DFST engages prospective STEM students

The Department of Food Science and Technology (DFST), under the leadership of Dr. Lusani Vhangani, recently held the annual National Research Foundation - South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF-SAAO) Girls in STEM event.

This year’s event marked an important milestone, as the programme has been proudly adopted by the DFST since 2019 and now includes staff members, students, and alumni from across the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS). The event takes place annually in conjunction with the Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) National Science Week. The theme for this year, “Science, Technology, and Innovation are for Everyone,” was prominently reflected throughout the day.

The initiative brings together women from diverse STEM careers to showcase opportunities for Grade 10 and 11 learners across Cape Town. While NRF-SAAO historically focused on astronomy and computer science-related fields, the platform has significantly expanded since 2019 to include Applied Sciences.

Lecturer Nothemba Silwana and nGAP lecturer Sapokazi Timakwe, both from the Chemistry Department, delivered excellent presentations alongside Moneah Monyethabeng from DFST. DFST fourth-year students who are NRF honours bursary holders—Nombulelo Hope Madzimbamuto Nyamayaro, Thabile Biyela, and Thembisile Nkosi—engaged with learners in the exhibition hall, providing live demonstrations on microscopy and basic food analysis principles.

Vhangani presented an overview of the 13 programs offered in the FAS, outlining different qualifications and admission requirements to expose learners to the full range of opportunities within the faculty.

Learners and STEM teachers from Sophumelela, Isilimela Comprehensive, Sinethemba, Langa, and Zukhanye high schools attended this year’s event, where they were inspired by a dynamic lineup of speakers. These included astronomers, chemists, computer scientists (software engineering and development), and food scientists who shared their personal journeys in STEM.

Silwana also led a lively "Amagumba" dance challenge as an icebreaker, illustrating that learning can be both fun and accessible with the right attitude. The speakers emphasised that pursuing STEM opens up numerous opportunities, including becoming NRF bursary and grant holders, L’Oréal Women in Science awardees, and Mandela Rhodes Scholars. They also highlighted the chance to travel internationally for conferences, training, and collaborations. Learners were reminded that STEM not only transforms lives but also allows them to contribute on a global stage.

Vhangani expressed her pride, stating, “It was an honour to witness our colleagues delivering captivating, heartfelt presentations. They embraced the spirit of ubuntu and demonstrated their commitment and passion by giving back to the community. By sharing their own journeys and engaging directly with learners, they inspired the next generation of prospective STEM students, truly echoing the core values of CPUT.”

She extended sincere gratitude to the NRF-SAAO team for their continued partnership in organising this impactful event.

Written by CPUT News
Email: news@cput.ac.za