Our organisational structure

The Food Lab is housed under the umbrella of the Food Security Initiative at Stellenbosch University and collaborates with the Seriti Institute, which facilitates community-oriented projects. The Lab is guided by an Advisory Board and a secretariat comprising project managers, ensuring collective leadership and strategic direction. This structure enables the Lab to bridge academic research with practical, community-based solutions for food system challenges.

The advisory board

The Food Lab’s Advisory Board represents the diversity of perspectives in the South African food system. This group of individuals offer their time to support and guide the Lab.

PROF. KENNEDY DZAMA

SAFL Chair
University of Stellenbosch

TATJANA VON BORMANN

SAFL Co-Director
Independent consultant, formerly WWF South Africa

PROF. SCOTT DRIMIE

SAFL Co-Director
University of Stellenbosch & independent consultant

KENNETH CARDEN

SAFL Programme Manager
Independent consultant

NONHLANHLA JOYE

Founder
Umgibe Farming Organics and Training Institute

MTHETHO MKHUNGO

SAFL Programme Manager
Independent consultant,
PGS-SA

KEVIN O’BRIEN

Group Company Secretary
Spar Group

PROF. ANDRIES DU TOIT

Director
Institute for Poverty, Land, and Agrarian Studies

PROF. RALPH HAMANN

ACDI Research Chair & GSB Research Director
University of Cape Town

JULIA HARPER

Food and Security Initiative Manager, Hope Project
University of Stellenbosch

MERVYN ABRAHAMS

Lead: Programmes and Innovation
Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group

TOZAMILE LUKHALO

District Director
Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD)

JUANITA PARDESI

CEO
Seriti Institute

DR HLAMI NGWENYA

CEO
FOSCC

YANDISWA MAZWANA

Founder & Operations Manager
Masiphumelele Creative Hub

Honorary patron

The Southern Africa Food Lab is privileged to have Prof. Thuli Madonsela as its honorary patron.

PROF. THULI MADONSELA

Honorary patron

Support staff

The Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University lends administrative and logistical support to SAFL to realise its activities.

Alumni

We are grateful to the following people who served on the Advisory Board in the past:

  • Colleen Magner
  • Dineo Ndlanzi
  • Lisa Ronquest
  • Milla McLachlan
  • Norah Mlondobozi
  • Paula Nimpuno
  • Sasha Stevenson
  • Tsakani Ngomane