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.

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.