Brian Figaji Scholarship
Message from Prof Chris Nhlapo , Vice-Chancellor
Congratulations to the talented graduates and recipients of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award. To be a recipient of a ViceChancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award, you have to be the best of the best.
After a humble start with only one student, I am proud to say that, between the years 2018 and 2025, 27 students have pursued further studies as a result of this respected opportunity. I am especially proud that this award has enriched the lives of countless women graduates since its inception. This year is no exception, as four of the five recipients are women.
Thank you to all the recipients for representing CPUT excellence and remaining steadfast in your studies. My wish is that you continue your academic journey with us and join the ranks of the talented scholars who supervised you. By doing so, you will help nurture the next group of talented young academics and help our university continue its journey to greatness.
A special thanks to my fellow committee members, notably Prof Kioko, who chairs this panel. To our generous donor, Advocate Yach, thank you for believing in the value of a CPUT education and for your continued faith in our students. The commitment of the Mauerberger Foundation Fund, which has steadfastly affirmed the value of these awards, is appreciated. I know our talented recipients will make us proud as the programme continues to make tangible improvements to the lives of students and in the wider society.
PROF CHRIS NHLAPO Vice-Chancellor
I am especially proud that this award has enriched the lives of countless women graduates since its inception.
Message from Prof Joseph Kioko , Chairperson of the Awards Committee
PROF JOSEPH KIOKO Chairperson Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Awards Committee
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of CPUT under the resonant theme, ‘Growing from Greats’, we are reminded that our university was built upon a foundation of remarkable vision and legacy. This year, as we honour our past, we also look purposefully to our future, recognising that the task of this generation is to build upon that greatness for the next. The Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Awards embody this spirit of progression perfectly. They represent our active commitment to growing the next generation of greats: minds that will champion the OneSmart CPUT vision by harnessing innovation and technology with a human-centric heart.
I would like to pay tribute to the foresight of our ViceChancellor, Professor Chris Nhlapo, who established this Award, creating a platform upon which new greatness can be built. This year, that platform attracted 18 ambitious applicants from South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, showing the vibrant and diverse intellectual community we are fostering.
The majority of these applicants were women, continuing a proud tradition of female excellence in this programme. After a rigorous and highly competitive selection process, we are thrilled to welcome one new awardee into this prestigious
fold and to continue supporting eight of our outstanding returning scholars.
Our new awardee for 2025 is truly inspiring. Ms Babalwa Gqomfa, pursuing a PhD in Environmental Management, is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society. With an impressive record of 15 publications since 2022, she exemplifies the research excellence and scholarly impact this award aims to cultivate.
and support, that empower our recipients to become architects of a better world.
This powerful impact is made possible by the generosity and partnership of the Mauerberger Foundation Fund, under the inspirational leadership of Advocate Dianna Yach. To us, your support is more than philanthropy – it is a strategic investment in the future. You are equipping the ‘greats’ of tomorrow, ensuring that CPUT’s legacy, two decades in the making, continues to be a formidable force for good in the world.
The Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers
Awards represent our active commitment to growing the next generation of greats: minds that will champion the OneSmart CPUT vision by harnessing innovation and technology with a human-centric heart.
Our returning awardees include scholars in diverse and impactful fields such as Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Horticulture, Business Information Administration, Food Science and Technology, and Public Relations & Communication Management. The graduation of past recipients and the imminent graduation of some of the current awardees represent the success we aim to achieve and the core aspect of our mission: the enduring impact of education.
It calls to mind the powerful words of Nelson Mandela: ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’. This award is not merely a financial bursary; it is an arsenal of opportunity. It provides the tools, knowledge, research
To the 2025 award recipients: You now stand on the shoulders of the many scholars who came before you. You are the personification of ‘Growing from Greats’. You now hold this powerful weapon of education. Wield it with wisdom, courage and a deep sense of responsibility. Use it to break down barriers, to build up communities, and to change your world for the better.
