FACULTY IN PERSPECTIVE 20212021 - Tshwane University of Technology We empower people - TUT
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Tshwane University
of Technology
We empower people
2021
FACULTY IN PERSPECTIVE
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Message
by the
CONTENTS Dean
Message by the Dean......................................................... 1 The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment is excited about
Advancing into new ways of teaching and learning..................... 2 the rollout of the new Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework
Perfume makes her a businesswoman..................................... 2 (HEQSF) aligned qualifications. The Bachelor of Architecture (BArch),
Lecturer ignites NUMBAS learning mode with TUT...................... 3 Master of Architecture (MArch), Master of Building Science (MBuiSc),
Master of Engineering (MEng) and Doctor of Engineering (DEng) and
Rollator helps people to help themselves................................. 3
Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech) -degrees, Higher
Nasty C gives student drawings a thumbs-up............................. 4
Certificates (HC), and other new qualifications across all disciplines
TUT donates Covid-19 face shields to the local hospital............... 4
in the Faculty. Our eight departments create a vibrant presence at the
Race to raise funds for the TUT needy.................................... 4
Pretoria and eMalahleni campuses and are excited about the HEQSF
Industrial Designer sets his sight on global success...................... 4
rollout.
TUT proves popular at Limpopo boot camp .............................. 5
TUT would like to emphasise that all phasing-out qualifications are
All systems go for engineering students................................... 5
accredited and registered on the National Qualifications Framework
Bachelor of Geomatics....................................................... 5
(NQF) and they remain valid and recognised by the Department of
Learners are given a taste of what to expect at the varsity........... 5
Higher Education and Training (DHET), Council on Higher Education
Bachelor of Engineering: Materials Engineering in ...................... 6
(CHE), South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), professional
Polymer Technology degree opens new doors for industry
and students bodies, industry, employers and other relevant stakeholders.
Fixperts live TUT’s core value of caring................................... 6 We work closely with industry to deliver well-rounded students.
CITSI............................................................................ 7 We do not only link with industry through the advisory committees
An overview of F’SATI........................................................ 16 of our departments, but also through a hub called the IndustryGrid.
2020 RESEARCH CHAIRS...................................................... 18 IndustryGrid not only houses our graduate employment office but
2020 NICHE AREAS............................................................ 18 allows us to showcase our technological achievements and provides
a space where staff and students can interact with government,
2020 OTHER RESEARCH GROUPS............................................ 20
municipalities, parastatals and all kinds of businesses, including
2020 FIELD OF EXPERTISE.................................................... 21
Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
2020 GRADUATIONS........................................................... 27
NRF RATING SUMMARY........................................................ 27 We are equally proud of our Centres, Institutes, Technology
2020 CURRENT RATED RESEARCHERS....................................... 27 Stations and Incubators (CITSI), including the Technology Station
2020 NUMBER OF REGISTERED STUDENTS ................................ 27 in Electronics (TSE), the Technology Station in Chemicals (TSC),
the Institute for Advanced Tooling (IAT), the Centre for Energy
RESEARCH OUTPUTS 2019 (submitted to RnI)............................ 27
and Electric Power (CEEP), the French South African Institute of
Technology (FSATI), the Institute of Nano-engineering (INER), the
Rail Manufacturing Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator
(RMCERI) and Composites Innovation Centre (CIC). The CITSI
is used as a platform for contract work and research, as a support
mechanism for (SMMEs) needing technical assistance, as a vehicle
for training undergraduate and postgraduate students and for the
Compiled by: delivery of Short Learning Programmes.
Zelda Janse van Rensburg, Faculty Marketer,
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, TUT I invite you to take our hand to ensure that we keep delivering well-
Language Practitioners: rounded and competent graduates for the engineering and the built
Nqabomzi Msutswana
Keabetswe Phetoane environment.
Layout, design and printing:
Monika van der Westhuizen, Printing Services, TUT
Prof Josiah Munda
We want to express a word of thanks to all contributors
to the writing and editing of articles. Acting Executive Dean
IMAGES: Freepik; Shutterstock; Unsplash
Advancing
into new ways of
teaching and
learning
Simplicity and quick access
are the newly opened and developing dimensions
of teaching and learning through the use of
technology for lecturers and students.
Dr Ronny Aylward, a lecturer at the Department of Electrical Engineering
has created a website, student-online.co.za, which makes the content
from a textbook less complex, has more practical features and enables
students to access it wherever they are.
“The website simplifies student content, including the introduction,
purpose and outcomes. The website informs the student ‘what am I
doing, how am I going to do it and where am I
doing it,’” Dr Aylward said.
Although TUT has an ITS system where lecturers
can post assignments, notes and updates, Dr
One of Reabetswe’s perfumes, Kgosatsana,
Aylward’s website allows students to not just due to be released before the end of 2020.
download content, but also to work on particular
programmes online, such as extracting and
applying codes to view if they work or if their
programming aligns with the codes.
Perfume makes her a
“The problem with videos that a lecturer sends
to students is time – it might be an hour-long
businesswoman
and often a student might have to rewind to
repeat a certain part. The student online website
allows them to search for particular content that
“I wanted to create a legacy not just for me,
is divided into sections. This certainly limits time for students and allows
them to focus on one thing,” he said. not for my family but for black people.
Dr Aylward is currently busy with the development of an app that
students can access whenever and wherever they are. It will enable
This journey starts with me.”
students to catch up with the content that was covered. One of the most
unique features of the app is that it will notify him on which students After pioneering with partners on manufacturing and producing two
logged in and who did not. It is like an attendance register; the only elegant perfumes, Kgosi and Kgosigadi, Master’s student Reabetswe
difference is that it can be accessed at any given time. Dire ventures alone to claim her space in the business world.
