Submit story ideas to nombembep@cput.ac.za or mohlalaj@cput.ac.za no later than the 15th of every month. Faculty of Informatics and Design
Media and Communications brings Mandela Day cheer to Scottsdene
Langa high pupils explore coding and robotics
At district six campus
First-year journalism student publishes poetry book tackling unspoken traumas
IT HOD champions integrated marketing in education
FID records steady growth in research output
FID records steady growth in research output
Graduate develops digital payment solution for taxi industry FID
Editor’s Note
THE HEARTBEAT OF MANDELA DAY IN FID
There is something deeply humbling about Mandela Day. It is a reminder that true leadership is not always about grand gestures. It is often found in the quiet, consistent acts of showing up for others. This year, FID not only showed up, but we gave of ourselves – fully.
From Langa to Scottsdene, staff and students stepped into communities with a shared purpose: to give, to learn, and to connect.
At Siyaphambili Orphan Village, we did more than deliver stationery, food, and clothing. We listened to the children, painted their walls, and proudly displayed the orphanage’s name on the outside of the home. It was a moment of reflection that this work is not charity; it is about building long-term partnerships.
In Scottsdale, the Media and Communications Department collaborated with the Family Affair MCC Bikers’ Club to provide hot meals to over 300 people. The excitement on the children’s faces as they received their party packs reminded us of the impact of small gestures.
Jim Mohlala News editor
FID STAFF TAKE MANDELA DAY BEYOND 67 MINUTES
By Philani Nombembe
Faculty of Informatics and Design (FID) staff marked Mandela Day by going beyond the symbolic 67 minutes.
FID staff touched children’s lives and communities in Langa and Kraaifontein through donations, support, and time spent together on July 18. FID Dean Professor Tembisa Ngqondi said the initiatives were rooted in the values of service and social responsibility.
“Mandela Day is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to uplift others,” said Ngqondi. “Through meaningful community engagement, especially with children, we’re able to plant seeds of hope and show that they matter. It’s about more than 67 minutes. It’s about making a lasting difference in their lives.”
FID STAFF UPLIFT LANGA ORPHANAGE WITH MANDELA DAY OUTREACH
By Philani Nombembe
Faculty of Informatics and Design (FID) staff delivered stationery, non-perishable food, clothing and cleaning materials to Siyaphambili Orphan Village in Langa as part of their Mandela Day outreach.
The visit was led by Dean Professor Tembisa Ngqondi and Assistant Dean Professor Masilonyane Mokhele. As part of the initiative, the team also painted the home’s name on its outer wall and created a interactive wall for the children to use when practising their schoolwork.
Ngqondi said the faculty’s relationship with the home had grown steadily over the years.
“As we promised last time, when we came back, we would honour you with your interface. Colleagues in the FID and students worked together to give this gift to you so
that whoever passes by this place will be able to see who you are and what you stand for,” she said.
“We really want to thank you for allowing us to be part of your family. We still vouch to keep our promise that we will continue supporting you in every small way that we can. And please accept the Faculty of Informatics and Design’s gift of revealing your logo and the name of your foundation.”
Siyaphambili CEO Siphokazi Xhameni thanked the FID team. She said they had never “disappointed” the children.
“We are counting years,” said Xhameni. “You have never disappointed us. Instead, the partnership keeps getting better. I am tired, but I will never get tired of saying thank you.”
UBUNTU: FID staff brought joy to children in Langa and Kraaifontein through donations, shared moments, and community support.
Pictures: Philani Nombembe.
‘As we promised last time, when we came back, we would honour you with your interface.’
STAFF PUT BRUSH TO CANVAS FOR MANDELA DAY MESSAGE
By Philani Nombembe
Architectural Technology and Interior Design Department staff marked Mandela Day by dedicating their 67 minutes to a collaborative canvas project. The artwork, themed around combating poverty and inequality, will be displayed in the department’s foyer. Lecturer Sandile Busuku said the initiative aimed to promote unity and purpose within the team.
