The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) is set to shine this week as it honours the achievements of more than 7,500 graduands during its Autumn Graduation ceremonies. From Monday, 7 April to Saturday, 12 April 2025, the campus will host 16 ceremonies.
Sixteen doctoral degrees will be conferred. Among the highlights is a special ceremony on Wednesday, 9 April, where CPUT will bestow an Honorary Doctorate on former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Anthony Staak, in recognition of his 37 years dedicated to uplifting higher education in the nation.
Prof Staak, who has been instrumental in integrating technology within university operations, retired in 2018 but has remained an influential figure. The South African Minister of Higher Education recently sought him out as an independent assessor at Mangosuthu University of Technology, recognising his expertise in the field. Reflecting on the challenges of today’s higher education landscape, Staak noted that many of the issues surrounding student enrolment, funding constraints, and infrastructure deficits echo those he faced during his tenure.
“Increased student enrolment in the face of funding constraints and infrastructure deficits, ongoing student protests, along with declining throughput rates are not new issues,” he remarked. “These challenges only appear to be much greater now.” Staak expressed his optimism, stating that there is significant progress being made within the sector. “Good work is being done, and there is much to be positive about.”
As he prepares to receive his honorary accolade, Staak reflects on the impact of education on individual lives. He has overseen the graduation of thousands of students and encourages them to see this ceremony as a stepping stone rather than the pinnacle of their academic journey.
“Stay true to your morals and values that are aligned with your goals. You have the power to influence your life through the choices that you make,” he advises.
Staak’s remarkable career began in 1982 when he joined the then Peninsula Technikon as Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering. He has held several key positions, including Dean of Engineering and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, a role he occupied for 17 years before his retirement. Born and raised in Lansdowne, Staak has always been an exceptional student, achieving top results throughout his educational journey, including a first-class honours degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cape Town.
The Autumn Graduation ceremony at CPUT is not just an event; it is a celebration of dreams realised and futures shaped. With a legacy woven into the fabric of the university, Prof Anthony Staak stands as an enduring symbol of commitment to education, inspiring a new generation to pursue their goals with diligence and integrity.