Currently, the website contains and provides detailed information for She is also in pursuit of her Master’s in Chemical Engineering:
the module that he lectures. His students access the website daily, Physicochemical and Structural Performance Evaluation of Spheroidised
both during lectures and when preparing homework assignments. An Tungsten Carbide.
additional benefit is that the site is not only limited to TUT students, but
“I wanted to create a legacy not just for me, not for my family but for black
to anyone who wants to learn how to program.
people. This journey starts with me,” says Reabetswe. After eight months
He aims at introducing the website system for teaching to other of product formulation, trial and error, the perfect combination of science
departments and lecturers to make things a bit easier for students and and chemistry produced better results and now she can introduce her
lecturers. As the website advances and with the app currently under own designed perfumes, Kgosatsana and Exotic for women.
development, he hopes to add features and changes, where the app/
There were certain challenges she had
website can use or code with other languages within South Africa.
to face and certain compromises were
made, like formulating sample products
in her room or her mother’s kitchen.
But these challenges made her more
determined to succeed.
As an independent woman, she
is leaving a footprint through the
endeavours of her work.
Reabetswe Dire,
Dr Ronny Aylward, pursuing her Masters in
a lecturer at the Chemical Engineering and
Department of brand owner of Montle’s Kgosatsana
Electrical Engineering. and Exotic Perfume.
2 Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Lecturer ignites Rollator
NUMBAS helps people
learning mode to help themselves
with TUT Electrical Engineering lecturer, Tsholofelo Modise, does not only teach
her students the tricks of the trade, but is also making knowledge useful
with her ingenuity – in particular, with her invention called the Robotic
After conducting thorough research to balance education and learning Rollator.
through this challenging time of social distancing, Mr Christopher Allnutt, The Robotic Rollator, which has already
lecturer at the Department of Civil Engineering, unravels NUMBAS. caught the attention of the media, assists
physically impaired people to walk by pro-
NUMBAS is an online (web-based) assessment tool that was developed
viding movement assistance, whether they
by Christian Lawson-Perfect, a senior developer of software at Newcastle
are in a sitting or standing position, depend-
University based in the United Kingdom, back in 2012. It consists of tools
ing on their strength or ability.
which produce SCORM-compliant exam packages (i.e., SCORM objects
in Desire2Learn) with an emphasis on mathematics and engineering, but ‘‘The interface control system of the rolla-
it can be applied to other modules as well. It allows lecturers to formulate tor incorporates the user’s movement ca-
online tests to evaluate students and, in a way, it improves their way pability. It promotes physical activeness to
of learning. It serves several needs and tools which other Learning ultimately improve and restore mobility and
Management Systems (LMS’s) such as Desire2Learn and Blackboard to avoid problems that may arise from pro-
are not capable of. longed hours of sitting, usually associated
with wheelchair use,’’ says Tsholofelo.
Mr Allnutt is part of the third party software evaluation team at the
The invention, for which she partnered
Department of Educational Technology Integration. This team consists
with Dr Nico Steyn, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Electrical
of lecturers from different departments to evaluate ideas and solutions
Engineering, is set to significantly change the lives of physically impaired
on how to aid lecturers in teaching and learning. “I found NUMBAS
people.
extremely worthwhile because it is more advanced than any other
platform we use. An added advantage is the possibility for students to Tsholofelo and Dr Steyn plan to expand their invention to the market
conduct self-assessments and self-study instead of waiting for feedback level. ‘‘We are looking at the development of the first batch of units that
from the lecturer,” Mr Allnutt concluded. will be marketed according to real market conditions under the start-up,
Augmented Mobility (PTY) LTD. This batch will test the market interest,
NUMBAS is a free web-based system, needing no license and has no assist in determining the product price, define the functionality, and con-
financial obligations. It allows free access to universities around the tribute to the product improvement for scaling,’’ Tsholofelo adds.
globe which allows them to improve the web-system, to add and develop
The Robotic Rollator research was initiated in 2015 and the prototype
features and to cater to their needs for teaching and learning. Mr Allnutt
was finalised in 2018.
used NUMBAS, applying modules on the web-system to formulate
exams and tests. He plans to introduce the idea with other departments. As a young woman, who achieved so much already, she stays deter-
mined to explore even more successes. ‘‘Embrace your individuality and
“I truly believe this is the answer to our problems with regards to your womanhood. Do not be afraid of the unknown. You are more than
online/remote assessment in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built capable to achieve anything you put your mind to,” she concludes.
Environment, especially during trying times with student unrest. It has
Tsholofelo is currently pursuing a PhD.
been tried and tested at the department of Civil Engineering, University
of Pretoria, and has proven to be successful”.
To register for free and to start
exploring endless possibilities,
academics can follow this link:
https://numbas.mathcentre.ac.uk/
accounts/register/.
For more information about NUMBAS,
please click on
https://www.numbas.org.uk/.
The Robotic
Mr Christopher Allnutt, Rollator prototype
lecturer at the Department that assists the physically
of Civil Engineering impaired.
Faculty in Perspective | 2020 3
Nasty C gives student drawings a thumbs-up
Lethabo Mashabela (20), a third-year Architecture student, has taken social media by
Drawing storm with his drawings of Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, professionally known as
Nasty C, a South African rapper, songwriter and record producer. One of the drawings
eases my mind
re-posted on Nasty C’s Instagram profile, got no fewer than 53 600 likes (and counting!),
also from other celebrities. Of course, Lethabo’s friends and followers on his social
media platforms also gave the images a thumbs-up. The up-and-coming architect, who
when I’m stays in Pretoria West, says his interest in drawing has been sparked at primary school.
“Drawing eases my mind when I’m stressed,” he says.
stressed Lethabo Mashabela (20), a third-year Architecture student,
has taken social media by storm with his drawings of Nasty C.
TUT donates Covid-19 face shields to the local hospital
In response to the increasing need for personal protection equipment (PPE), due
to outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, various entities at the (TUT) have been
manufacturing face shields and other PPE to assist medical staff in Tshwane.
Staff from the departments of Architecture and Industrial Design as well as
Industrial Engineering, worked together to cut and assemble face shields, which
were donated to the local Kalafong Hospital.
