The Centre for Applied Food Security and Biotechnology (CAFSaB) offers high-quality research outputs that culminate in postgraduate qualifications, publications in high-quality journals, patentable and commercialisable innovations, and skills addition for members in the field of Food Security and Biotechnology.

CAFSaB Research CAFSaB Laboratory CAFSaB Team

Strategic Aims

  • To produce a steady flow of research outputs that surpasses DHET and CUT guidelines.
  • To build and expand a staff cohort that comprises national and international leaders.
  • To contribute to business and society via applied outcomes and solutions. The niche market for CAFSaB will be the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences at CUT, the DHET, business and commerce in the Free State, socially disadvantaged sectors, and wider CUT structures.

Intervarsitybrew

Discover IntervarsitybrewTM, proudly hosted by the Central University of Technology and the Beer Association of South Africa. This exciting competition is open to all South African universities and aims to promote brewing and beer culture in the country, all while emphasising the importance of responsible drinking.

Uploaded 15 September 2026

Our Projects

From Spaza Shops to Breweries: Driving Food Safety and Student Entrepreneurship

From Spaza Shops to Breweries: Driving Food Safety and Student Entrepreneurship

Health and Environmental Sciences

The Centre for Applied Food Sustainability and Biotechnology (CAFSaB) at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) is tackling food security...

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From Harvest Waste to Functional Beverages: Pioneering Sustainable Craft Brewing Innovation

From Harvest Waste to Functional Beverages: Pioneering Sustainable Craft Brewing Innovation

Health and Environmental Sciences

Through a strategic partnership between the Centre for Applied Food Sustainability and Biotechnology (CAFSaB) and Preserve Botanica (Pty) Ltd, researchers...

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Contact Us
Dr Olga de Smidt

Dr Olga de Smidt

+27 (0)51 507 3429
odesmidt@cut.ac.za
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Staff in the team


Staff in the team


News
CUT and W&RSETA partner to shape the future of Wholesale and Retail

CUT and W&RSETA partner to shape the future of Wholesale and Retail

CUT News Partnerships CAFSaB

Ms Daphline Ewertse, CD (SA) GB Chairperson, Ms Senzi Moroe, Provincial Manager: W&RSETA, Ms Dimakatso...
CUT Professor widely recognised for his expertise in the field of food safety

CUT Professor widely recognised for his expertise in the field of food safety

Health and Environmental Sciences CUT News Research and Innovation CAFSaB

Prof. Ryk Lues, a highly acclaimed Food Safety Professor and Director of the Centre for Applied Food...
CUT scoops three awards at the 2023 Intervarsity Brewing challenge

CUT scoops three awards at the 2023 Intervarsity Brewing challenge

Health and Environmental Sciences CUT News CAFSaB

CUT brewing team won the Best Sour Beer, third Best Summer Beer and Best Aged Beer at the 16th annual...