From CUT graduate to PhD scholar: Dr Tshegofatso Nhabe champions food safety to protect the elderly.

The Central University of Technology (CUT) celebrated the achievement of Dr Tshegofatso Nhabe, a newly capped Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Health, for her dissertation titled ‘Food Safety Practices and Quality Assurance Mechanisms at Old Age Homes in Mangaung and Lejweleputswa, Free State.’

Dr Nhabe’s research focused on a critical yet often overlooked area- food safety for vulnerable elderly populations. Using a multidimensional approach, she drew on the Social Cognitive Theory, the Social Ecological Model, and the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) framework to examine how knowledge, attitudes, and environmental factors influence food safety and quality assurance in institutional settings.

While many old age homes demonstrated compliance with food safety regulations, her findings revealed urgent gaps, notably, the need for improved hygiene infrastructure, more frequent inspections, continuous staff training, and stricter enforcement of standard operating procedures.

To address these challenges, she developed a comprehensive framework for enhancing food safety management in old age homes, aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of elderly residents.

Her research has already begun making an impact in both academic and practical spheres, with key outcomes published in peer-reviewed journals, contributing significantly to the body of knowledge in environmental health and food safety.

Reflecting on the personal motivation behind her work, Dr Nhabe shared: “I was raised by my grandmother, so I have a deep love and respect for the elderly. My passion is to protect their environment and ensure that the food and water they consume is safe and of the highest quality. This study was not just an academic pursuit, but a way to give back to a generation that nurtured me.”

She further highlighted the broader societal importance of her research: “Protecting our elderly is not only about compliance, but about dignity, care, and ensuring that they live in safe, healthy environments. Every meal and every drop of water matters.”

CUT is honoured to recognise Dr Nhabe’s exceptional contribution to advancing food safety and environmental health research. Her work aligns with the University’s vision of innovation, excellence, and applied science, and sets a benchmark for socially impactful scholarship.

Dr Tshegofatso Nhabe (right) with her promoter Prof. Ntsoaki Malebo.