While the expertise and equipment available at a university such as TUT are
normally geared towards prototyping and testing, rather than mass production,
the complex time that we are currently experiencing, necessitate those who
can and who are prepared to, to act as a backup in case supplies of PPE are
disrupted. Every bit helps and even a small number of face-shields could go a
long way in protecting medical staff in a time of crisis.
Face shields designed to donate to the Kalafong Hospital.
Race to raise funds for the Tshwane University of Technology needy
The TUT lecturers and academic staff
rocked their running shoes
and engaged in a marathon on Saturday, 13 June
to raise funds for their student food support programme.
The lecturers ran distances ranging from 10km to 90km,
led by Prof. Khumbulani Mpofu,
from SuperSport Park in Centurion to the
University’s Pretoria Campus.
Their mission was to raise money
for students facing hunger during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Championing the initiative was Khumbuzile Mdlalose, an
alumna and Doctor of Engineering, who said
food insecurity
was a reality for many students.
Industrial Designer sets his sight on global success
Industrial design alumnus from TUT and founder of Undesign, George Gibbens is underway to becoming his masterful
creation, paving his way to success through his work.
With limitless imagination that had him not only designing the requested products for his clients, but even had
him establishing his agency, Undesign, a product development and design agency that specialises in design and
manufacturing mass-produced products for clients.
In an interview with e-TUTor, George explains what industrial designing means to him and the impact it had on him.
“Design has greatly influenced my way of thinking and how I see the world. It has taught me critical thinking, empathy
for others, problem solving and seeing things in a different way,” he said. He further said that founding the agency has
been one of his proudest accomplishments in his life. His designs have been exhibited at exhibitions such as Dubai
Design Week 2016 and 2017 as well as Design Indaba 2018 and 2020.
George Gibbens, founder of the Undesign agency.
Design has greatly influenced my way of thinking
4 Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
TUT proves popular at Limpopo boot camp
Organised by the Science and Commerce Solutions Academy (SACSA), where Dr Phahladira and Tshepo
Ledwaba presented the schools, TUT was invited to do career guidance on the courses offered by the
University for Grade 12 learners at the Boot Camp in Limpopo, 25 – 31 October. Career guidance and
courses offered by the Tshwane University were presented for Grade 12 learners.
Glen Lehlohonolo Moepi, a representative from the Department of Electrical Engineering (DEE) at TUT, took
charge of the TUT delegation which included three tutors, Kabelo
Chanza, Letlhogonolo Letlhogile and Ibrahim Muhammed. This
team was strengthened by nine tutors provided by SACSA.
Around 79 learners attended the camp which was presented at
the Naboomfontein Gastehuis where the TUT delegation showed
the learners how to apply online at TUT and advised them how to
register for funding at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme
(NSFAS).
The presenters agreed that the Boot Camp was a great success
and that the learners were ready for their most important exam.
Learners engaging in group activities In light of this successful event, SACSA plans on hosting yet
and studying on their own. another boot camp in 2021 for next year’s grade 12 learners.
All systems go for engineering students
Unwrapping the New Year, 2020 marks yet another journey to travel, chapters to write and milestones
to reach. For the University, this means new students coming on board to study, realising their dreams.
The Faculty touched base with some of the first-year students on 18 February, trying to know more about
them, their choice of course and their ambition.
Sharing their excitement about the new academic year, two of the Faculty’s first years from the Department
of Industrial Engineering, Monica Moleko and Dintle Tenza, said they plan to have the time of their lives.
Industrial Design
first-year students
Monica Moleko and
Bachelor of Geomatics Dintle Tenza.
The Department of Geomatics is closely related to many of the
engineering fields and is aligned with professions in the built
environment. The Bachelor of Geomatics comprises a range of study
areas, including measurement, analysis and display of geographical
data. Through the process of collecting, processing, analysing and
interpreting data, geomatics uses the information gathered to learn
more about the nature of the world. It also oversees the natural
resources such as land, water and location with detailed information
on among others, human settlements; for example, cities, homes and
farms sites. Geographical maps are the most commonly known and
used detailed information available.
Kovilen Reddy, Head of the Department of Geomatics explained, “The
Department of Geomatics is closely related to many of the engineering
fields and is also aligned with professions in the built environment.
Graduates of the three-year Bachelor of Geomatics will acquire
attributes that will make them highly sought after by various public
and private industry sectors. Our goal is to provide the highest quality
education to students in this field.”
Learners are given a taste
of what to expect at the varsity
Marketers from the various faculties annually represent
TUT at the Perfect Life Career Expos. These expos
are an opportunity for the University to showcase its
programmes to Grade 10, 11 and 12 learners at selected
Learners at the Competition Day using an auto level to determine height
differences between different points. Gauteng schools. This year was no different.
Faculty in Perspective | 2020 5
Bachelor of Engineering: Materials Engineering in
Polymer Technology degree opens new doors
for industry and students
In a first for South African universities,
the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in partnership with Plastics SA
and other stakeholders have teamed up to provide new study opportunities
in the field of Materials Engineering in Polymer Technology.
The new Bachelor of Engineering in Materials Engineering in Polymer Students interested in enrolling for the new Bachelor of Engineering
Technology degree aims to equip students with knowledge of plastic degree will be equipped with necessary and relevant knowledge and
engineering in areas such as automotive and electrical, while also training related to the plastic industry.
addressing the shortage of qualified plastics technicians and engineers
that South Africa faces.
The plastic industry has had a challenge in terms of a decline in qualified
technologists over the past years, leaving a void in technical skills in the
industry, resulting in an increased demand for plastic technicians.
Plastics SA’s Training Executive, Kirtida Bhana, detailed the development
of the new qualification, “Over the past few years, a Plastics Chamber
team has researched the education and training provisions in the
Higher Education sector with a specific focus on preparing technicians
and engineers to meet the current and future demands of the plastics
industry”, she said.
