Ready to explore a place of transformation? The Cape Peninsula University of Technology CPUT stands as a beacon of hope. It is the only university of technology in the Western Cape. It is also the largest in the province.
CPUT was born in 2005. The Cape Technikon and Peninsula Technikon merged to create it. This merger was part of a national effort. It aimed to reshape higher education in South Africa. But the story of CPUT starts long before 2005. It started with two institutions with their own rich history.
Let’s rewind to 1920. The Cape Technical College was established on Longmarket Street. This happened after ten years of community petitions. They wanted to consolidate technical courses in Cape Town. In the late 1960s the college became the Cape College for Advanced Technical Education. In 1976 it transformed again and became the Cape Technikon. It began offering degree programmes.
Now let’s turn our attention to the Peninsula Technikon. It started in 1962 as the Peninsula Technical College. It addressed the need for training coloured apprentices. Classes were first held in Cape Town. In 1967 the college moved to Bellville. This site is now CPUT’s administrative campus. In 1979 it was legally established as the Peninsula Technikon.
During apartheid, the Peninsula Technikon primarily served coloured students. But in 1987 it opened its doors to all races. The 1990s brought more changes. The institution gained the power to offer degree programmes. In 1997 the academic programmes were restructured. They were divided into the faculties of Engineering, Business, and Science.
The Cape Technikon also underwent significant changes in the 1990s. It launched a new structure. It had six faculties, a new identity, and a new vision. The vision of CPUT is to be Africa’s leading Smart University of Technology. It aims to be globally known for innovation. It wants its graduates to shape a better world.
In 2001 the Boland and Mowbray Education Colleges joined the Cape Technikon. They formed the Faculty of Education. It had sites in Wellington and Mowbray.
Today CPUT has over 30000 students. It offers more than 70 programmes. The university spans several campuses and service points. CPUT has six faculties. They offer accredited courses in Applied Sciences and Business and Management Sciences. Education and Engineering are also represented. So are Informatics and Design plus Health and Wellness Sciences.
CPUT uses an Admission Point Score APS for selection. Online applications are free. However, manual applications require a R100 fee.
CPUT encourages students to participate in sports and university activities. There are 23 competitive sporting codes. The university also offers workshops on healthy lifestyles. These cover healthy eating, addiction recovery and stress relief.
CPUT stands as a testament to transformation. It embodies the spirit of South Africa’s ever-evolving educational landscape. From humble beginnings to a leading university of technology CPUT continues to shape futures and inspire innovation. Its graduates are prepared to make a difference in the world. Remember this story of growth. Think about the power of education. Consider the impact of a university committed to shaping a better world.