My heartfelt thanks to the dedicated members of the Awards Committee. Your meticulous work ensures that this award continues to be a beacon of prestige and impact at CPUT. To the Vice-Chancellor, I feel very privileged and humbled to have the role of the Chairperson of the Committee for this really special award. I thank you for extending this honour to me.
Message from Dianna Yach , Chairperson, Mauerberger Foundation Fund
DIANNA MARILYNNE YACH Chairperson Mauerberger Foundation Fund
I appreciate this opportunity to celebrate the longstanding relationship between the Mauerberger Foundation Fund (MFF) and CPUT.
The MFF’s continuing support for the CPUT Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Awards stems from our deep and enduring commitment to growing future leaders who are devoted to advancing social justice and social cohesion, ethics, good governance, and human rights – aligned with our core mission. We also value the inspiring leadership of the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, who is an amazing role model for our future leaders.
Many of you attending this celebration today have expressed gratitude to me and the MFF for supporting you through your studies. While your gratitude for our support is much appreciated, I believe it is all of you, the achievers of the Vice Chancellor’s Prestigious Awards, who deserve to receive the MFF’s gratitude for your tremendous achievements and your extraordinary journey, one marked not just by academic excellence but also by sheer determination and unyielding strength. A big thank you to all our CPUT colleagues who helped to facilitate our Achievers on their important journeys.
I also want to acknowledge this afternoon that we gather in a time of unprecedented challenges – multiple crises of national and international political leadership, violence, wars and displacement in so many places, rampant populism and untethered capitalism, the devastating effects of climate change, leading to people really battling mentally,
intellectually and spiritually. Too often, these events overshadow our ethical values. It is easy to succumb to despair.
But it is precisely in these moments of darkness that the light of ethical leadership shines the brightest. It is in times of crisis that true leaders emerge, not from the positions they hold, but from the integrity they exhibit, the empathy they extend and the courage they display. It is the human factors that make the difference, holding on to our humanity, our values as human beings.
At a time when the status quo seems to propel more and more conflict and violence, re-imagining the potential for living and working together as human beings is not only necessary but imperative. Let us together imagine a version of society in which we can become a loving, equal, just and connected society. Let us together focus on ways of finding each other, addressing injustices and inequalities, and redefining our present and future.
You, our young leaders and role models, are the beacons of hope in these turbulent times. You possess a unique power, a power that extends far beyond the boundaries of titles and positions. It is the power of ethical leadership, the power to inspire change through your actions, your words, and your steadfast commitment to a better world.
In the face of political turmoil, be the voice of reason and unity. Stand firm in your convictions, but also be willing to listen, to understand and to empathise. Seek common ground, for it is in collaboration, working together, that we find strength.
You have already demonstrated that, in the face of daunting financial and personal challenges,
nothing can deter your spirit. Your resilience, perseverance and hard work have not only earned you excellent results but have inspired everyone around you. You are living proof that tenacity and courage can overcome even the toughest of obstacles.
As you celebrate your well-deserved success, remember the incredible strength that resides within you. Use this achievement as a stepping stone to even greater heights and continue to inspire others with your remarkable journey.
You are not just students; you are beacons of hope, resilience and brilliance. May your future be as bright and promising as the path you’ve paved through your hard work and determination.
In the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu:
“You are the indispensable agent of change. You should not be daunted by the magnitude of the task before you. Your contribution can inspire others, embolden others who are timid, to stand up for the truth in the midst of a welter of distortion, propaganda and deceit; stand up for human rights where these are being violated with impunity; stand up for justice, freedom and love where they are trampled underfoot by injustice, oppression, hatred and harsh cruelty; stand up for human dignity and decency at times when these are in desperately short supply.”
I wish you continued success on your journey ahead. Congratulations on your outstanding academic achievements!
Much love and admiration, Dianna
Dr Murendeni Nethengwe
Rooted in Nature, Driven by Purpose
Growing up in the ‘green lands’ of Limpopo sparked a curiosity about nature and its healing powers in Dr Murendeni Nethengwe and began a journey that culminated in graduating in April at CPUT with a Doctor of Philosophy: Biomedical Science degree.
