From Spaza Shops to Breweries: Driving Food Safety and Student Entrepreneurship
The Centre for Applied Food Sustainability and Biotechnology (CAFSaB) at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) is tackling food security and industry readiness on two critical fronts. Through the Tshireletso ka Thuto campaign, the university educates informal vendors, spaza shops, and small-scale food suppliers on vital food safety standards, directly safeguarding public health in local communities.
Simultaneously, the annual Intervarsitybrew™ competition challenges students from 18 institutions to master brewing science, sensory training, and beverage entrepreneurship. Directed by Prof. Olga de Smidt and supported by industry giants such as SAB and Heineken, this initiative forges direct pipelines to the commercial sector, cultivating the next generation of food and beverage innovators.
Strategic Alignment
Strategic Goal 2
Innovative and Industry-Relevant Programmes: Producing work-ready graduates, innovators, and entrepreneurs by stimulating an entrepreneurial mindset across all faculties.
UoT Mandate
This project directly fulfils the University of Technology mandate through an Entrepreneurial Focus, Sustainable Engagement with local communities and industry, and Career-Focused Education that bridges academic theory with commercial practice.
Project Partners and Impact
Measurable Outcomes
- Empowering informal food vendors, spaza shops, and SME suppliers through the Tshireletso ka Thuto food safety and hygiene awareness campaign.
- Hosting the national Intervarsitybrew™ competition, engaging student teams from 18 higher education institutions in practical brewing science and sensory evaluation.
- Establishing direct industry pipelines and commercialisation pathways through strategic partnerships with SAB, Heineken, Fermentis, and the Beer Association of South Africa (BASA).
Research Leadership
Centre for Applied Food Sustainability and Biotechnology (CAFSaB), Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences
Collaboration Partners
Beer Association of South Africa (BASA), SAB, Heineken, Fermentis, FoodBev SETA, and the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.
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