Author and lecturer in the Department of Tourism and Hospitality at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Dr Sasi Gangiah is encouraging students to indulge in publishing academic content as she feels it serves a crucial role in the advancement of knowledge, dissemination of research findings, and the enrichment of intellectual discourse.
Her motivation comes after she published her book: “Environmental Ergonomics: Commercial kitchens in a semi-tropical city”, which she launched at the 2023 Durban International Book Fair.
Sharing the idea behind her book, Dr Gangiah said: “As a restaurant owner, I suffered setbacks in 2006 and I decided to investigate how I could better my kitchen for enhanced work performance and food service worker wellbeing. As a researcher, I noticed a significant knowledge gap regarding the unique challenges faced by commercial kitchens operating in semi-tropical climates. The high temperatures, humidity, and specific cuisines demanded a focused exploration. This inspired me to delve deeper into the topic and provide valuable insights to improve the ergonomics and working conditions in these environments.”
She feels her book holds immense potential to offer valuable insights and benefits to students, professionals, researchers, and stakeholders in the culinary and hospitality industry. By delving into the realm of environmental ergonomics within commercial kitchens in semi-tropical regions, the book addresses a critical aspect of ensuring optimal working conditions, safety, and efficiency.
Her highlight was being afforded the opportunity to launch her book at the 2023 Durban International Book Fair at Suncoast in August 2023. She described the experience of sharing her book with the public as an exhilarating experience. She got a chance to be interviewed by renowned author, Mr Kiru Naidoo who is synonymous for promoting book exhibitions in Durban.
Dr Gangiah defined academic content as writing that is characterised by its rigorous research methodology, systematic analysis, and contribution to the existing body of knowledge.
“You may face setbacks but be determined and persist. Even writing one page a day will help you to complete a book eventually. Keep rewriting and editing and polishing till you feel happy about it. Of course! You have to meet the expectation of your publishers,” advised Dr Gangiah.
She expressed her gratitude to the Research and Doctoral Academy (RADLA) at DUT for assisting her in writing the book and also connecting her with the publishers.
“RADLA is a great platform for novice writers to obtain advice on writing books. DUT Library staff have motivated me to launch my book and introduce it to the public,” expressed Dr Gangiah.
Giving insight on her passion for writing, Dr Gangiah explained that it stemmed from her doctoral thesis. She indicated that it was a big project with 11 chapters and she wrote several drafts fine tuning it to be relevant. To her surprise, her thesis was well received by examiners who then recommended her to obtain a distinction for it. She obtained the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award for her Doctor of Philosophy in Quality Management at DUT in 2021.
“I then sent my thesis to the publishers and received a positive response that it can be rewritten as a book. So my first book was a spinoff from my thesis,” relayed Dr Gangiah.
Her journey at DUT began in 2013 when she was employed as a part-time lecturer but was offered a permanent position in 2014.
In 2018, she developed several module descriptors and learner guides such as Food and Nutrition 101, Culinary Studies and Menu planning 101, Commercial Cookery and Costing 301, Culinary Arts 101, Culinary Skills 101, including Postgraduate courses: Culinary Science 401, Gastronomy 501, Gastronomy 502, Facilities Management for Food Services 501 and Food Systems Management 502.
As an Occupational Health and Safety representative, Dr Gangiah revealed she has maintained zero infection rates in kitchens from that start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 to date.
“I have been extremely busy since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020. I initiated several changes in the kitchen labs in terms of installing elbow taps for sinks, foot operated sanitisers, sensor towel dispensers and soap dispensers. Several other maintenance works included the commencement of cleaning of kitchen extractor hoods and grease traps, removal of potholes in corridors, pest control and other issues. As Programme Team Leader for Catering Management, I am fully engaged in decolonising Culinary Curriculum and hosted African Food Festival in 2022 and 2023,” she added.
She is currently planning on writing another book on decolonisation and African indigenous cuisines.
Pictured: Dr Sasi Gangiah with the Executive Dean of Management Sciences, Professor Fulufhelo Netswera during her book launch at the 2023 Durban International Book Fair.
Simangele Zuma