Her thesis is titled: An Evaluation of antioxidant potential, anti-inflammatory effect and the mechanisms of action of phenolic compounds from South African indigenous plants used in the management of diabetes-related male infertility.
Dr Nethengwe says that, although her decision to explore this topic was influenced by personal interest and scientific curiosity, it was mainly based on the urgent need to address the rising prevalence of diabetes-related male infertility.
She says: “I grew up in the green lands of Limpopo, Venda, and what I have always known is that nature gives and takes. Adding on to that, my mother, who has always prepared and sold herbal products, ignited my interest in translating
traditional medicine into a tested and trusted alternative therapeutic solution that is safe and easily accessible to all. I figured that this topic would address both the health concern, promote sustainability through cherishing nature, and feed my passion.”
Her research objectives were to identify medicinal plants traditionally used in Limpopo to treat diabetes and male infertility and select the most reported plants to conduct a study on the extracts and “after that, to screen for phenolic compounds, treat hyperglycaemic sperm cells, and assess the amelioration of sperm parameters before and after treatment. Another objective of the study was to assess the link between diabetes and male infertility.
“The findings of this study confirmed the association of diabetes to male infertility and revealed that the administration of both tested plant extracts led to the improvement of sperm parameters such as total motility, vitality, DNA fragmentation, capacitation, oxidative status, and mitochondrial membrane potential. It was also deduced from the study that the effect of the plant extracts was concentration dependent.”
Dr Nethengwe was co-supervised by Prof OO Oguntibeju, Dr K Okaiyeto and Dr CS Opuwari. She is conducting postdoctoral research at the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure, University of Pretoria, Steve Biko Academic Hospital.
She says receiving the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award made her believe that her dreams are valid.
“The VC Prestigious Achievers Award was never just about money to me. Financial strain is the biggest concern for every unemployed student. I am so grateful for an opportunity to reach for my dreams without having to worry about food, shelter, tuition fee or even having a nice time once in a while.
“But the idea of the whole committee believing that I deserve the award has built confidence in me and the need to pay back the trust by excelling and making an impact. This has pushed me to not only achieve my dreams but to exceed my own initial expectations. The fact that the VC recognised me made me wake up randomly at night and solve my research problems. It cut my fun times shorter and kept my brain in research.”
Prof Oguntibeju said supervising Murendeni’s doctoral journey was both rewarding and inspiring.
“Although Murendeni Nethengwe undertook her master’s degree with me, I did not ask whether she would like to continue with her doctoral study. However, one day she showed up in my office and told me that she would like to register for her PhD under supervision. I remember asking her about three times if she was ready to undergo the rigour and challenges associated with doing a PhD. Of course, the answer was a big yes. She told me that she had read my research articles in the area of medicinal plants and diabetes, and that she was interested in working with me. That was how the journey started.
“From the very beginning, she demonstrated a strong sense of commitment, intellectual curiosity, and resilience. She approached her research with clarity of purpose and consistently sought to align her work with both academic rigour and societal relevance. What stood out most was her ability to translate complex concepts into practical solutions and her openness to feedback, which made the supervisory relationship collaborative and productive. Her perseverance, even in the face of challenges, showed not only her determination to succeed but also her capacity to grow as a scholar and leader.”
He says the VC Prestigious Achievers Awards played a pivotal role in boosting her confidence and visibility within the academic community.
“The recognition validated her hard work and excellence, and it served as a strong motivation for her to push the boundaries of her research. It also provided her with a platform to network with other achievers and expand her academic and professional horizons. In my view, the award was not just a milestone but a catalyst that propelled her to higher levels of achievement, reinforcing her determination to complete her doctoral journey with distinction and on time.”