Prof Caroline Khoathane, Assistant Dean of Teaching and Learning at
the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at TUT said that
the 3-year curriculum of the new degree fulfils all of the requirements of
an engineering qualification at TUT, with subjects such as Mechanics, Prof Caroline Khoathane (left) of TUT and Kirtida Bhana (right) of
Plastics SA fielded questions on this new qualification and explained why
Engineering Mathematics, Thermoflow, Plastic Part and Tool Design collaboration between industry and TUT was key to its success, at the fun-
and Probability and Statistics, to mention but a few. filled event hosted by Plastic SA.
Fixperts live TUT’s core value of caring
An inventive foursome from the Department of Architecture and Industrial Design, in the Faculty, has
joined forces to reach out to a 64-year-old pensioner who suffers from muscular dystrophy. Their
inventions, aimed at helping the man continue with his woodwork hobby, has also been entered into
an international competition, called the Fixperts.
The fixperts team Onkogopotse Mothibe (22), Denzill Bothma (21), Henk Blankestijn (22), and
Tyler Shibambo (21), all third-year Industrial Design students, have each designed small devices
that Johan Heunis can use when
he practices his hobby, which in-
cludes making beautiful picture
frames.
Fixperts is an international
programme that focuses on
human-centred design and
challenges students to iden-
tify a certain hindrance an in-
dividual is facing, and come
up with solutions.
The team competed with
30+ universities from
around the globe. Not
bad, taking into account
Johan Heunis
that they’ve been work- with one of the frames he made by
ing together for the first time. using the student’s inventions.
One of the designs that the students made to assist Johan Heunis, who
To view a video of their inventions,
suffers from muscular dystrophy. please CLICK ON https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=UvZ6CaMgA60
6 Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
CENTRES, INSTITUTES, TECHNOLOGY STATIONS AND INCUBATORS
(CITSI)
Changes call for innovation, and innovation leads to progress, which specification. Developments include PH adjustment, viscosity balancing,
fuels economic development and growth. The Faculty has many Centres, emulsification, preservation; and other correction of physical and
Institutes, Technology Stations and Incubators (CITSI) that make use chemical parameters required to render the approved quality product.
of innovation to contribute towards the socio-economic development in Services include:
our region and country. Three of the eighteen technology stations in the
• Applied Research and Formula Development.
country reside within this Faculty and are supported by the Technology
• Product Evaluation and Quality Testing.
Innovation Agency (TIA), an initiative of the Department Science and
• Product Testing and Analysis.
Innovation.
• Product Optimisation.
The stations operate in a “businesslike” manner and are sustainable CITSI • Chemical Safety Audits.
within the Faculty. They primarily support Small and Medium Enterprises • Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Programmes.
(SMEs) and communities with product development, manufacturing and • Specialised Training Services.
training needs. The Technology Station in Electronics (TSE) operates
The Institute for Advanced Tooling (IAT) is based at the TUT Soshan-
within the electronics, mechanical, mechatronics, ICT and advanced
guve South Campus with the focus on product- and skills development
manufacturing disciplines.
in tooling for various sectors. Services include:
Services include:
• Applied Research, Product Development and Prototyping.
• Applied Research and Product Development (Electronic and • Tool Design and Manufacturing.
Mechatronic). • Advanced Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining (5-Axis
• Manufacturing Services (3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Electronics high-speed milling).
Manufacturing). • Part inspection/measurement with a Coordinate Measuring Ma-
• Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4) Technologies for Manufacturing chine (CMM).
Process Optimisation. • Technical Support.
• Skills for Jobs Training Programmes. • Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Programmes.
• Specialised Training Programmes. • Specialised Training Services.
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programmes.
Dr SJ Jacobs, the Assistant Dean: Industrial Liaison, Special Projects
• Project Management and Consultation Services.
and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) person for the Faculty, who is also
The TSE has a footprint at the TUT Pretoria Campus, as well as at the the Director of the TSE and the Project Manager for the Chair in Intelligent
CSIR to improve industry and community interaction to support socio- Manufacturing, commented: “Education is the key to the socio-economic
economic development. development of our region and the greater South Africa. The technology
stations in the Faculty have world-class technology platforms with
Technology Station in Chemicals (TSC), based at the Ga-Rankuwa
dedicated and committed staff members. The capability of the stations
Campus of TUT, offers a wide range of services that are designed to
contributes towards socio-economic development of industry and
assist manufacturing companies in either maintaining or enhancing the
communities through industry-based research, product development and
quality of their products.
job for skills programmes in communities. The Faculty strives to increase
The TSC conducts applied research and develops products in line collaboration with other education institutions, industry, communities and
with the SABS/SANS standards, and according to the customers’ government, to the benefit of all in South Africans.”
Centre for Energy and Electric Power (CEEP)
Green Energy Bicycle for Rural Communities
This project aims to address the electricity issue faced by communities and its disenfranchised
rural youth population. The developed bicycle generates power from solar and kinetic energy, i.e.
solar system and dynamo placed on the bicycle wheels when in motion. The two sources of energy
are used to charge a set of batteries installed on the bicycle for later use. The maximum output
power of the bicycle is sufficient to supply a LED bulb for 5 to 6 hours, a cell phone charger and
radio or portable TV.
The product benefits include clean mode of transportation and a clean source of energy for the
rural populace in response to its activities and support for their means of livelihood especially local
informal business owners. It also tends to eliminate the need for paid battery charging services for
poor households, contribute to the reduction of paraffin used with its related health issues, ease
the access to information and support the education within the area.
The product design and development was funded by
Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment
Institute (SAFCEI) and exhibited at the Lutheran
World Federation Assembly in Windhoek, Namibia.
