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.

1^st Year PRM students of 2014

 

By Claire Ryan

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s Public Relations Management (PRM) department has organised an annual Orientation day for the newly enlisted 1^st year students which took place on Friday, February 07, 2014 at the Roeland street Campus.

The 1^st years were interested in learning more about the course and therefore were motivated to join and participate in the Orientation day. The aim was to ensure that the students are aware of the various opportunities which the university offers and also getting to know their lecturers as well as their peers.  

There were various speakers, such as the HOD of the PRM department: Johannes Van der Merwe; industry personnel: Bronwyn Ellman and 2 gentlemen from Student Affairs: Kurt Mitchell and Olwethu Bovungana. The students also partook in an activity which allowed them to communicate and work together.

This was a great opportunity for them, since they were exposed to an improved understanding of PR and gained a new perspective.

 

Public Relations Management Forums: “Creating your future”

By Grazy Mengue

Public Relations Management (PRM) is a field where practice is essential, Ms Deidre Porthen, a PRM lecturer and subject coordinator has shown her interest in the students’ academic career by organising forums to equip them with the knowledge they need. 

The first term’s forums has been titled with “Creating your Future”, this theme has been assigned to all levels of study in the PRM department up until the BTech year, simply because from the first year to  Btech students are all creating their way into industry life.

The second year and Btech student forums were on Friday, 8 March 2013. The presentations were done by PR graduates who succeeded in sharing their experiences with the students. Among the presenters were Ms Marisa Logan and Ms Leandi Jamneck who created their own company called “Butter Knife Consultancy”. 

Mr. Bongani Gxekwa, a Public Relations Management student who is currently completing his third year internship at Associated Media Publishing, presented to the second year students who will be sent out into industry next year.  

One week later, Friday, 15 March, with the same theme, Creating your Future, the first and third year forums were organised. Ms Bronwyn Ellman, a PRM graduate, who really enjoys sharing with the first years, did not miss the occasion to interact with them, at the same time Ms Regine le Roux was presenting to the third year students.

Ms le Roux, a Chartered Public Relations Practitioner (CPRP) and expert in reputation management, was talking about professionalism in the work place as the students are currently completing their internship in different industries.

Overall the forums were successful in the sense that the students acquired essential knowledge to equip them in their studies and future careers.

PRM Btech students visit the Sentinel School

By Grazy Mengue

Situated in Hout Bay, the Sentinel School is a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) that the Btech students will have to assist to raise funds in support of the organisation.

To fully participate and help the NPO, the students went to visit the school on Monday, 4 March 2013, in order to know what the NPO is about and what they can do to assist them. Moreover the students are dedicated and enthusiastic to help the Sentinel School reach its goals. 

The first area that the students will have to focus on is the school’s library which will involve them seeking book donations from the communities as well as various companies.

Ms Ruth Oppelt, who is responsible for the NPO, was happy to see the interest that the Btech students demonstrated to the project. The visit to the school has helped the students to have an idea of what the area looks like and what they can to bring to the Sentinel School.

Team Building: “Success is a choice”

By Grazy Mengue

On Wednesday, 20 February 2013, the Public Relations Management (PRM) department at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), held a Team Building day called “Success is a Choice”. The event was held at the Wellington campus and was attended by the PRM staff as well as the 1^st and 2^nd year PRM students. 

The aim of the event was to teach the students about creating trust and building relationships with each other with the assistance of professional facilitators and team building activities.

The team building exercises were created for the students to get to know each other better as they will be working together for the rest of their academic career. 

The event was well organised and a great success because it got all the students talking, sharing and generally interacting with the fellow classmates.