VICE-CHANCELLOR’S PRESTIGIOUS ACHIEVERS AWARDEES
Name Surname
Imisioluseyi Julius Akinyede Doctorate
Bimpe Omolara Alabi Doctorate
Justine Oma Angadam Doctorate
Sivenathi Jayiya Master’s
Yvonne Maphosa Doctorate
Nolimo Gloria Mbunge Master’s
Zamavangeli Mdletshe Doctorate
Melody Ruvimbo Mukandi Doctorate
Male Nigerian
Female Nigerian
Female Cameroon
Framework for effective management of cost toward sustainable housing delivery
A framework of modalities to achieve an enhanced sustainable housing provision in South Africa
Plant digestive enzymes for semi-deligniholocellulolysis of agro-waste
Female RSA PR practitioners’ conceptualisation of the role of stakeholder engagement in corporate social responsibility planning and implementation
Female Zimbabwe
Rheological behaviour of Bambara groundnut starchsoluble dietary fibre nanocomposite for delivering active compounds in food systems
Female RSA Critical generic skills for successful constructionproject execution from concept to project close within the Cape Metropole
Female RSA Development and testing of a renewable energybased thermal desalination system
Female Zimbabwe
Sihle Ngxabi Master’s Male RSA
Caroline Tyavambiza Doctorate
Female Zimbabwe
Namhla Matwa Master’s Female RSA
Anza Tshifaro Ramatsia Master’s Female RSA
Selected operating process variables for a bioflocculant-supported air flotation system
The effect of different growth media and salinity on the vegetative growth of Trachyandra ciliata (Wild cabbage) in hydroponics
An in-vitro evaluation of the wound healing properties of Cotyledon orbiculata extracts and its nanoparticles
The role of adolescent advocacy on healthy eating, physical activity, hygiene and safety at selected high schools in the Western Cape, South Africa
Contemporary challenges facing female senior managers in selected sport organisations in South Africa
VICE-CHANCELLOR’S PRESTIGIOUS ACHIEVERS AWARDEES
Name
Nontsikelelo Noxolo Tafu Master’s Female RSA Physicochemical, nutritional and dissolution properties of solid dis-persed Moringa oleifera leaf powder effervescent beverage gran-ules
Shaun Mgoma Doctorate
Bongisiwe Zozo Doctorate
Oritonda Muribwathoho Doctorate
Murendeni Nethengwe Doctorate
Male RSA Recovery of valuable compounds from agricultural food using green technologies: Process design and Techno-economic analysis
Female RSA Purification and characterisation of the native black soldier fly larva protein
Female RSA Development of metal matrix composites suitable for hulls and ship decks
Female RSA Evaluation of antioxidant potential and mechanism of action of phenolic compounds from South African indigenous plants used in the management of diabetes-related male infertility
Mzoxolo Ntabeni Master’s Male RSA The influence of academic and industryspecific project manage-ment qualifications on the effectiveness of project managers in the construction industry
Nontle Mbana Doctorate
Sindisiwe Ntsondwa Doctorate
Mfundo Telson Radebe Master’s
Kudzai Mugejo Doctorate
Female RSA Development of an optimal fabrication procedure for producing aluminium-based surface composites
Female RSA Development of catalysts for enhancement of H2 sorption kinetics for intermetallic hydride storage application
Male RSA An assessment of the integration of social media in news produc-tion in selected community radio stations in Gqeberha
Male Zimbabwe Infrastructure performance and water governance for climate change adaptation in smallholder farming systems in the Western Cape, South Africa
VICE-CHANCELLOR’S PRESTIGIOUS ACHIEVERS AWARDEES
Name Surname Qualification
Rinae Ndou Master’s Female RSA
Physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory properties of gluten-free conventional and steamed bread from Bambara groundnut, sor-ghum, cassava and cocoyam flour composites
Phakama Ngwane Master’s Female RSA
Rentia Van Heerden Doctorate Female RSA
Nomnqophiso Zantanta Doctorate Female RSA
Babalwa Gqomfa Doctorate Female RSA
The effect of sustainable practices on hotel performance in Cape Town
Navigating the consequences of occupational health and safety Influences for flexible work practices in a public health sector
The feasibility of soilless cultivation of selected indigenous legumes as fodder crops for small-scale livestock farming in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
Prevalence of micro- and nano-plastics in selected areas of Cape Town: An environmental risk assessment and metagenomic analy-sis of microbial communities