Green energy bicycle
Faculty in Perspective | 2020 7
Solar Maximisation Controller merSETA Chair in Intelligent
The Solar Maximisation Controller is a product developed by Prof Manufacturing
Popoola with his team at the Centre that tends to address the afford- Steve Jobs once said, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and
ability issue among residential end-users, by prioritising the loads to be a follower”. The Chair in Intelligent Manufacturing is one such initiative
supplied by the solar system; ensuring the reliance of essential load on in the Faculty that leads the way to implement Industry 4.0 technologies
the renewable source taking into cognisance its availability and time of to assist the local manufacturing sector with innovative solutions
use period. The control method is hinged on the applicability of the con- complemented by skills development programmes.
sumption pattern of the occupants, load prioritisation and state of charge
of the storage facility and sizing of the system. Dr SJ Jacobs, the TUT Project Manager for the Chair in Intelligent Manu-
facturing stated: “It is evident that a need exists to better understand
The primary microcontroller contains the solar energy maximisation al- the current and future skills requirements related to Industry 4.0 in the
gorithm and will determine the portion of the load to be supplied by the workplace to position the academic environment to deliver programmes
solar system based on the SOC information, the time of use, the actual that can support and enhance a broad range of engineering and manu-
solar power generated by the solar panels and the load utilisation in the facturing industries.”
household. A variety of algorithms can be loaded in the IC to suit the
This creates the opportunities for universities to address the current
specific applications. This device is currently being tested at the Sos-
and future capabilities and skills requirements related to Industry 4.0 in
hanguve testing station i.e. phase 2 – the second iteration of the solar
the workplace and positions the Academic environment to deliver pro-
maximisation controller with improvements on sensors, interface, load
grammes that can support and enhance a broad range of engineering
control, and data storage.
and manufacturing industries. This need has led to establishing the Chair
Images of the Solar Maximisation controller in Intelligent Manufacturing in collaboration with the Manufacturing, En-
gineering and Related Service Sector Education and Training Authority
(merSETA).
Dr Jacobs proceeded: “the purpose of the Chair is to identify and support
industry-based research projects and skills development programmes to
strengthen and accelerate the industry and academic collaboration in the
Automotive and Electronic manufacturing sectors.”
The merSETA Chair in Intelligent Manufacturing was established at
TUT to research in the field of Industry 4.0 focusing on (1) Intelligent
Manufacturing, (2) Technology Demonstration, (3) Skills Development
Programmes, (4) Incubation and Component Localisation.
Digital Lighting Tool /App Projects focus specifically on undergraduate and postgraduate Student
Support, IoT/Industry 4.0 Technology Demonstrators, Industry-based Re-
Development for South African search and Development projects, IoT/Industry 4.0 Skills Development
Energy-Efficient Economy Programme, Incubation and Component Localisation as well as Skills De-
velopment on Rapid Product Development and circular economy.
The German Development Cooperation in South Africa (GIZ) selected
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) - Centre for Energy and
Electric Power (CEEP) as the best suitable entity, amongst the lot, for
the Development of Energy Efficient Lighting Assessment Tool TSE Implementing IoT to Assist
and Application (T/App) after vigorous evaluation of the respective Local Manufacturing Sector
submissions. The Tool/App is expected to meet the needs of South African
The Technology Station in Electronics (TSE) embarked on a funded proj-
Municipalities participating in the Department of Mineral Resources and
ect through the merSETA Chair in Intelligent Manufacturing to assist the
Energy (DMRE) Energy Efficiency Demand Side Management (EEDSM)
local manufacturing sector to embrace the 4th Industrial Revolution. This
Programme.
project involves close cooperation between the TSE and private sector
The development as envisaged by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Interna- to identify their data needs and develop custom Internet of Things (IoT)
tionale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) was executed by the highly professional hardware that would extract the data from their manufacturing process-
CEEP Team - Prof OM Popoola, Prof OD Dintchev, Prof PA Owolawi, Mr es. The lack of data or manual processes of collecting data is currently
MN Muwanguzi, Mr GM Binini and Ms T Makhoba. hampering information collection processes in many manufacturing firms
The CEEP developers created a unique T/App based on digitalisation in South Africa. By automating this process and analysing the informa-
potentials in maximising the performance result expected from energy tion in the cloud, company management and production staff can get a
efficiency projects. The T/App enables South African municipalities, real digital image of their company’s production performance.
other public and private organisations to determine their potential energy
Unfortunately, South African manufacturing companies are faced with
and monetary savings through implementation of energy-efficient light-
several challenges from keeping trained staff, a difficult economic en-
ing solutions at their premises. Two versions of the T/App were provided,
vironment and combating entrance by international competitors. Dr Ja-
namely for Personal Computers and Android Devices.
cobs stated: “This leaves little time for companies to focus on developing
The developed T/App demonstrated the innovative thinking of the TUT their internal 4IR capabilities, but the TSE positioned itself to assist more
researchers and its contribution to Ultimate Digital Freedom nowadays. companies in the coming year to take advantage of the services we of-
The Tshwane University of Technology and CEEP, in particular, contrib- fer. Our manufacturing sector is competing on an international level and
uted to a workable digital Lab ’s Th r o ugh it is important to embrace the latest technology to keep them ahead of
solution for the energy ef- Energy Efficient Lighting
Assessment Tool &Application
the competition.”
ficiency sector and revitali-
Transformer efficiency
100
90
80
70 Center for Energy and
Efficiency [ N.m ]
60
50
95 95 94
Electric Power (CEEP)
94 94 93 92 92
89
40
69
30
20
10
15
0
0.07 0.18 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50
Two projects were identified, one in Nigel and one in Pretoria, currently
Efficviency 15 69 89 94 95 95 94 94 93 92 92
Transformer Input current [ A ]
sation of the South African Subject Assesment Components
120
100
100
[%]
running in support of 4IR in the electronics manufacturing and automotive
80 66
60
Percentage
60
35 30
40
Economy in this COVID-19
23
20 8 10
0
SEMESTER PRACTICAL ASSIGNMEN PREDICATE
TESTS MARK TS MARK
Student Performance 35 23 8 66
Winter Longer Burning Hours
Predicate Mark 60 30 10 100
Lab ’s in Yo u r Han d
era. component manufacturing sectors. These projects are already streaming
manufacturing data over the internet for the companies to evaluate and
Images of the two versions potentially scale the project to other areas in their business. A third
of the T/App for Personal company has already been identified in Ga-Rankuwa and will be next
Computers and Android
Devices. in line to receive assistance from the merSETA Chair in Intelligent
8 Faculty of Engineering and the Built EnvironmentManufacturing and the TSE. This provided the opportunity for master’s
and doctoral students wishing to work with these companies in the field
Developing local capacity to
of process improvement and IoT. Skills development is critical and manufacture a functional bi-level
necessary to transfer knowledge of IoT solutions to understand the Positive Airway Pressure (BPAP)
importance of digitising their work environment and the benefits it will
bring. As part of the project, staff inside the firm will be trained on the
unit and delivery systems
basics of IoT where they will be exposed to how IoT can be applied to
The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), through the Technology
various sectors such as their own, as well as the agriculture, smart cities,
Station in Electronics (TSE), is part of a consortium consisting of five
smart buildings and health sectors.