“The idea was for us to come together as a department and create something aligned with our visual arts background,” he said.
“Our goal was to create an installation for the foyer that reflects this year ’s Mandela Day theme – tackling poverty and inequality. I am happy with the outcome. The pieces are beautiful.”
Busuku said the activity was also intended to inspire students.
“Only staff members participated. We are leading by example. We always assign tasks to students, but this time we created something for them. We want to motivate them.”
He said the department’s teaching approach goes beyond the classroom. “We aim to mould students holistically. Before entering the industry, we integrate work-based learning through assigned projects that simulate real-world conditions," he said.
Busuku said the department’s Cultivating Club, which he founded, was bearing fruit.
“That is why I started the Cultivating Club – to allow students to engage with real-life projects while they study,” he said.
“This helps prepare them for the workplace. The harsh reality is that not everyone who graduates finds a job, so we are trying to give them a competitive edge.”
By Philani Nombembe
FID AND PRASA EXPLORE PARTNERSHIP THROUGH COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The Faculty of Informatics and Design (FID) is exploring a potential partnership with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa).
FID and Prasa staff spent their 67 minutes for Mandela Day at Siyaphambili Orphan Village in Langa. On the sidelines of the initiative, FID Dean Professor Tembisa Ngqondi and Prasa Western Cape regional head Raymond Maseko discussed opportunities for future collaboration between the faculty and the rail agency.
Maseko said Prasa and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) already have an existing agreement.
“CPUT and Prasa have a signed partnership. If CPUT needs anything I can assist with, just come. The agreement is in place, which makes life easier,” he said.
Ngqondi said there were several projects FID and Prasa could pursue together through the faculty’s work-integrated learning programme.
“We have meaningful projects, as seen here today, that we can collaborate on and expand,” she said.
Maseko welcomed the proposal.
“CPUT has supported Prasa,” he said. “After Covid-19, around 2021, CPUT gave us 20 engineering students who helped us restore train services. Today, 17 of them are full-time staff at Prasa. The other three moved on.”
He said the rail agency valued its relationship with the university.
“We don’t take this collaboration lightly,” he said. “I hope you tell the story of Siyaphambili, of Prasa, and the role CPUT has played.”
He said the work done as part of Mandela Day should be remembered and reflected.
“We’re building barriers to protect the rail network, but we’re also building relationships. This is just a starting point. I’d like people to see the impact of these 67 minutes through the ongoing partnership between CPUT and Prasa,” said Maseko.
He said he hoped to see Siyaphambili children pursue higher education at CPUT in future.
“I hope one day I can say, ‘there is a child from Siyaphambili, and Prasa would like to support them to study at CPUT’,” he said.
“We’ve started something meaningful here, and I believe we can continue together. These children rely on us. It takes a village to raise a child, so let’s not just paint a wall and disappear.”
Prasa spokesperson Zino Mihi said the rail agency, through its corporate social investment programme, provided children from the orphanage with a free train ride from Cape Town to Langa.
“Upon arrival at the orphanage, the Prasa team continued the celebration by serving a warm lunch and distributing thoughtful gifts to the children,” said Mihi.
“In line with the global call to dedicate 67 minutes of service on Mandela Day, the team also carried out a clean-up campaign at the centre, giving back to the community in a practical and meaningful way.”
“We’ve started something meaningful here, and I believe we can continue together. These children rely on us.”
PARTNERSHIP: FID Dean Professor Tembisa Ngqondi and Prasa Western Cape regional head Raymond Maseko explored potential areas of collaboration between the faculty and the rail agency. Picture: Philani Nombembe
CARE: A Prasa team served lunch, handed out gifts, and led a cleanup campaign at the Siyaphambili centre.
Picture: Philani Nombembe.
MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS BRINGS MANDELA DAY CHEER TO SCOTTSDENE
By Philani Nombembe
The Department of Media and Communications marked Mandela Day by partnering with the Family Affair MCC Bikers’ Club to support the Scottsdene community in Kraaifontein.