VICE-CHANCELLOR’S BURSARY SUPPORT RECIPIENTS
Name Surname
Akindele Oluwafemi
Abegunde Male African Nigeria Master’s Low-cost, energy-efficient and robust multifunctional smart meter
Martha Hendrika Grewe Female White RSA Doctorate
Gbolahan Sunday Olabode Male African Nigeria Doctorate
A proposed framework for improving student engagement using virtual reality at a selected tertiary institution, Cape Town, South Africa
Spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis of nevirapine, lamivudine, and zidovudine anti-retroviral compounds in wastewater samples from selected wastewater treatment plants, Cape Town
Mayeadeh Korpor Tarr Female African Liberia Master’s The impact of disruptive technologies on the growth and development of small busi-nesses in South Africa
Aasief Gaffoor Male Indian RSA Doctorate
Awonke Geqeza Male African RSA Doctorate
Mvemve Shylock Mdingi Male African RSA Doctorate
Sbusiso Desmond Motau Male African RSA Doctorate
Sydwell Mnoneleli Nikani Male African RSA Doctorate
Exploring the application of case studies to develop core skills in the National Certificate (Vocational) Management Practice curriculum
A framework for enhancing internal audit independence and objectivity within a provincial governance system in South Africa
A framework for the integration of computerised accounting into high school Accounting curriculum
Designing a model for promotion of staff in a division of the security cluster in South Africa
An evaluation of e-learning platforms in South African high schools
VICE-CHANCELLOR’S BURSARY SUPPORT RECIPIENTS
Name Surname Gender Etnic Group Country Qualification Research Title
Vuyo Sidwell Pana Male African RSA Doctorate 5G new radio and fog computing scalability and QOS management
Lindi Ebegail Vivien Sindelo Female African RSA Doctorate
Ethical leadership, accountability and transparency in promoting good governance in the South African public sector
Marcina Singh Female Coloured RSA Doctorate Citizenship in South African schools: A study of four high schools in the Western Cape
Lutho Xakayi Male African RSA Master’s The adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution digital tools and innovation to accelerate the delivery of construction projects
Omolaja Akeem Akinfenwa Male African Nigeria Doctorate Isolation and characterisation of bioactive compounds from selected plants of South African flora application in the preparation of biocompatible metal nanoparticles
Yvonne Maphosa Female African Zimbabwe Doctorate Rheological behaviour of the Bambara groundnut starch-soluble dietary fibre nano-composite for delivering active compounds in food systems
Tatenda Bless-ing Runganga Male African Zimbabwe Doctorate
Design, model and validate a smart multi-product, multi-location solar drying system for industrial applications
Nurudeen Olatunde Shokoya Male African Nigeria Doctorate Develop electricity theft detection and mitigation in smart grid
Justine Oma Angadam Female African Cameroon Doctorate Plant digestive enzymes for semideligni-holocellulolysis of agro-waste
VICE-CHANCELLOR’S BURSARY SUPPORT RECIPIENTS
Name Surname Gender Etnic Group
Namhla Matwa Female African RSA Master’s
Melody Ruvim-bo Mukandi Female African Zimbabwe Doctorate
Sihle Ngxabi Male African RSA Master’s
The role of adolescent advocacy on healthy eating, physical activity, hygiene and safety at selected high schools in the Western Cape, South Africa
Selected operating process variables for a bio-flocculant-supported air flotation system
The effect of different growth media and salinity on the vegetative growth of Trachyandra ciliata (wild cabbage) in hydroponics
Caroline Tyavambiza Female African Zimbabwe Doctorate
Shaun Mgoma Male African RSA Doctorate
Mfundo Telson Radebe Male African RSA Master’s
An in-vitro evaluation of the wound healing properties of Cotyledon orbiculata extracts and its nanoparticles
Recovery of valuable compounds from agricultural food using green technologies: process design and techno-economic analysis
An assessment of the integration of social media in news production in selected com-munity radio stations in Gqeberha
Bongisiwe Zozo Female African
Oritonda Muribwathoho Female African RSA Doctorate
Nontsikelelo Noxolo Tafu Female African RSA Doctorate
Purification and characterisation of the native black soldier fly larva protein
Development of metal matrix composites suitable for hulls and ship decks
