) – Research title: The effect of sustainable practices on hotel performance in Cape Town.
Prof Joseph Kioko, chairperson of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Awards Committee, said it was an immeasurable honour to chair the awards. He said all of the recipients were cum laude
students and embody the CPUT graduate attributes. “I implore all the recipients, to make your own contribution, in your own way, to the success of others,” he said.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo said his key message to the recipients was “to always transform your daily grind into a source of daily joy. You must always strive to get better at getting better, improving at improving. And define your identity in terms of values, not opinions.”
He expressed the university’s gratitude to the Mauerberger Foundation Fund (MFF) and its chairperson, Advocate Dianna Yach, for making the programme possible.
In her message to the achievers, Advocate Yach stated that the MFF’s support for the programme stems from their longstanding commitment to growing future leaders who are devoted to serving society in diverse ways through advancing social justice, ethics, good governance and human rights.
Since the inception of the programme, 26 awards have been made and 11 recipients have already graduated.
DIGITAL LITERACY SKILLS FOR FUTURE LEADERS
The Digital Literacy Skills for Future Project celebrated a momentous occasion at the BankSETA Digital Literacy Skills for Future Awards Ceremony, honouring the graduation of 51 matriculants who completed their digital literacy training in 2024.
The heartfelt ceremony at the Bellville Campus symbolised a significant step in empowering young learners through the transformative power of technology and digital education.
The participants in this project hailed from Langa and Lotus High Schools. Many of these learners started with little to no digital literacy skills, often feeling unsure of themselves in the digital realm. However, after dedicated support from CPUT facilitators and the encouragement of their peers, the Advancement Department witnessed remarkable growth in their technical abilities and self-confidence. Their journeys were not just about acquiring skills; they discovered a sense of belonging and possibility.
The learning areas explored throughout the project include:
• Introduction to Computer Hardware and Software;
• Introduction to Microsoft Office Programs;
• Cybersecurity and Digital Citizenship;
• Internet and Email Usage;
• Introduction to Information Technology (IT);
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI);
• Blockchain and Cryptocurrency;
• Introduction to Programming Basics.
Director of Advancement, Calvin Maseko, spoke from the heart about the importance of these skills as the learners prepare for their next steps in higher education. During the ceremony, the learners proudly demonstrated their new skills by building robots and competing in an exciting robot race. Lotus High School was celebrated as the winning school and received welldeserved prizes. Additionally, the learners were awarded certificates and gifted
DONOR IMPACT REPORT 2024
the tablets they used throughout their training—tools that will continue to support their education.
Waldon Hendricks, a compassionate lecturer in the Information Technology Department, emphasised the significance of integrating STEM—science, technology, engineering and mathematics—into their learning experiences. He shared an inspiring message: “As they move forward, these learners carry with them not just knowledge, but the confidence and courage to pursue whatever career path they choose.”
Inga Dlephu, a learner from Langa High School, expressed her heartfelt gratitude:
“I would like to thank BankSETA and CPUT for believing in us and teaching us valuable skills. We’ve learned so much, from things we didn’t know much about to discovering new interests. This programme didn’t just teach us; it opened doors and created a community where we felt supported.”
Maseko concluded with words of appreciation for BankSETA’s vital support, saying: “Thank you for standing by us. We hope to continue this meaningful journey together next year. To all our incredible learners, thank you for your dedication and resilience, even when faced with challenges. Your hard work truly inspires change.”
ALUMNI SUPPORT 5
Education alumni from the 70s and 80s reunite
Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo hosted a group of alumni from the 1970s and 1980s at a breakfast reunion.
The event, held at the Granger Bay campus, was initiated by a group that has remained in contact for over 40 years, and was facilitated by the CPUT Alumni Office. Group coordinator, Valda van Heerden, indicated that the close-knit and diverse group meet as often as possible.
The group includes CPUT alumni spanning over three generations, former hostel roommates, spouses, retired academics/
DONOR IMPACT REPORT 2024
staff members, as well as siblings. In addition, several children of the group members have also become proud alumni, following in the footsteps of their parents.