On Saturday, 19 July 2025, staff and bikers handed out meals and party packs to over 300 residents, including children. This is the second year the department and the club have collaborated on the initiative. Public Relations lecturer Donna Liedemann said the outreach was driven by a shared commitment to community engagement.
“Staff from the department donated supplies for the party packs, and we used internal contributions to buy fruit and drinks,” said Liedemann.
“We served three pots of food, sandwiches and refreshments, while children received packs filled with treats, fruit, beanies, and drinks.”
She said the day strengthened the partnership between the department and the bikers’ club.
Family Affair MCC spokesperson Ian Petersen said the event was a success.
“It was great to see the children’s reactions as we handed out meals and gift bags,” said Petersen.
“This initiative reflects what Mandela Day is about — community, kindness and togetherness. We are proud to continue our work with CPUT’s Media and Communications Department.”
“It was great to see the children’s reactions as we handed out meals and gift bags,”
OUTREACH: The Department of Media and Communications partnered with the Family Affair MCC Bikers’ Club for a Mandela Day outreach, handing out meals and party packs to over 300 Scottsdene residents in Kraaifontein. Pictures: Manyatsa Vilakazi.
LANGA HIGH PUPILS EXPLORE CODING AND ROBOTICS AT DISTRICT SIX CAMPUS
By Philani Nombembe
The District Six campus buzzed with activity this month as the IT Department hosted Langa High School pupils for a week-long coding and robotics workshop.
The digital literacy project was sponsored by the Bank SETA. During the 25 hours the pupils spent on campus, they explored lego education robotics and word blocks coding. IT lecturer and First Year Academy Coordinator Dr Waldon Hendricks described the workshop as a success.
“Every day, the kids learn about motors, how sensors work, and how the camera sensors work. It
is also to show them what is happening in industry with AI and robotics. It also helps them understand how all these things work,” said Hendricks.
“They are learning the basics from scratch through coding, and they are doing it on the lego platform. They use tablets to programme and send the code via Bluetooth to the devices.” He said the workshop taught the pupils how robots work if preprogrammed.
“They built a refuse collector truck. The trucks drive through obstacles and the distance sensor ensures the truck avoids that as well as the co-
INSPIRE: IT lecturer and First Year Academy Coordinator Dr Waldon Hendricks hosted Langa High School pupils for a week-long coding and robotics workshop at the District Six campus. Pictures: Magnificent Mndebele.
lour sensor. That is what is currently happening in industry, especially in smart warehouses,” he said.
“We are not trying to replace the human being but aiding the human being. The robot might pick up some heavy object, three tons to four tons, depending on the weight. A human being can’t pick that up. You lift that with a trolley and transport it to another warehouse and return following the sequence of what has been programmed. That is what we are teaching the kids.”
The pupils looked at tablets excitedly as they learned coding.
“They also do quizzes which help them master the kills. They need to get about 70% to pass to the next phase,” said Hendricks.
One of the pupils, Siphosenkosi Prins, 18, from Nyanga, was grateful for being afforded an opportunity to learn coding.
“I learned communication skills. We were introduced to technology. We were taught how to use it to solve life problems,” he said.
“We are not trying to replace the human being but aiding the human being.”
FIRST-YEAR JOURNALISM STUDENT PUBLISHES POETRY BOOK
TACKLING UNSPOKEN
By Philani Nombembe
TRAUMAS
First-year journalism student Onke Mposi has made a bold literary debut. She has published a book, Behind 12 Scenes, a poetry collection that talks about life experiences people often shy away from discussing. She spoke to FID Pulse about her writing journey.
Mposi wrote the book during her matric year in 2024.
“The book contains twelve poems that reveal incidents people don’t usually talk about. The title highlights that these experiences are often hidden or left unspoken,” she said.
“I started working on this book in early 2024 while I was in matric. It took me about five months to complete.”
Mposi said the book focuses on real-life issues. One of the poems is titled: They are my parents, but they took my innocence.
