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Exclusive Interview with Prof. Johann Van der Merwe

One interviewer, One interviewee, One catch – I’d like each response to be answered in 60 words or less.

By Lukhanyo Mpumela @Lukha_M

                Tell us about you?

I grew up in in Pretoria during the fifties. It was carefree and I was a happy child. We had no television then but we listened as a family each night at 7.20 to a radio serial. Thereafter it was ‘lights out’ and everyone to bed! I remember Hendrik Verwoerd and John F Kennedy being assassinated very clearly; as well as the black and white pictures of the first man on the moon and the first heart transplant here at Groote Schuur. I was in love with Marilyn Monroe.

Your career spans over 20 years. What have been some of the challenges you have encountered, and what have been the highlights?

No. My career spans over 40 years. My career here at CPUT spans over 25 years. My greatest challenge – and highlight - was when, at the age of 23, I had to face a sea of black faces as a young white man at the University of Fort Hare in my first job as a law lecturer. Other highlights - amongst many - include a British Council Scholarship for research towards my Doctorate in Law in London during 1982/83 and two extended stints in Europe and the USA as a visiting lecturer during the early 90’s, but under the radar – as apartheid was then not dead yet.

Higher Education trend that you didn’t see coming?

Massification. The building now housing the Faculty of Business was built, when we moved in there in December 1991, to accommodate class sizes of a maximum of 30, with a few large auditoriums for special occasions.

What are your thoughts on the Public Relations and Communications markets in South Africa?

These markets are populated by professionals who know what they want and will not settle for mediocrity. Servicing these markets as a PR or Communication professional will require that you have to be better than most of your many competitors.Please offer one survival tip for making it in this highly competitive industry.

You have to be SIMPLY THE BEST! BETTER THAN ALL THE REST … to coin a phrase from the famous Tina Turner song. To achieve that you have to persevere in spite of set-backs and disappointments. And, believe me, those are part of the playing field.

What's the best piece of career advice you've ever received?

I never received any good career advice. What I should have done was to follow my instincts; and that is to have studied literature and theatre art and become a professional director. You see, in my days, the advice was to become a doctor, advocate or cleric: that is what your parents wanted!

Being the PR Department HOD, what are the ‘soft skills’ that a leader cannot do without?

You have to possess compassion. Many see this as a weakness. I view it as part of my survival kit. What is the point of working with young people if you refuse to understand them; and the challenges they face in an often very cruel world?

The best thing about CPUT?

The students of course! Yes, the “nature of the beast” (!) has changed over the years; and we complain often as lecturers about lack of discipline, unaccountability, disregard of deadlines, etc. But you know what? That which will linger in my memory and in my heart the longest will be our wonderful students. I will carry the bright smiles with me, the Hello Prof! that you suddenly hear – unexpectedly – somewhere and, most of all, the triumphant graduation days. That is what it is all about: the final graduation …

And one improvement that you would /wish to make would be?

I would like to see many, many more student bursaries. The CPUT Advancement Department works tirelessly on this, but there is still a long road to go. I would also like to see outstanding, successful students being rewarded financially with the waiver of class fees and other incentives.

The future of CPUT PR Department would bring?

Who knows? It would be in good hands though, and the future could only be good providing that the staff and the students hold on to the belief that our occupation is a professional one with a strong code of ethics.

What would you like to be remembered for?

As someone who tried his best – occasionally fought for – the interests of his students and his staff, sometimes against the prevailing attitudes of those in power who are, very often, far removed from the realities of the classroom.

·                     What is your power perspective?

Power is a very dangerous weapon. In the hands of the wrong person (-s) it is scary. Power is like an addiction: those who have it, usually crave more. In the academic environment I would like to see power replaced with three c’s: competency, capability and compassion.

The beginning of a new chapter...

Professor Johann van der Merwe is retiring this July, after 26 years of excellent service at CPUT. Celebrate his successful journey by sharing your congratulatory messages, pictures and anecdotes on our social sites. Lets pay tribute to the very first HOD of the Public Relations Department.

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Cape Peninsula University of Technology assists The Cape Argus Cycle Tour in making it a huge success for 2014

 

Written by Claire Ryan

The 2nd year students of the Public Relations Management department at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology participated in the Cape Argus Cycle Tour Registration/Expo, which took place on Thursday 06, Friday 07 and Saturday 08, March. It was a great opportunity for them, as this was the first time CPUT partook in this event.

Expresso presenter, Liezel van der Westhuizen interviewed several participants, which was exciting to witness. Various people from different cultures signed up for the Cape Argus Cycle Tour, making it an even better experience as we were exposed to different backgrounds.  

The students were eager to be a part of it and were dedicated to fulfilling their roles in making the Cape Argus Cycle Tour a success. This experience taught them to be open minded and not reluctant to voluntary work.  One of the students which attended the event, Andzani Sibiya said that she is very thankful for the opportunity as it helped her meet new people who could assist her in future.

On day 3, students received goodie bags as a sign of appreciation as well as remembrance of the event.

 

PRM 2014 Orientation an ALL round success

By Lukhanyo Mpumela

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s Public Relations Management (PRM) department has organised an annual B-Tech Orientation took place on Friday, February 07, 2014 at the Roeland street Campus.

Prof. Johann van der Merwe, HOD at CPUT Public Relations Department said that the programme is intended to “orientate, help the B-Tech students adapt and give them a different perspective of the post-graduate qualification might have.”

The orientation, which included distinguished speakers “Captains of Industry “who shared their insights about the PR& Communications industry which incorporated an academic component in it. , organised by the CPUT PRM Interns.

The Chairperson of PRIAC, Public Relations Industry Advisory Committee talked about“reputation management” as a key component that PR Practictioners need to focus on, it was a befitting message that ended up being the “theme” of the orientation.

Adding on that Aloicious the chairperson of PRISA, Western Cape view, saying, “that the PR industry in Africa needs to be regulated, and gave the students an insights into various industries that they can venture in the communications industry, and how PR Practictioners should behave .He gave great insights on how one should survive the in the industry and stating that one shouldn’t be nervous about transitioning from varsity to the workplace.”

A student who was particularly inspired by the guest speakers’ speeches at the orientation was B-Tech student, Siphokazi Mazonda. According to Mazonda, the speeches were “encouraging” and affirmed that being at a tertiary institution is an achievement on its own.” Onganga Jeffrey, CPUT PR Alumni who works for one of the leading research firm talked about embracing excellence and passion “Once you graduate it is up to you as a PR Professional to make a difference in your community, your profession and whatever you always pay homage to the people, the institutions that have molded you to become who you are today.As Public Relations, we’re servants, the real truth and significance is that which you leave to your service. Let excellence be your brand” to rapturous applause. The institution’s tagline is “creating futures”, it encourages and supports students to shape a future they believe in and to restore the dream of a great society.