Among the guests was an alumna who was financially supported by the group to attain her qualification despite extremely difficult circumstances. She took the opportunity to thank the group during a heartfelt speech. She is not the only CPUT student who has benefited from the commitment of this group to CPUT, which hopes to support others, where possible, in future.
Prof Nhlapo said he felt privileged to address the special group of alumni, who he described as among those who laid the foundation that enabled CPUT to become the largest university in the Western Cape. During his address, the Vice-Chancellor touched on various successes attained and challenges faced over the years, explained key aspects of Vision 2030, and invited alumni to support the vision through engagement with CPUT.
Prof Nhlapo emphasised that CPUT could benefit immensely from the wealth of knowledge and experience that the group has to offer. Alumni were allowed to make suggestions on how to contribute to the success of the university moving forward and to raise issues of concern.
Alumnus Faiek Abrahams expressed his gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and the Advancement Department for hosting them at their alma mater and providing them with an opportunity to reconnect with each other and build new networks. He said he was more than willing to assist the expansion of CPUT’s footprint in the USA where he resides, and invited the Vice-Chancellor to explore networking opportunities that he could facilitate.
Another alumnus, Dr Muavia Gallie, a seasoned education specialist, provided critical insights into the basic and higher education sectors and pledged his support to the University. The versatility of alumni also came under the spotlight through the attendance of Education alumnus, Gameeda Henry, who is now a well-known South African poet.
Prof Nhlapo said he welcomed this form of engagement, thanked the alumni for their valuable input and reiterated his commitment to alumni and actioning their feedback.
Director of Advancement, Calvin Maseko, recognised the group of alumni as important ambassadors, and thanked the alumni for taking time out over a weekend to attend the event and for their support for their alma mater over so many years.
QUINTUPLE HELIX PARTNERS APPRECIATION EVENT 6
The Advancement Department hosted a special donor appreciation event in Gauteng on 16 October 2024 to express heartfelt gratitude to our valued donors for their unwavering support of CPUT over the years.
While celebrating progress, Prof Nhlapo also took the opportunity to highlight the following areas and initiatives in need of further support and funding:
• Student debt relief;
• Work-Integrated Learning;
• Internship and apprenticeship;
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM);
• Entrepreneurial Education;
• Research and Innovation.
PROJECTS FUNDED
1
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FUNDING 8
As the fundraising arm of the university, the Advancement Department creates and nurtures relationships with various stakeholders to realise the dreams of many students. Apart from raising funds to cover bursaries for deserving students, the Advancement Department also assists various projects across faculties and departments.
Over and above funding bursaries or WIL stipends, some donors allow the Advancement Department a percentage (generally 7,5%) towards the administration costs of the management of the funded projects.
The donor allowance for administration fees enabled funding support for the following projects.
DONOR LIST 9
CORPORATE DONORS
Afrox
Aspen Pharmacare Holdings
Blend
Cape Town Sailors’ Home
Connect-mi (Pty) Ltd.
Econ-O-Loo
Elcarbo Industrial Suppliers
Essential Skills Development
Exxaro Resources (Pty) Ltd.
Garden Cities
Hortgro
Kantey & Templer Consulting Engineers
KSB Pumps and Valves (Pty) Ltd.
Logicalis
Mabophe Business Solutions
Master Builders Association
South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF)
Nehawu Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd.
NSP Consultants
Pienaar Brothers
Planning Partners
Potatoes South Africa
Pragmaworld
Prima Toy & Leisure Group
RS Components SA
Socikwa Management
South Hill Trading
Stabilid Cape Construction (Pty) Ltd.
Statpro South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
Tabak
The Third Avenue
Toyota South Africa Motors (Pty) Ltd.
