After an intense and thorough selection process, the spotlight is shining on three exceptional students from the Department of Food Science and Technology (DFST).
These bright stars have been awarded prestigious bursaries from the South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) in recognition of their outstanding achievements. SAAFoST is a non-profit, volunteer-run association of professionals dedicated to advancing food science and technology.
This is an incredible honour, showcasing their hard work, dedication, and passion for the field. Senior Lecturer and Curriculum Officer, Dr Vusi Mshayisa, says this development represents a significant investment in the future of South Africa’s scientific and academic landscape. “Initiatives such as these do more than provide financial support; they create opportunities for talented students and researchers to fully realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to national development. In fields such as Food Science and Technology, where innovation is directly linked to food security, sustainability, health, and economic growth, bursary support plays a critical role in building the next generation of scientists and leaders.”
Recipient Elleanor Tshoma says the bursary will make a meaningful difference in “my academic journey by serving as a strong source of motivation and encouragement”. “Being recognised in this way reassures me that hard work, dedication, and commitment to my studies are being noticed and valued. It inspires me to continue striving for excellence, work even harder, and remain focused on achieving my academic goals.”
Elleanor feels truly honoured, grateful, and blessed to be one of the recipients of this award. “I was nominated by Dr Vusi Mshayisa for the Pieter van Twisk Academic Achievement Award. It is very encouraging to be recognised for my efforts, and it motivates me to continue working hard and remaining dedicated to my studies. I am sincerely thankful for this recognition and for the confidence shown in me.
“I would like to extend my appreciation to the CPUT staff, lecturers in my department, and the award providers, SAAFoST, for their support, recognition, and for continuously investing in students and their academic growth.”
Mmamaropeng Adams, who received the SAAFoST Aubrey Parsons Grant in recognition of academic excellence in the final year of her undergraduate studies in Food Science and Technology, says this grant will make a huge difference in her life because it eases the financial pressure that she has been carrying throughout her studies since her first year. “It also means a lot to me personally because it recognises the hard work, dedication, and resilience I have shown during my final year of undergrad.”
She is grateful to be one of the beneficiaries of this award, saying that sometimes, as students, they work hard quietly and just hope that their efforts will eventually pay off: “So being recognised in this way feels special to me. It’s a reminder that steady work and commitment do get noticed”.
“I would like to thank the DFST lecturers for their support throughout my academic journey. A special thank you to Dr Vusi Mshayisa for his mentorship, guidance, and belief in my potential.
“I appreciate SAAFoST for recognising students' efforts and investing in our development. I am grateful for the opportunity, and I hope to carry this recognition forward as I continue building my career in the food science industry.”
Master's student Wayne Lindeque, who is also a SAAFoST Postgraduate Member, says the Brian Koeppen Memorial Scholarship is an incredible opportunity and a meaningful investment in his academic future. As a second-year MSc student in Food Science and Technology who is largely reliant on bursary funding, this scholarship directly alleviates the financial restrictions that can otherwise hinder one's ability to perform optimally. “With this support, I am better positioned to dedicate my full focus to my research and laboratory work, without the burden of financial uncertainty. I am determined to honour this scholarship by pursuing research of the highest standard and, in time, giving back to the community that has so generously supported me throughout this journey.
“I am deeply humbled by this recognition. To the staff at CPUT, and especially those within the Department of Food Science and Technology, I extend my sincere gratitude for the guidance and support afforded to me throughout my time at this prestigious institution. Dr Mshayisa, I am particularly grateful for the patience and unwavering support you have provided me throughout my journey as a postgraduate student,” Wayne remarks.
Mshayisa advises students to view this opportunity not simply as funding but as a responsibility to pursue excellence, remain disciplined, and contribute positively to society through their work and leadership. “The support you receive today should become the foundation for the impact you build for future generations. To SAAFoST, I would like to express my appreciation for investing in human capital development. Supporting deserving students, particularly those from financially constrained backgrounds, is one of the most effective ways of strengthening the country’s research capacity, innovation ecosystem, and long-term socio-economic development…”
Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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