“This book is about exposing the darkest parts of life that many people are afraid to speak about. I wanted to encourage others to talk about their traumas by showing them that it’s possible to open up, no matter how painful the experience,” she said.
She described the writing process as difficult but worthwhile.
“It was challenging, but I got through it with the support and guidance of my teachers.”
She said her upbringing influenced the themes in her book.
“In the environment I come from, topics like these are rarely discussed. That made me want to be a voice for those who can’t speak up. My background gave me the motivation to write about what I did, and I hope the book encourages readers to open up and realise that it’s okay to talk about painful experiences.”
Mposi believes storytelling is a powerful tool for the youth.
“Literacy and storytelling help young people express themselves and speak on issues from their own perspective. It’s also a way for us to learn from each other.”
She said the response from readers has been encouraging.
“Most of the people who’ve read the book have praised me for being brave enough to tackle these issues. Some told me they relate to the poems and feel it’s important to have writers who talk honestly about life’s painful moments.”
Mposi said she hopes to expand the book and continue publishing.
“My plan is to keep writing and hopefully turn this poetry book into a series. I want everyone to understand and connect with it. For students who want to publish while studying, keep writing and reach out to your lecturers or teachers. They’ll help you develop your work — if you put in the effort and stay committed,” she said.
BREAKTHROUGH: First-year journalism student Onke Mposi has released her debut book, "Behind 12 Scenes," a poetry collection that explores life experiences people often avoid discussing. Pictures: Supplied.
“Literacy and storytelling help young people express themselves and speak on issues from their own perspective. It’s also a way for us to learn from each other.”
IT HOD CHAMPIONS INTEGRATED MARKETING IN EDUCATION
By Philani Nombembe
Balancing traditional and digital marketing remains a challenge in education.
IT Head of Department Dr Tabisa Ncubukezi tackled this topic at the 2nd Annual Social Media, Communications & Marketing in Education 2025 Conference. The event was held at Garden Court OR Tambo in Johannesburg in May. Ncubukezi's presentation, titled The Intersection of Traditional and Digital Marketing in Education, explored how educational institutions can integrate both approaches for more effective communication and engagement.
“My presentation looked at how institutions can merge traditional and digital strategies to build a consistent brand presence across multiple platforms,” she said.
The importance of combining print and digital methods for a cohesive marketing strategy also took centre stage. Ncubukezi also highlighted how direct mail, when used alongside targeted online campaigns, can create personalised and measurable outreach.
Another focus area was reaffirming the continued relevance of traditional marketing, particularly in communities where offline engagement still plays a vital role.
“This was about celebrating thought leadership in educa tion marketing,” said Ncubukezi.
“My insights contributed to the broader national conversation on ethical and innovative approaches to institutional communication.”
The presentation also sought to guide institutions on how to engage with stakeholders in a rapidly changing media landscape.
FID RECORDS STEADY GROWTH IN RESEARCH OUTPUT
By Jim Mohlala
The Faculty of Informatics and Design (FID) is steadily growing its research output and visibility.
Although it is the university’s second smallest faculty, FID boasts one full professor, three associate professors, several doctoral staff members, and one postdoctoral fellow. FID Dean Professor Tembisa Ngqondi said the faculty has recorded consistent progress over the past three years.
“We’ve recorded more than one unit increase consistently,” she said. “This momentum is driven by the commitment and dedication of our supervisors and postgraduate students.” Ngqondi said ongoing support for researchers has played a key role.
“We have implemented several support strategies — from internal postgraduate workshops to departmental initiatives and supervisor-led sessions.”
She said these efforts are beginning to pay off.
“We are not yet where we hope to be, but we value our incremental progress in doubling our output figures.” Ngqondi applauded FID’s researchers for their contribution.
“Congratulations to our researchers for consistently showing up and producing quality work that strengthens the university’s research profile," she said.