universities. The efforts of the consortium will be coordinated within the
Technology Station Network, linking to the mandate to support Industry
and SMEs through technology innovation, providing access to facilities
and expertise within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
Workstreams were developed taking into consideration the various
specialisations available at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Tshwane
University of Technology (TUT), Central University of Technology (CUT),
Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and North-West University (NWU).
The specialisations are broad within the Science,
Engineering and Technology Environment
(SET) and include electronics, mechatronics,
manufacturing, mechanical, software and
clinical engineering, with an emphasis on
Design for Additive Manufacturing, and
Steve Mbappe hard at work in the TSE Research and Innovation Certification of Additive Manufactured products.
laboratory providing IoT solutions to the private sector. A multidisciplinary network of engineers, clinical
technicians, and medical practitioners supports
the network.
Technology Station in Electronics The programme will be coordinated through the
Powering Through COVID-19 merSETA/UJ partnership and commenced in
August 2020. The Universities and Technology
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way organisations function
Stations will collaborate in the respective work-
and it has impacted the Technology Station in Electronics (TSE) as well.
streams to contribute towards the BPAP Ventilator
Mr Kobus Vorster, the TSE Manager stated: “The Technology Station
Development Programme.
ended its financial year in March on a high having trained over 500 indi-
viduals, completed more than 120 manufacturing projects and six new The manufacturing sector of the economy faces
research and development projects. It is also important to take note that an environment where technological innovation
16 new clients were added to the group of clients who regularly makes and related specialised skills will be obligated to collaborate in a way that
use of TSE services.” promotes localisation of products and components in an unprecedented
way in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. merSETA invited
“The TSE was very fortunate to adopt a digital way of working long
the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with established manufacturing-
before the pandemic took hold”, Mr Vorster stated proudly. This enabled
related innovation laboratory infrastructure to respond to this challenge.
the Technology Station in Electronics to continue support to Small
Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) with our product development The key focus of the partnership is to develop local capacity through a
services as well as continuing with projects in development while access regional approach to manufacture a functional BPAP unit and delivery
to facilities was limited. systems as described by the WHO standard. By implementing product
development and systems engineering principles, critical skills are
Although the new financial year for the TSE started with great difficulty,
developed through practical work experience and theoretical training
the committed staff are doing their best to seize the opportunities around
presented online.
them and continue support to the TSE clients. Mr Vorster concluded:
“We do not see the “old normal” way of doing business returning soon so
we will continue to adapt our digital capabilities and strategies to improve
the lives of SMMEs, TSE staff and the TUT community.”
Kombo Chiganze preparing the surface-mount assembly line at the Prototypes of new products are manufactured in the TSE Manufacturing
Technology Station in Electronics manufacturing facility. Laboratory.
Faculty in Perspective | 2020 9“The Technology Station in Electronics (TSE), with a footprint at the
CSIR and TUT Pretoria Campus, together with experts especially from
TUT Chair of Council visits the
Electrical Engineering are key contributors towards the deliverables of Technology Station in Electronics
the TUT workstreams”, said Dr SJ Jacobs the Assistant Dean responsible
On Thursday, 15 October 2020, the Tshwane University of Technology’s
for Industry Liaison, Special Projects and Work-Integrated Learning.
(TUT) Technology Station in Electronics (TSE) staff felt engaged, ener-
Dr Jacobs further stated that, “the services at the TSE include electronic, gised, focused and motivated to do more and better. This was following
mechanical and electro-mechanical design. the TUT Chair of Council’s visit to the Technology Station at Council for
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
A dedicated team of designers assists SMMEs with product development,
prototyping and testing. Manufacturing Infrastructure at the TSE includes Prof Prince Ngobeni, the Executive Dean: Faculty of Science, accompanied
electronics manufacturing facility, laser cutting of plastics and wood, the TUT Chair of Council, Mr Tilson Manyoni for a visit to the TSE, CSIR
CNC routing of non-ferrous metals and 3D printing.” campus.
The merSETA Viro-Vent programme, defined through the various Dr SJ Jacobs took the Chair of Council through the important role that
workstreams, will provide students and industry partners with essential the TSE plays within the University in regards to Applied Research
skills needed to support rapid technology innovation for the design, and Product Development, Prototype and Low Volume Manufacturing
prototyping and testing of Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BPAP) Services, Training Services as well as Internet of Thing (IoT) Integration
ventilators, and support future industrialisation efforts through continuous and Analytics. He explained that the TSE forms part of the three (3)
professional development (CPD) in the manufacturing sector. Technology Stations within the Faculty of Engineering and these three
Technology Stations are
This project aims to create impact beyond its lifespan, by providing the
necessary capacity for creating a South African medical equipment • The Technology Station in Electronics
industry. • The Technology Station in Chemicals
• The Institute of Advanced Tooling
merSETA Viro-Vent Skills Innovation Mr Manyoni observed, recognised and appreciated the work done in the
Challenge merSETA Chair in Intelligent Manufacturing as Dr SJ Jacobs explained
and showed him IoT Technology Platform demonstrations. He further
explained the various work packages like:
The key focus of the programme is to develop local capacity to manu-
facture a functional BiPAP unit and delivery systems as described by • Intelligent Manufacturing–Student Support (Work Package 1).
the WHO standard. By implementing product development and systems • IoT/Industry 4.0 Technology Demonstration -Industry–based Re-
engineering principles, critical skills are developed through practical search and Development (Work Package 2).
work experience and theoretical training presented online. The consor- • IoT/Industry 4.0 Skills De-
tium proposes a regional approach, implementing a programme building velopment Programme
capacity through knowledge transfer at five HEIs to support the national (Work Package 3).
response to the Covid-19 pandemic. • Incubation and Compo-
nent Localization (Work
The programme will provide students and industry partners with Package 4).
essential skills needed to support rapid technology innovation for • Skills Development on
the design, prototyping, testing and certification of BiPAP ventilators, and Rapid Product Develop-
support future industrialisation efforts through Continuous Professional ment (Work Package 5).
