The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Department of Consumer Sciences, Food, and Nutrition recently honoured its top-performing students in various categories at its annual Awards Ceremony. The event was held at the Rendezvous Restaurant on the Steve Biko campus in Durban.
The aim of the ceremony was to celebrate the collective strength, individual accomplishments, and remarkable achievements of the Food and Nutrition students. Prizes were sponsorship from various companies, including Clarice King/Jean Brydone, Tsebo, Act Trading, Suncat Catering, AI Diabetes Recipe Generator, HIRSCH, Hotel Requisites, Van Schaik Books, AA Spice, Unilever, Kerry, and Mayo Macs.
Professor Ashika Naicker, Head of the Department of Food and Nutrition, warmly welcomed the esteemed colleagues and students to the prestigious event. In her address, she commended students for their outstanding display of perseverance, curiosity, and innovation in creating fresh life food products that cater to the nutritional needs of diverse populations.
Anjellah Reddy announced Riashine Thaver as the Best Academic Food and Food Science student of 2023. Thaver walked away with a R2,000 voucher from Clarice King/Jean Brydone. Additionally, she was also recognised as the Best Food Skills Advanced Diploma Student for 2024, receiving a voucher from HIRSCH. She thanked the lecturers and the department for helping and supporting her to develop the skills she has gained.
“The science of food is another passion of mine, and I am equally enthusiastic about culinary skills. I thrive on creativity, which aligns perfectly with our university’s tagline. The practical aspect allows me to express myself and bring my ideas to life,” said Thaver.
Sinenhlanhla Maphumulo shared that the first-year, second-semester students were given a Knorrox product from Unilever and tasked with developing recipes with a twist – no added salt. Despite a limited budget, the students delivered outstanding results. The top-performing students for the Unilever project were Amahle Dlamini, Wandile Gumbi, Simphiwe Kweyama, Noluthando Dubhula, and Senzosakhe Dube.
Jane Visagie from the department extended her appreciation to the class representatives, acknowledging their dedication and hard work. Specifically, she recognised the outstanding efforts of Ntokozo Mbatha, Amanda Ngcamu, Uvika Kawalban, Nhlanhla Ngwenya, and Siphosethu Nase, who effectively represented their respective classes, ranging from first-year students to postgraduate diploma.
Nhlanhla Ngwenya, a student in the Advance Diploma programme for Consumer Sciences: Food and Nutrition, was also recognised with two prestigious awards: Most Improved Student with Good Work Ethic and as the 4th Year Class Representative. Ngwenya expressed gratitude to the department for acknowledging his dedication and hard work.
“I feel more motivated than ever to work hard so that I can achieve even greater success and accolades in the future,” said Ngwenya.
Sinenhlanhla Maphumulo concluded the ceremony by expressing her gratitude to the department, sponsors, and industry members for their generous contributions to the student prizes. She emphasised the importance of collaboration and community involvement in recognising student achievements and praised Noxolo Blose for her efforts in coordinating the event.
Pictured: Top achievers excited after receiving their awards.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
