Mphokuhle Ncube, an MSc Food Science student at the Department of Consumer and Food Sciences, University of Pretoria, recently attended the SAAFoST 23rd Biennial Congress held in Johannesburg from 1-4 September 2019. At the congress she won the Ginsburg award for the best poster presentation. Participants who are considered for the award must be under 35 years of age and their poster should be based on research in the fields of Food Science or Food Technology.

Mphokuhle’s research focuses on the development of model gluten-free bread doughs using sorghum protein (kafirin), maize protein (zein) and non-wheat starch. In this research project, she is working under the guidance of Prof John R.N. Taylor and Dr Janet Taylor. The outcomes of this research are significant to the African continent. The researchers aim to substitute the common wheat bread with alternatives such as sorghum which is well adapted to our climate and maize which is widely grown as a staple food. Also, people in pursuit of a gluten-free diet, due to personal preference or for health reasons, can benefit enormously from the product of this research. Some of the health reasons include Celiac disease and other gluten and wheat allergies.

“I am humbled by the award and recognition of my work. Most importantly, I am inspired by the ongoing work on underutilised crops done by various researchers. I strongly believe in the future of these products and their commercialisation to solve food-related problems in Africa.”

13 September 2019