Development (CPD) in the manufacturing sector. The efforts of the
consortium will be coordinated within the Technology Station Network, Amongst Mr Manyoni’s other
linking to the mandate to support Industry and SMEs through technology qualifications, he also holds
innovation, providing access to facilities and expertise within HEIs. a Bachelor of Technology
in Industrial Engineering
The following workstreams are identified, drawing on the strengths of
which attempts to explain
each institution in the consortium:
his interest in what the TSE
• Rapid Prototyping, Part Design and Fabrication. is all about as well as what it
• System Integration & User Interface. offers; more so, he showed
• Testing and Certification. a great deal of interest on
• Product Industrialisation and Manufacturing Processes; and the Internet of Things (IoT). Dr SJ Jacobs elaborated more on the IoT
• Maintenance, Refurbishment, and Training. services offered within the TSE, he also touched on the Fourth Industrial
Revolution (Industry 4.0) which led to the showcase of all the technology
Each partner in the consortium identified the areas in the different work- platforms within the TSE. Dr SJ Jacobs briefly explained the processes
streams where they can contribute to, intending to replicate and scale associated in each technology platform from start to end. Some of the
efforts by supporting knowledge and skills transfer between the in- TSE staff had the privilege to take Mr Manyoni and the rest of the visitors
stitutions. through their processes, just to offer a first-hand feel/experience of what
they do daily.
Dr SJ Jacobs the Assistant Dean explains that, “the workstream struc-
ture described is grouped in such a way to consider the product life cycle
from prototyping and parts development, all the way through to the end
of life of the product. It is also recognised that a circular approach is
needed to support healthcare technology development and manage-
ment. This implies that an industrial system that is restorative by inten-
tion and design should be considered during each phase of the design
process.”
In total, 125 of students will be supported in the programme across five
institutions and four Technology Stations in mechanical- and electri-
cal engineering, and industrial design at the National Diploma, Bachelor,
Master’s and Doctoral level.
10 Faculty of Engineering and the Built EnvironmentSETAs Support TUT WIL Students
There is no value in training students if they cannot apply the skills they
have learnt, especially providing opportunities to diploma students to
complete the practical component of their qualifications. This is where
the close collaboration between TUT and the various SETAs are crucial
to support our students financially during their WIL period.
The Faculty is grateful to the SETAs, namely the Manufacturing, Engi-
neering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority
(MerSETA), the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector
Education and Training Authority (EDTP), the Council for the Built Envi-
ronment (CBE), the Chemical Industries Education and Training Author-
ity (CHIETA), the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Sector Education
and Training Authority (FoodBev), the Energy and Water Sector Educa-
tion and Training Authority (EWSETA), which we have signed Memoran-
dum of Agreements (MoAs) with, that support our students and we trust
that they will continue supporting TUT students in the years to come.
Mr Nicholas Wiles, the Mechanical Design Technologist, demonstrating the
3D printing capabilities of the station.
Students busy with Work-Integrated Learning
at the Mechanical Skills Laboratory.
Dr SJ Jacobs demonstrating electronic manufacturing equipment.
Students studying Electrical Engineering, busy with Work-Integrated
Mr Wayne Rabe, the Electronics Technologist, demonstrating the TSE’s IoT Learning component of their qualification at the Technology Station in
capability and showing projects with Industry. Electronics.
Faculty in Perspective | 2020 11Short Learning Programmes (SLP) Lift Inspectors Course
at the Faculty A “Short Learning Programme
(SLP): Lift Regulations Course
Skills for jobs, up-skilling and re-skilling programmes at the Faculty are
– Requirement and Preparation
aimed at building skills that have economic value and giving hope to the
for Registration with ECSA” is
youth in our communities. The Faculty work in close collaboration with
presented by the Department of
the Tshwane Institute for Continuing Education (TICE), a company of
Mechanical Engineering, Mecha-
TUT, to deliver targeted SLP to uplift the youth in the communities and
tronics and Industrial Design at
continuing professional development of members from the private and
Tshwane University of Technol-
public sector.
ogy during November 2020.
The Faculty offers a range of SLPs in seven different provinces across
Dr Lodewyk Beneke, the Head
South Africa with courses focusing on skills for youth development and
of the Department explained; the
self-employment. We also offered Siemens approved courses to feeder
purpose of this SLP is to enable
high schools of the Faculty and the private sector. We continuously en-
participants to develop an understanding of foundational knowledge of
gage with various stakeholders to form partnerships where we provide
legislative and regulatory requirements for lift inspections and assist can-
technical training for skilling and re-skilling of the youth in communities
didates to meet the knowledge criteria required by the Engineering Coun-
and individuals in the workplace.
cil of South Africa (ECSA) to register as a Registered Lift Inspector (RLI).
To ensure that lifts, escalators and passenger conveyors are maintained
and safe for use, SANAS accredited Inspection Service Providers (who
employ Registered Lift Inspectors as per regulation 9) are required to
inspect such equipment regularly according to the Occupational Health
and Safety (OHS) Act and regulations. The Engineering Council of South
Africa (ECSA) implemented requirements for registration of such inspec-
tors and approached TUT to design an SLP to address the theoretical
knowledge requirements for registration of Lift Inspectors.