Nixtamalisation of Bambara groundnut: structure, functional, textural and bioactive characteristics of its flour and dough
Impact of the Prestigious Achievers Awards
TOTAL COST OF THE AWARDS PROGRAMME, 2019–2025:
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM DONOR
Total number of Prestigious Achievers Awardees 2019-2025: R4,870,000
27
BREAKDOWN BY GENDER OF AWARDEES:
21
6
CONTRIBUTION BY CPUT
R1,089,264
Total amount granted to Awardees, 2019–2025:
R4,792,587
Total value of ViceChancellor’s Support, 2019–2025:
R1,166,677
TOTAL NUMBER OF PRESTIGIOUS ACHIEVERS AWARDEES GRADUATED TO DATE:
7 DOCTORATE
5 MASTER’S
TOTAL NUMBER OF VICE-CHANCELLOR’S SUPPORT RECIPIENTS GRADUATED TO DATE:
TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO RECEIVE THE VICE-CHANCELLOR’S SUPPORT 2019-2025:
27
11DOCTORATE
3 MASTER’S
The Application Process
STEP 1
How to apply
1. Go to OPA
2. Login with your CPUT credentials
3. After logging in, go to the tab on the left-hand side which is titled “Apply Awards App”
4. Click on the drop-down that says “Apply for VC Awards”
Applications are open from 1 March to 31 March each year.
Applications must only be submitted via the website
The following supporting documents must be included in your submission:
• a letter of motivation written by the applicant;
• proof of accepted research topic if in the first year of the qualification;
• a progress report if in the second year of the qualification or higher;
• a copy of the results of the qualification preceding the current one (i.e. results for the master’s if the candidate is registered for a doctoral degree, or the
results of the NQF Level 8 qualification for students registered for a master’s degree);
• a CV with contact details of all supervisors;
• a confidential letter of reference from the main supervisor (sent directly to the Chairperson of the Committee).
Deserving candidates suggested by the Vice-Chancellor will also be able to submit applications.
STEP 2 Short-listing of candidates
STEP 3 Contacting the successful candidates and presentation of awards
Successful candidates will be contacted and invited to sign a declaration letter accepting the terms and conditions of this award. Towards the end of the year, they will be invited to a special awards ceremony.
Potential awardees may be requested to provide more information. THANK
STEP 4 Funding and management of the award
• The money will be deposited into the student’s fee account.
• If the student receives another award, for example, from the NRF, the committee will ‘top up’ the award.
• Progress made by the candidates who have received awards will be annually monitored by the committee.
• The management of the funds will be reported to the committee when it meets.
• During the year, all students’ general behaviour and conduct will be observed. Students’ conduct needs to be exemplary and show that they deserve this prestigious award.
The application process is entirely managed through an online system. Students are urged to log onto OPA or go to https:// www.cput.ac.za/about/leadership/vc/the-vice-chancellorsprestigious-achiever-award to apply for the funding.
Brian Figaji Scholarship
Message from Dianna Yach , Chairperson, Mauerberger Foundation Fund
DIANNA MARILYNNE YACH
Chairperson
Mauerberger Foundation Fund
Prof Brian Figaji has been a valued trustee of the Board of the Mauerberger Foundation Fund (MFF) for more than two decades. During this time, he has provided wise counsel and professional insights derived from his impressive academic career and participation in many Boards and institutions. Appointed by former MFF Chair, Estelle Yach, Prof Figaji gave generously of his time and played a significant role in shaping and advancing the MFF’s mission, taking account of changes and challenges over the years. This tradition continues today and is much appreciated by the present MFF Chair and Board.
Prof Figaji studied at the universities of the Western Cape, Cape Town and South Africa (Unisa), and Harvard University in the USA. He has been awarded honorary doctorates by the University of Coventry in the UK and California State University in the USA. He practised as a professional engineer for 10 years, and then joined Peninsula Technikon, which is now CPUT. Prof Figaji served CPUT for 25 years, 10 of which were spent in the role of Vice-Chancellor. He is the Chairman of I&J Fishing, and a board member of the MFF, WWF Nedbank Green Trust and the Table Mountain Fund.
