The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) was officially founded on 1 January 2005 through the merger of the Cape Technikon and the Peninsula Technikon. This merger was part of a national transformation plan to reshape higher education in South Africa.
Although CPUT was formally established in 2005, its roots date back to the early 1900s, when technical colleges first began providing training in Cape Town.
When Was CPUT Founded?: The History Behind CPUT
Early Origins
- Cape Technikon: Originated in 1920 as the Cape Technical College. It later became the Cape Technikon in 1976, when it was legally allowed to offer tertiary qualifications. By the 1990s, it was empowered to award Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Technology.
- Peninsula Technikon: Founded in 1962 as the Peninsula Technical College to meet the growing need for technical education in trades. It was restructured in 1979 as the Peninsula Technikon, later expanding its academic offerings.
The Merger
In March 2001, the South African Minister of Education announced a higher education restructuring plan. As part of this plan, the Cape Technikon and Peninsula Technikon merged.
The merger was completed on 1 January 2005, officially forming the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Growth and Development
Since its founding, CPUT has grown into the largest university in the Western Cape, serving more than 30,000 students. It is also the only University of Technology in the region.
The institution now operates multiple campuses in Bellville, Cape Town, Granger Bay, Mowbray, and Wellington, offering over 70 career-focused programmes across six faculties.
Key Facts About CPUT
- Official founding date: 1 January 2005
- Historical roots: 1920 (Cape Technical College) and 1962 (Peninsula Technical College)
- Current status: Largest university in the Western Cape with more than 30,000 students
- Faculties: Applied Sciences, Business and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering and Built Environment, Health and Wellness Sciences, Informatics and Design
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When was CPUT officially established?
CPUT was officially founded on 1 January 2005 through the merger of the Cape Technikon and Peninsula Technikon.
2. What institutions merged to form CPUT?
The Cape Technikon and Peninsula Technikon merged to create the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
3. How old is CPUT as of today?
As of 2025, CPUT is 20 years old since its official founding in 2005.
4. Where did CPUT originate from?
Its origins go back to the Cape Technical College (1920) and the Peninsula Technical College (1962).
5. What makes CPUT unique in South Africa?
It is the only University of Technology in the Western Cape and the largest higher education institution in the region.
6. How many students does CPUT have?
CPUT currently serves more than 30,000 students across multiple campuses.
7. What programmes does CPUT offer?
CPUT offers over 70 career-focused programmes across six faculties, ranging from Applied Sciences to Engineering and Education.