Un-framed
INDIVIDUAL
Cloete, Catherine Jo-Anne Laura (Ms)
Cloete, Marilyn Johanna (Ms)
Cronje, Johannes (Prof)
Daniels, Shahied (Mr)
Davids, Rushnah (Ms)
Maseko, Calvin (Mr)
DONOR IMPACT REPORT 2024
FOUNDATION & TRUSTS
Abe Bailey Trust
Albert Wessels Trust
Carl & Emily Fuchs Foundation
EJ Lombardi Trust
Lily Ashton Educational Trust
Metacom Foundation Trust
Motsepe Foundation
Sanlam Trust
GOVERNMENT
Agriculture Sector Education and Training Authority
Atlantis Special Economic Zone
Banking Sector Education and Training Authority
Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority
Construction Education and Training Authority
Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport
Sector Education and Training Authority
Education, Training and Development Practices
Sector Education and Training Authority
Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority
Fibre Processing & Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority
Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority
Industrial Development Corporation
Shaping Futures Foundation
Sheila Brand Educational Trust
SIOC Community Development Trust
The Beets Foundation
The Mauerberger Foundation Fund
Thermo Fisher Scientific Phambili Trust
Woolworths (My School Card)
Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority
Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority
Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services
Sector Education and Training Authority
Media, Information and Communication
Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority
Mining Qualification Authority
Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority
Services Sector Education and Training Authority
Transport Education and Training Authority
Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority
WISH LIST
FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO STUDENTS
Below are the average costs of supporting one student at the University for a full academic year:
Tuition
R37,000
Living allowance (food)
R15,750
Residence
R48,000
Transport allowance (from home to campus)
R7,875
Learning materials (books or laptop)
R5,460
Research support (for a master’s or doctoral student)
R25,000
DONOR IMPACT REPORT
SUPPORTING ONE MATRIC LEARNER WITH ADDITIONAL MATHS AND SCIENCE LESSONS
R3,500 per annum (excluding equipment)
PROVIDING ONE LEARNER WITH TUITION IN PREPARATION FOR THEM TO REWRITE THEIR NSC EXAMINATION
R5,600 per annum for three subjects (including study materials)
SUPPORT ONE STUDENT WITH EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (SPORTS, ARTS, ETC.)
PROVIDING DIGITAL LITERACY TRAINING TO A MATRIC LEARNER
R8,000 per annum (training includes Microsoft Office package, coding and career guidance)
SUPPORT A STUDENT LIVING WITH DISABILITY
R25,000 per annum (training includes Microsoft Office package, coding and career guidance)
PROVIDING SAP TRAINING TO ONE STUDENT
R12,000 per annum (course, materials, SAP system access and examination fees)
SUPPORT A STUDENT PROVIDING EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES TO A COMMUNITY
R3,600 for six months’ community service (for basic equipment and uniform)
R20,000 per annum (domestic travelling to competitions, accommodation and materials)
MONTHLY ALLOWANCE FOR ONE LEARNER DOING WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING IN INDUSTRY
R3,500 per month (for transport and food)
SUPPORT ONE STUDENT TO OBTAIN A DRIVER’S LICENCE
R3,700 from learner’s licence to driver’s licence
WAYS OF GIVING
INDIVIDUALS MAY:
make an online donation; download and sign a pledge form; join the My School Card campaign; or make a bequest in their wills.
GOVERNMENTS, TRUSTS, FOUNDATIONS AND CORPORATES MAY FUND:
bursaries; a community engagement programme; research; or an infrastructural project.
All donations to CPUT are tax-deductible.
You can claim Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment points for your donation, as well as request naming rights to funded projects.
CONTACT US
+27 21 460 3389
+27 86 778 0005
advancement@cput.ac.za
Room 5.1, Fifth Floor
Administration Building
Keizersgracht and Tennant Street
Zonnebloem, Cape Town
ADVANCEMENT STAFF
CALVIN MASEKO
Advancement Director
t 021 460 3785
e masekoc@cput.ac.za
KHUMO MAPHUMULO
Advancement Officer
t 021 460 3387
e sebolak@cput.ac.za
HELENA PIETERSEN
Advancement Officer
t 021 460 3389
e pietersenh@cput.ac.za
LYNN HENDRICKS Donor Researcher
t 021 460 3828
e hendricksly@cput.ac.za
FRANCOIS JOOSTE Alumni Officer
t 021 460 3829
e joostef@cput.ac.za
+27 (0)21 959 6767
info@cput.ac.za
www.cput.ac.za
@cput @wearecput www.facebook.com/cput.ac.za