Among the many positions he has held, the most significant are:
• member and later Vice-President of the Engineering Council of South Africa;
• member of the South African Council on Higher Education;
• representative of South Africa on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Executive Board from 2005 to 2009, and later chairperson of the South African Commission for UNESCO from 2009 to 2013;
• chairperson of Wesgro;
• chairperson of the Scouts;
• board member of PetroSA;
• board member of the Development Bank of Southern Africa; and
• member of the council advising the President on National Orders (National Presidential Awards) until 2014.
He is also a fellow of the Society for Professional Engineers, a fellow of the Institute for Civil Engineers, a fellow of the Academy of Engineering and a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa.
Inspired by Prof Figaji’s journey, the MFF has established the ‘Brian Figaji Scholarship’ to support engineering students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive impact in society. By investing in their education, the Scholarship will be investing in the next generation of engineers, academics, leaders, researchers, innovators and change-makers.
Through this initiative, the MFF hopes to break barriers to higher education and ensure that deserving students have the resources they need to succeed in the field of engineering. Given the underrepresentation of women in engineering, the MFF encourages women to apply for this scholarship award.
ABOUT THE MFF
The MFF began its work in 1936 when the late Morris Mauerberger established a medical clinic in Ottery in the Western Cape. In 1944, the Mauerberger Charitable Institution was registered, which subsequently became the Mauerberger Foundation Fund in 1957.
The MFF’s support stems from the organisation’s deep and enduring commitment to growing future leaders who are devoted to advancing social justice, ethics, good governance and human rights –fully aligned with the organisation’s core mission.
A key focus of the MFF is to work with partner organisations to promote human rights and social justice through growing the next generation of ethical leaders. Under the chairpersonship of Dianna Yach (a former member of CPUT Council), the MFF continues to work with a wide range of institutions, including universities and NGOs, who are involved in skills development and translating policy into practice in a variety of disciplines, including law, arts & culture, education, health and welfare, and environmental sustainability.
The MFF’s close association with CPUT predates its formation in 2005. The MFF supported both the former Peninsula Technikon and Cape Technikon prior to the merger of these two institutions. One of the hallmarks of the MFF at CPUT is the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award, where the MFF is the anchor sponsor of the programme.
Message from Prof Brian Figaji
PROF BRIAN FIGAJI
I am very grateful that the launch and award of the first scholarship in my name is being made at this very special ViceChancellor’s ceremony.
I am indebted to the Mauerberger Foundation Fund (MFF) for funding these scholarships in my name and allowing me to designate the institution that would become the beneficiary of the scholarship. Similarly, I want to thank the Vice-Chancellor for accepting this scholarship proposal.
My discipline is engineering, and I wanted to help bring about greater gender equity in the engineering profession; hence, the focus of the awards for this scholarship is on the engineering disciplines and female students.
Lanay de Reuck and Refiloe Selai are the first recipients of this new scholarship, and they will set the tone for the others who will follow. My expectations of these two trailblazers are that they will not only make their mark as exceptional engineers but that they will also demonstrate ethical leadership and a desire to help others succeed in the profession. We are extremely proud of your academic success so far, and we hope that this scholarship will further equip you to achieve your academic and professional goals that will continue to make CPUT and the MFF very proud enablers.
BRIAN FIGAJI SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES 2025
Name Surname Qualification Gender Country Research Title Department
Lanay De Reuck Masters
Refiloe Selai Masters
Female South Africa
Female South Africa
Synthesis of an eco-friendly AG/CQD/GC3N4 composite for photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange Chemical Engineering
Mathematical modelling of windinduced vibrations in transmission line conductors
Mechanical and Mechatronics
+27
info@cput.ac.za
www.cput.ac.za
@cput
@wearecput
www.facebook.com/cput.ac.za