A second-year Consumer Sciences in Food and Nutrition student, Riashnee Thaver scooped five awards at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Food and Nutrition Awards hosted by the Department of Consumer Science: Food and Nutrition at the Rendezvous Restaurant, Steve Biko campus on Thursday, 27 October 2022.

Thaver (23) from the Bluff, Durban was awarded the Best Academic FSCP 1 Student for 2021, the Best Academic Nutrition 1 Student, Best First Year Academic Student 2021, Outstanding Performance in Coil Project 2022 and Cupcakes for Cancer Coordination.

Speaking at the event about her achievement, Thaver said she was overwhelmed as she did not expect the recognition at this level.

“I usually work with myself and against myself. I don’t really compete with people and I feel like everyone’s work should be recognised regardless of how good or how bad it is. I am really grateful to God that I have this opportunity to be at this university studying. Growing up was not easy for me and my parents. It’s a very proud moment for me and I am sure that when I go home, they will be very happy,” said Thaver.

In attendance at the awards ceremony were industry guests, sponsors and the DUT staff and students from the Department of Consumer Science: Food and Nutrition.

In her welcome address, Ms Heleen Grobbelaar, the Head of Department of Consumer Sciences: Food and Nutrition said the awards ceremony is the most treasured occasion of the department as it provides them the opportunity to reflect on the proceeding of their department, to address the guests as the community and partners to this department as well as share the achievements their students.

“Our department truly believes that a good education plays a crucial role in building a bright future for our students. Therefore, as staff we are committed to providing an atmosphere to our students where they can all learn good values as well as new things every day. I am extremely happy to say that our departmental staff is very dedicated and motivated. On this very important occasion, we get a chance to publicly celebrate the successes and achievements through the sheer hard work and perseverance of both students and staff,” noted Grobbelaar.

She believes that these awards are going to encourage good behaviour and inculcate a competitive spirit. Further, Grobbelaar indicated that

Consumer Science: Food and Nutrition students who were honoured at the DUT Food and Nutrition Awards.

the aim of these awards was to recognise the extra talent of their students other than academics and to motivate them to shine in their respective fields. She revealed that the awards that were going to be handed out were of the value of R30 000, sponsored by their generous suppliers and industry members.

Sharing her message to the students, Grobbelaar said: “Succeeding in life is as simple as being a good student. All you have to do is simple, pay attention, work hard and give it a best short.”

The awards handed out to students were not only just for recognising those students who have performed exceptionally well in their academics but they were also to honour those students who excel in food related skills, in leadership skills and those who work proactively in various community engagement events. The department and industry sponsors handed out the awards to the students, congratulating them on their hard work and dedication to their studies.

Please see below the list of the winners.

In closing, Grobbelaar thanked all the generous sponsors and her departmental staff for ensuring that the ceremony becomes a huge success. She also expressed her gratitude to the second-year Diploma in Consumer Sciences in Food and Nutrition students who provided the food and beverage service at the event. She commented that these students put together lovely eats for the guests to enjoy after the awards ceremony.

Pictured: Riashnee Thaver who scooped five awards at the Food and Nutrition Awards.

Simangele Zuma