INSIGHT: Dr Tabisa Ncubukezi, Head of Department for IT, shared expert perspectives at the 2nd Annual Social Media, Communications & Marketing in Education 2025 Conference. Pictures: Supplied.
PROGRESS: The Faculty of Informatics and Design (FID) is steadily growing its research output and visibility. Dean Professor Tembisa Ngqondi said the faculty, though one of the smallest, continues to make significant academic strides. Picture: Supplied.
MIT GRADUATE BRINGS GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE TO FID
By Philani Nombembe
A Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) graduate is interning in the Faculty of Informatics and Design (FID).
Mena Mohamed, 27, who recently completed her master’s degree in city planning, joined the faculty this month. She is being mentored by FID Assistant Dean Professor Masilonyane Mokhele. Mohamed landed running.
“I have just started my first project,” she said. “It’s a research project on e-commerce and collection and delivery points.”
Mohamed said she chose FID because of her interest in city planning in South Africa.
“A major metropolitan area like Cape Town is exciting,” she said. She is also contributing to the faculty’s teaching programme.
“It is my first time in South Africa. I am originally from Egypt, so I have some context about the continent, but I have not been to South Africa before,” she said.
“I am just really excited to learn more and see how town planning is done here. I will be here for two months.”
Mohamed said she felt welcomed by faculty staff and was enjoying her experience in the city.
“Cape Town is a very beautiful city, and I am very excited to be connected to nature,” she said.
“Where I am from in the US, it’s summertime. It is nice that it is winter here. So, I am enjoying the cold weather and the rain and being outside. I am really enjoying the campus. It is nice to just walk around.”
Mokhele is also mentoring Wits University graduate Nhlanhla Ntsevu, 27. Ntsevu holds a master’s degree in GIS and remote sensing.
“I’m working on several projects related to logistics and mapping in Cape Town and surrounding municipalities,” said Ntsevu. “My focus is on spatial analysis of properties. I’ve been based in the faculty for two months, placed here by the Human Sciences Research Council.”
Ntsevu said he and Mokhele were collaborating on data analysis and research outputs.
“The plan is to publish research papers,” he said. “I really enjoy the work I’m doing.”
EXCHANGE: MIT graduate Mena Mohamed has joined the Faculty of Informatics and Design as an intern after completing her master’s in city planning.
Picture: Magnificent Mndebele.
MAPPING: Wits graduate Nhlanhla Ntsevu is interning in the Faculty of Informatics and Design, working on logistics and spatial analysis projects in Cape Town through a Human Sciences Research Council placement.
Picture: Magnificent Mndebele.
GRADUATE DEVELOPS DIGITAL PAYMENT SOLUTION FOR TAXI INDUSTRY
By Philani Nombembe
An IT graduate has developed a digital solution to tackle payment challenges in the minibus taxi industry.
Lolwethu Luthuli’s innovation comes from her master’s thesis, titled Factors Influencing Payment Convenience in the Minibus Taxi Industry in Cape Town, South Africa.
Luthuli, an IT coordinator in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, graduated in 2020. The study examined the factors affecting the adoption of convenient payment methods in the sector.
Luthuli identified a lack of standardised business processes and proposed a mobile payment model – known as iTEKSI –aimed at improving customer convenience and streamlining transactions.
The platform, developed in collaboration with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s Centre for Business Innovation and Incubation, is designed to support the sustainability of the taxi industry and offer a return on investment for operators.
“Based on the findings, the study proposed a conceptual framework aimed at addressing these challenges through a technological solution,” said Luthuli.
“Following the completion of the study, an application was developed in alignment with the proposed framework and introduced to taxi owners two years ago. In February, the solution was formally presented to five different taxi associations in the Free State, each comprising two or
more long-distance taxi owners.”
She said the taxi associations responded positively.
“The owners collectively expressed support for the adoption of the solution and recommended that a follow-up meeting be held with all associations represented, to facilitate unified implementation,” said Luthuli.
“The project has now progressed to the rollout stage. The application is currently being registered as a formal company that will oversee its operations and future development. The Free State has been identified as the pilot region, as its taxis travel across the country and into Lesotho.”
