SAAFoST, a non-profit organisation primarily operated by volunteers, serves as a national association uniting professionals in food science and related technical fields. Its primary objective is to promote the advancement of knowledge in food science and technology. This mission is accomplished through various means, including the publication of a membership magazine titled "Food Science and Technology," the facilitation of scientific research and the dissemination of research findings through papers and articles, as well as the coordination of meetings, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, and congresses. Additionally, SAAFoST provides support for educational initiatives.
The association currently boasts a membership base of approximately 2,000 individuals located throughout Southern Africa. Regional affairs are managed by branches in the Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Northern regions, while the national secretariat is situated in Durban.
Bursary description
In honour of the late Professor B H Koeppen, who served as the Head of the Department of Food Science at Stellenbosch University until his passing in 1980, the SAAFoST Foundation has established "The Koeppen Memorial Scholarships." These scholarships are offered to postgraduate students pursuing advanced degrees, with one scholarship available for a Master's degree programme and another for a doctoral degree programme. Each scholarship is valued at R 35,000 per annum and is intended to assist with covering tuition fees.
In cases where a student already benefits from a bursary or other awards that cover some or all of the tuition fees, the Koeppen Memorial Scholarship funds may be allocated for educational purposes related to academic conferences, study materials, study visits, and research. However, any such allocation requires prior written approval from the SAAFoST Foundation. To obtain approval, the applicant must provide a letter of invitation from the relevant institution, proof of registration, an accepted abstract for a presentation or poster, evidence of attendance, and a comprehensive report detailing the undertaken activities.
To be eligible for the scholarship, the student must meet the following criteria:
The student should have held SAAFoST membership for a minimum of one year leading up to the application.
The student must have been enrolled in the relevant postgraduate program for at least one year before a nomination can be submitted.
The student should either be a South African citizen or a permanent resident of South Africa.
As part of the nomination, a progress report, endorsed by the research supervisor, detailing the research activities undertaken during the previous year, must be provided.
Nominations and recommendations should also take into account the student's outstanding academic performance in previous degree programs.
All nominations, recommendations, and the progress report must be submitted to the SAAFoST Membership Development Officer no later than 15 February.
