CAFSaB:Centre for Applied Food Sustainability and Biotechnology

28/05/2026

SAAFoST Free State Networking and Info-Sharing Event

An empowering and insightful networking event hosted by the South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) was successfully held at the Central University of Technology (CUT) Hotel School on 19 May 2026. The event was coordinated by Ms Ingrid Woodrow from SAAFoST and brought together professionals, researchers, academics, and industry stakeholders within the food science and technology sector for a meaningful evening of information-sharing, empowerment, and networking.

The event created a vibrant platform for collaboration, professional networking, and knowledge exchange. Highlights of the evening included discussions on fraud awareness, smallholder agro-processing development pathways, food safety empowerment initiatives, and craft b**r and food pairing experiences.

The evening concluded on a high note with an enjoyable b**r tasting session featuring a variety of craft b**rs produced by the CUTbrU department, allowing guests to engage further in networking while experiencing the innovative brewing work conducted at the university.

19/11/2025

Big congratulations to Dr. Bafedile Tlhapi on her selection for the GYSS 2026. A remarkable achievement and a proud moment for CAFSaB and CUT.

CUT Postdoctoral Fellow Selected for Prestigious Global Young Scientists Summit 2026

CUT proudly celebrates Dr. Bafedile Dorcas Tlhapi, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, who has been selected to participate in the Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) 2026. The summit, hosted by the National Research Foundation Singapore, will take place from 5 to 9 January 2026 at the Stephen Riady Centre, National University of Singapore.

Under the mentorship of Professor Ntsoaki Malebo at the Centre for Applied Food Sustainability and Biotechnology (CAFSaB), Dr. Tlhapi’s research focuses on Natural Products Chemistry, with particular emphasis on discovering novel molecular scaffolds for the treatment and management of microbial infections.

Her work is rooted in phytochemistry and medicinal plant sciences, investigating the phytochemical properties of Angolan and South African medicinal plants. Through comprehensive screening of plant extracts, fractions, and pure compounds, she explores their potential biological activities, with a special focus on diseases of public health concern such as diabetes, cancer, and microbial infections.

Dr. Tlhapi’s research contributes significantly to identifying new phytoconstituents that may lead to the development of novel therapeutic agents. Her growing scholarly reputation is reflected in numerous publications in accredited journals and presentations at national and international conferences.

Read more:👇

04/11/2025

We’re proud to highlight one of the recent food safety trainings, delivered by Centre for Applied Food Sustainability and Biotechnology (CAFSaB) at Central University of Technology, in partnership with W&RSETA. Read more about how communities are being empowered.

HARRISMITH – Informal traders in Intabazwe have received specialised food safety training aimed at improving hygiene standards, business compliance and the growth of small enterprises.

30/10/2025

Message from SAAFoST’s President, Professor Ryk Lues

Congress feedback; short-term considerations to build on SAAFoST’s invaluable reputation

Read more in the lates issue of FST magazine at https://fstmagazine.co.za/

27/10/2025

🍻 Cheers to the CUTbrU Team! 🎉

This past weekend at the Intervarsity Brew 2025, the CUTbrU team once again showcased their passion, creativity, and brewing excellence — bringing home several well-deserved awards!

🏅 2nd Place – Summer/Low Alcoholic Category
🏅 2nd Place – Sour Category
🏅 2nd Place – Aged Category
🌟 Mentor of the Year – Puleng Zacharia

We’re incredibly proud of our team for representing CAFSaB and the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) with such innovation and skill. Your hard work continues to put CUT on the map in the world of brewing science.

Congratulations to all the brewers and mentors who made this success possible!

27/10/2025

A proud throwback to Puleng Zacharia’s incredible achievement at the 2025 SAAFoST Congress!
Your work continues to inspire us all.

🎉 Congratulations to Puleng Zacharia from CUT! 🏆

Puleng has been awarded the prestigious Ginsburg Award for the Best Poster Presentation at the SAAFoST 2025 Congress held at the CSIR ICC!