“The owners collectively expressed support for the adoption of the solution and recommended that a follow-up meeting be held with all associations represented, to facilitate unified implementation,”
By Jim Mohlala
FID HOSTS NATIONAL SEMINAR TO BOOST POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH AND ACADEMIC WRITING
The Faculty of Informatics and Design (FID) hosted a five-day seminar and academic writing retreat that brought together postgraduate students and supervisors from four partner universities to explore transdisciplinary research.
The programme, held from 9 to 13 June, also focused on strengthening supervisors’ academic writing and promoting critical engagement with cross-disciplinary methods. Delegates came from the University of Johannesburg, University of Pretoria, Durban University of Technology and North West University.
FID Dean Professor Tembisa Ngqondi said the initiative was designed to foster collaboration across disciplines and support the production of high-quality research outputs.
“The programme was established through the South African Higher Education Deans Association. The deans delegated a task team to submit a funding proposal under the University Capacity Development Programme to support academics completing their postgraduate studies,” said Ngqondi.
Assistant Dean Professor Masilonyane Mokhele coordinated the logistics, programme content, and sourced speakers and facilitators, working closely with faculty staff.
“I would like to thank Ms Munira Allie, who worked hard to ensure that this event was a success,” Ngqondi said.
The seminar featured sessions on self-guided writing led by Professor Izak van Zyl, Dr Belinda Verster, and Dr Nicholas Pinfold from Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Professor Wallace Chigona from the University of Cape Town conducted a session on academic writing.
COLLABORATION: FID hosted a five-day national seminar to support postgraduate research and strengthen academic writing among students and supervisors from four universities. The initiative aimed to promote transdisciplinary collaboration and high-quality research outputs. Pictures: Supplied.
Dr Errol Francke
FID TO HOST SAFER-TEA 2025 CONFERENCE IN CAPE TOWN
The Faculty of Informatics and Design (FID) at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology will host the 3rd EAI International Conference on Safe, Secure, Ethical, and Responsible Technologies and Emerging Applications (SAFER-TEA 2025).
The event will run from 8 to 10 December 2025 at the Atlantic Beach Hotel in Melkbosstrand, Cape Town.
The General Chair, Professor Tiko Iyamu, together with the local organising committee comprising staff from the Department of Information Technology, said the conference is expected to attract academics, researchers, policymakers and practitioners. The focus will be on how emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and data-driven systems, are reshaping society and how they can be used responsibly.
SAFER-TEA 2025 serves as an international platform for multidisciplinary dialogue. It will engage experts in AI, cybersecurity, digital governance and related fields, including entrepreneurs, government officials and civil society representatives. This year’s theme will examine the social and sectoral impacts of emerging technologies and their responsible integration.
The conference will centre on six key themes:
• Smart Energy Systems 4.0 – Integrating AI, IoT and renewable energy for sustainable power grids.
• Smart Agriculture 4.0 – Applying ICT and precision farming to enhance food security.
• The Future of Healthcare – Exploring telemedicine, wearable technologies and AI diagnostics.
• Next-Gen Wireless Solutions – Developing fast, secure networks using 6G and IoT
• Machine Learning and Data Science – Advancing generative AI, deep learning, and ethical algorithm design.
• Big Data and Analytics – Enabling real-time decision-making through scalable, AI-powered infrastructure.
The programme will address both technical and societal questions: Are governments prepared for digital disruption? Are education systems adapting fast enough? How do we reduce the technological divide?
From smart irrigation to cutting-edge AI, the conference will showcase real-world solutions and foster collaboration through research presentations, workshops and keynote addresses.
The event marks a key moment for FID, positioning both the faculty and Cape Town as leaders in ethical technology innovation. With international participation expected, the conference will raise the faculty’s profile and help strengthen partnerships between academia, government and industry. FID’s collaboration with the European Alliance for Innovation (EAI) underscores its commitment to research that is inclusive, practical and globally relevant.
