The Flagship Nutri-Drink Journey Continues

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National Food Technology Research Centre (NFTRC) last week hosted The Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) Executive Director for Biosciences, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela and Pincipal Research Scientist Dr Nomusa Dlamini.

The purpose of the visit was to discuss the progress of the project, mitigate any challenges and map the way forward for NFTRC/CSIR/Elvema joint project that was elevated to be a flagship project at the just ended Botswana – South Africa Joint Committee meeting that was held at the National Research Foundation (NRF) in South Africa.

During his welcome remarks, NFTRC Acting Managing Director Dr Martin Kebakile said the project stands a chance to be a malnutrition solution for SADC countries and the greater Africa as a whole therefore all parties involved must do their part passionately and diligently.

The areas discussed in depth were the project lifespan, project timelines and milestones, declaration and sharing of Intellectual Property (IP), responsibilities allocation, distribution and marketing strategy.

Dr Minah Mosele( on navy blue jacket )showing the equipment to be used for the project to CSIR Executive Director for Biosciences, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela (on red jacket) during NFTRC Food Technology laboratory tour.

Dr Dlamini highlighted that so far the funders for the flagship project are Southern African Development Community (SADC); Department of Science and Technology (DST) – South Africa; Ministry of Foreign Affairs–Finland; and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

Progress thus far includes raw materials’ acquisition, marketing and competitor analysis for  South African market and some of the activities to follow in the next eight weeks to be done include marketing and competitor analysis for  Botswana and signing of the IP Agreement. Future tasks include product standardisation, nutritional analysis, sensory testing and process training.

The meeting was also attended by NFTRC Acting Director of Research and Development Dr Bernard Bulawayo and some Heads of Departments, including the main partner representing NFTRC in the project Dr Minah Mosele.  

CSIR is South Africa’s central and premier scientific research and development institution. It is a world-class African research and development organisation established through an Act of Parliament in 1945.

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