🔗 View Puleng's profile https://tinyurl.com/4ah78v8p

Their winning poster, titled "From Waste to Essential Oils: Comparison of Major Compounds in Essential Oils Steam Distilled from South African Hop Waste Material", showcases innovative research that transforms by-products into high-value ingredients—spotlighting sustainability, ingenuity, and local relevance.

👏 A proud moment for CUT and a powerful contribution to South Africa’s food science and technology landscape!

27/10/2025

A few months ago, members of the Centre for Applied Food Sustainability and Biotechnology (CAFSaB) proudly represented the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) at the SAAFoST Congress, held from 25–27 August 2025 at the CSIR in Pretoria.

The South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) is a national, non-profit association that advances food science and technology through research, education, networking, and professional development. Learn more at www.SAAFoST.org.za
CAFSaB researchers showcased outstanding work across multiple disciplines:

Dr. Idah Manduna – Mycobiota and Mycotoxins in Traditional Leafy Vegetables from Selected Markets in the Free State, South Africa.
Dr. Bafedile Tlhapi – Phytochemical Screening and Biological Activities of Hymenocardia acida Tul.
Dr. Christy Manyi-loh Stephen – Bacterial Isolation and Antibiotic Resistance Phenotypic Signature of Zoonotic Pathogens Recovered from Meat and its Derived Products Circulating in Bloemfontein.
Ms. Puleng Zacharia – From Waste to Essential Oils: Comparison of Major Compounds in Essential Oils Steam Distilled from South African Hop Waste Material. Her presentation earned the Ginsburg Award for Best Poster — a proud moment for CAFSaB and CUT!

The 2025 Congress was also a special milestone for us as Prof. Ryk Lues, Director of CAFSaB, was inaugurated as President of SAAFoST (2025–2027) during the gala dinner. In his address, he highlighted the importance of collaboration among scientists and encouraged young researchers to embrace opportunities that lead to lasting partnerships and innovation.

We may be posting this a little later than planned, but the pride remains the same.
Congratulations once again to our incredible team for representing CAFSaB and CUT with excellence and passion!

24/10/2025

The CAFSaB team wishes all students, mentors, and partners a successful and inspiring event filled with innovation, creativity, and collaboration.
May your brews be bold, your ideas fresh, and your science strong!

It’s brew day in Bloemfontein!

The Intervarsity Brew 2025 officially kicks off today - and we can’t wait to see what South Africa’s student brewers create this year!

Hosted by BASA and the Central University of Technology, this event is where passion meets purpose. Over the next three days, student teams will craft b**rs across six categories - L***r, IPA, Sour, African Wild, Summer, and Aged - all judged under global BJCP standards.

We’re proud to have BASA’s Archy Hlahla on the judging panel, helping to recognise the innovation and passion shaping the future of South Africa’s b**r industry.

Follow the event: intervarsitybrew.co.za.

Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT)

24/10/2025

Last month, our very own Prof. Ryk Lues, Director of CAFSaB, was inaugurated as President of SAAFoST for the 2025–2027 term.
A proud achievement for CAFSaB and CUT, showcasing leadership and excellence in Food Science.

CUT Prof. Ryk Lues crowned SAAFoST President

Prof. Ryk Lues, an esteemed academic, researcher, and Director of CAFSaB, has been officially sworn in as President of the South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) for the 2025–2027 term. Having previously served as Vice-President thereof, Prof. Lues is also an NRF-rated scientist in the Y and C categories since 2001, underscoring his long-standing commitment to excellence in his field.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Lues highlighted the incredible power of collaboration and the important role that scientific gatherings play in building lifelong partnerships. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing president for his dedication and leadership. He encouraged young scientists to seize the opportunities that come their way to grow and make meaningful contributions.

He is widely recognised as an expert in food safety, particularly known for his pioneering work in Food Safety Culture. He has partnered with numerous South African food industry organisations, helping them establish and maintain effective food safety practices. His expertise is highly sought after, both locally and internationally, where he serves as an advisor and expert witness in class action litigations. Additionally, he is regularly appointed as an independent assessor for food-related academic institutions and commercial ventures worldwide.

Read more: 👇
https://www.cut.ac.za/news/cut-prof-ryk-lues-crowned-saafost-president