All accepted papers will be published in the Springer LNICST series and made available via the SpringerLink Digital Library, indexed by Scopus, ACM Digital Library, DBLP and Google Scholar. Proceedings will also be submitted to key indexing services, including Web of Science, Compendex, Inspec, Zentralblatt MATH and others. Additional publication opportunities include the EAI Transactions (Open Access) and EAI/Springer Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering (LNICST), indexed by Ei Compendex, Web of Science and Scopus.
Submissions are now open. Researchers are invited to submit original papers, case studies or conceptual work via the official portal: https://safertea.eai-conferences.org/2025/
INNOVATION: Senior IT lecturer
Dr Errol Francke says the SAFER-TEA 2025 conference will explore how emerging technologies are reshaping society. The event will position FID and Cape Town as leaders in ethical tech innovation. Pictures: Supplied.
“Nobody phrases it this way, but I think that artificial intelligence is almost a humanities discipline. It’s really an attempt to understand human intelligence and human cognition.”
—Sebastian Thrun
“The most important thing for me is to ensure that journalism is accessible to children who never dreamed of becoming a journalist,”
CAPE TIMES EDITOR REFLECTS ON JOURNEY TO THE TOP
By Philani Nombembe
When Siyavuya Mzantsi became editor of the Cape Times, few knew the challenges he faced as a journalism student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
Now leading one of the country’s oldest newspapers, Mzantsi reflected on his student years in an interview with FID Pulse. He recalled the difficulties that shaped his career.
“Remember, coming from the township means you have to be twice as good compared to your other counterparts,” he said.
He described how not having a laptop meant spending long hours in the cam-
pus computer lab. But he believed the experience was worth it.
Mzantsi was 26 when he was appointed editor of the 150-year-old paper in 2019. He became the publication’s first black editor and, in his words, “probably the youngest in Africa”.
He first applied to CPUT in 2010 after matric but was not accepted. He reapplied the following year and was accepted into the journalism programme in 2012.
Mzantsi described his time at CPUT as some of his most memorable, despite the challenges.
“The lecturers made the course quite
practical, which exposed us to what we could expect from the industry,” he said.
He credited the department’s former lecturers for his success. He said Shepi Mati and Professor Gilbert Motsaathebe were among those who supported his growth.
A key moment he recalled was participating in vox-pop assignments, where students interviewed others on campus about current issues.
“This exercise played a key role in preparing students for the world of work,” he said.
Mzantsi has been with the Cape Times for about 12 years, first joining as an intern. He was offered a contract after graduating, which later became permanent. While working full-time, he returned to CPUT to complete his BTech.
Reflecting on his career, he said CPUT helped lay the foundation for his career.
“At the time, there weren’t enough resources, but the department did its utmost best to have us placed in workplaces that spoke to the careers we were pursuing,” he said.
Mzantsi has since earned several journalism accolades, including the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Award (Western Cape, hard news category), the INMA 30 Under 30 global award, and Best Editor within the Independent Media group. He credited these to his colleagues.
To current students, his advice is direct: “You are the master of your destiny… Make every effort count. The fact that you are part of the FID (Faculty of Informatics & Design) means that you offer something different or unique. Focus on that.”
Mzantsi keeps an eye on CPUT news and occasionally reconnects with former classmates at industry events. His long-term goal is to help open journalism to young people who may not have thought it possible.
“The most important thing for me is to ensure that journalism is accessible to children who never dreamed of becoming a journalist,” he said.
RESILIENCE:
Siyavuya Mzantsi, editor of the Cape Times, reflects on the hurdles he faced as a journalism student — and how commitment to his craft paved the way to success. Pictures: Supplied.
BLENDING TRADITION AND TECH IN A NEW COUNTRY
By Jim Mohlala
You would think that studying for a master’s in information technology would make technology the strongest link to home.