This SLP is recognised by ECSA, which will oversee the registration of
Lift Inspectors as per the agreement in a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoA) with the Engineering Council of South Africa Lift Inspectors Regis-
tration Committee (LIRC).
Upon completing the course, the candidate will be able to implement,
apply and maintain safety rules and regulations according to the OHS
Act as well as the relevant standards set by the South African Bureau
of Standards (SABS) and as prescribed by the Department of Labour
(DOL). SABS publishes the SANS documents.
IndustryGrid
Dedicated training facility for Short Learning Programmes.
The IndustryGrid was initiated in January 2015, as a special initiative
of the Office of the Dean. The IndustryGrid not only houses our gradu-
ate employment office but also allows us to highlight our technological
achievements and provides a space where staff and students can inter-
act with government, municipalities, parastatals and all kinds of busi-
nesses, including Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
The IndustryGrid represents a networking area facilitated by a state-of-
the-art venue located in Building 13, incorporated dedicated office and
exhibition area, a hospitality area and conference room.
The IndustryGrid is instrumental to connect industry with staff and
students as well as prepare and submit funding proposals. This is
essential to promote and support collaboration between students,
staff, communities, government and private sector. Staff visit potential
employers to secure placement for qualifying WIL students. MoAs are
signed with SETAs to secure funding and collaboration with the private
sector.
International linkages are maintained with various European and African
countries through project activities and initiatives, student exchange,
workshops and skills development activities.
Ms Lorika Kruger from Cooperative Education and her assistants are the
key drivers providing an enabling environment where visitors can meet
staff and students as a one-stop-shop to discuss their requirements, and
link with the relevant
The Technology Station in Electronics (TSE) staff equipping the youth with parties in the institution.
appliance repair skills in Hammanskraal.
Students attending the
annual Career Fair in
Building 13,
Pretoria Campus.
12 Faculty of Engineering and the Built EnvironmentCOOPERATIVE EDUCATION recognised the importance of designing and manufacturing as much
as possible in-house and as a result, stimulated many TUT facility
developments and improvements over the years.
The IndustryGrid Career Fair where
One of the most prominent facilities, which came to be as a result of the
FEBE students meet with potential solar car project, is the FABLAB which boasts an industrial large scale
employers router with automatic tool changer and 1.2m x 2.4m vacuum table, a
500w Fibre laser cutter for a variety of metals up to 6mm, and a KUKA
Ms Lorika Kruger from Co-operative Education arranges annual Career
6-axis robotic arm. With these machines and the newly-formed Faculty
Fair for the Faculty students in Building 13 at Pretoria Campus.
facility, the team is now able to produce moulds for the solar car in-house
The purpose of a Career Fair is to allow organisations to meet potential through students being trained to operate the machines. Various annual
employees in an informal setting. Students learn more about potential school engagements enable the solar car team to engage with young
employers and the opportunities available. The focus is on sharing infor- prospective engineering students from local feeder schools to stimulate
mation between organisations and students seeking job opportunities. It early interest and promote our Faculty at TUT.
is a way to explore career opportunities within a variety of companies at
one location. Students have the opportunity to find out more about pos-
sible employment opportunities and receive advice on how to apply for
these opportunities.
SunChaser4 in the making to
participate in Solar Car Challenge
2020
The Sasol Solar Challenge harnesses the power of sunlight, which
South Africa has in abundance, to bring eager young minds and innova-
tive individuals together with a common goal – cutting edge, high pace
skill development and knowledge transfer to get one very special vehicle
on the road.
The aim of Solar Challenge is an eye-opening, educational journey,
offering teams (made up of scholars, students, various industry and
government partners, as well as private individuals) a hands-on way
to learn about science, innovation, teamwork and business principles.
TUT established a solar car team during 2012 and teamed-up with
the reputable Welsh team to participate in the 2012 Sasol Solar Car
Challenge. TUT started to build its car under difficult conditions (student 7-axis robot milling foam molds used for composite layup of the body and
unrest and financial constraints) by staff, students and industry partners other parts.
to participate in the Solar Car Challenge 2014.
The solar car project has been supported by the Technology Innovation
During the Sasol Solar Challenge 2016, the improved car design was Agency (TIA), MerSETA, RAEng, Newton Fund, and other stakeholders
very noticeable. The car was 80kg lighter compared to the previous and has collaborated with the University of Southampton (UK) and vari-
design and the team managed to increase their maximum kilometres ous industries. Mr Tiaan Oosthuizen and Mr Johannes de Vries (Project
travelled in one day from 253km to 318km and travelled over 500km Leaders), vision for the solar car project is to one day taking the team
further than in 2014. and solar car to Australia for the World Solar Challenge, which covers a
distance of over 3000km.
Participating for the fourth time in the Sasol Solar Challenge 2018, the
team improved on the previous design and built a car that is more than
70kg lighter than SunChaser II. Despite the 33% smaller solar panel to
comply with the new regulations, the car managed to travel more kilo-
metres compared to SunChaser II. This car travelled a total of 2 397km
in eight days. The picture below illustrates how the SunChaser is getting
smaller and smaller in dimensions.
The Sasol Solar Challenge aims to drive from Pretoria to Cape Town
while only making use of the sun as a power source. TUT has taken
this challenge seriously and is continuously looking for means to
stimulate and grow the project by involving our students, industry and
other universities. The TUT
solar car project involves
many students and aims
to engage with students
by making design projects
available for them to
learn from. The project
sees more than twenty
final-year design projects
registered on topics The TUT solar car team was honoured to be invited to meet with the Duke
around the solar car and and Duchess of Sussex during their visit to South Africa in October of 2019.
The team members had an opportunity to showcase the TUT Sun Chaser
had several postgraduate III solar car and how funds from the Royal Academy in Engineering
topics registered. The TUT (RAEng, UK) contributed to the project. The royal couple adored the TUT
solar car and commended the team on their innovative efforts.
solar car project leadership
Faculty in Perspective | 2020 13You can also read