But for Kalala Gaël Kapia from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it is food traditions that keep the connection alive. Kapia, 31, has been at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) since 2023, when he enrolled for an Advanced Diploma in IT Communication and Networks. He is now completing his master’s degree.
Kapia spoke to FID Pulse about his experience at CPUT and how he adapted to the culture and English language.
“I stay connected to my culture by keeping in touch with my family and friends back home regularly on the phone and on social media. I also listen to music from the DRC, cook Congolese food and watch news from my country,” he said.
“I’ve also met other Congolese students here in South Africa. We sometimes get together to speak our language and support each other, which makes me feel at home and proud of where I come from.” He shared insights about his home country and why he chose CPUT. Despite the challenges in the DRC, he built a strong foundation in computer networking and chose to study in South Africa to gain practical experience and contribute to the ICT sector back home.
He said when people in the DRC talk about South Africa, the cities most often mentioned are Johannesburg and Cape Town.
“I was naturally drawn to Cape Town because of its beauty and diversity. While
researching universities here, CPUT stood out as the best university of technology because it puts a strong emphasis on applied learning and innovation,” he said. Positive feedback from former classmates who studied at CPUT confirmed his choice. He selected the Faculty of Informatics and Design (FID) for its focus on technology, innovation and practical skills that align with his goals.
Adjusting to a new culture was not easy.
“One of the biggest challenges after arriving was adapting to a new language and education system. In the DRC, most of my classes were in French, so switching to studying full-time in English was difficult at first. I understood the basics, but academic English was harder,” he said.
“To overcome this, I put in extra effort outside class. I started watching educational videos and asking for help when I didn’t understand something. My lecturers and classmates were also supportive, which made it easier to adjust.”
He said studying at FID made him more confident, practical and creative. It helped him realise his passion for using machine learning, privacy and network security to support digital development in the DRC.
“I believe African students bring different perspectives and experiences from across the continent. This helps us develop solutions relevant to the challenges we face in Africa,” he said.
He said international students at CPUT contribute by tackling local challenges through technology and enrich the university’s research and innovation
Kapia praised his master’s supervisor, Dr Waldon Hendricks. Hendricks is an IT lec-
turer and First Year Academy Coordinator. “Before I started classes, one of my two friends who studied at CPUT told me about him — how he is ahead of the curve, very knowledgeable and genuinely cares about helping students grow. Having Dr Hendricks as a lecturer has been inspiring and has pushed me to aim higher,” he said.
After graduation, Kapia hopes to gain experience in his field, ideally in South Africa or elsewhere in Africa, before returning to the DRC to improve digital infrastructure and support the country’s ICT development.
He has a message for international students considering CPUT.
“I would say go for it. CPUT offers a solid balance between theory and practical learning, preparing you well for real-world challenges. The university has supportive lecturers and a diverse community where you can learn not only from your studies but also from classmates from different backgrounds,” he said.
“For me, studying here helped me grow — both as a person and a professional. I believe it can do the same for other African students. Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone. This is your chance to see one of the most beautiful cities in the world, gain new skills, build friendships and prepare yourself to make a difference when you return home.”
ADAPTATION: Kalala
Gaël Kapia, a master’s student from the Democratic Republic of Congo, shared how he navigated the shift from French to English after enrolling at CPUT in 2023. He believes CPUT is the best university. Pictures: Supplied.
Applied Design
Fashion Jewellery Design & Manufacture
Visual Communication Design
Product & Industrial Design
Design Post graduate studies
Design Foundations ECP
Dr Monica Di Ruvo
diruvom@cput.ac.za
FID Assistant Dean & Acting Research Coordinator
Architectural Technology and Interior Design
Urban & Regional Planning
Information Technology & Multimedia
Architectural Technology
Interior Design
Architectural Technology & Interior Design (ECP)
Urban & Regional Planning
Higher Certificate: Information & Communication Technology Service Management
Information & Communication Technology: Applications Development
Information & Communication Technology: Communication Networks
Information & Communication Technology: Multimedia Applications
BTech and Advanced Diploma in Information & Communication Technology
