The 15th World Congress of Food Science & Technology To be held in Cape Town, 22-26 August 2010 www.iufost2010.org.za

New State Of The Art Building

Our existing facilities are equipped with a very broad base of modern food processing and food analytical equipment. However, a dream that began in 1997 is set to become reality for our Department following the allocation of R29.6 million, towards a new food technology complex. On June 20th 2008, the money was approved by the Council of CPUT to facilitate the consolidation of the Food Technology program in Bellville and is planned to include a 1 500 mē multi-functional pilot scale processing facility. This is set for completion and occupation by late 2010.

Local and even some international experts are already making an input and thus every effort will be made to ensure that the design and construction phases culminate in a world-class facility. As a university of technology, we feel that it is critical that we have the facilities to train food technologists in an environment that simulates the real-world industrial situation in an holistic and comprehensive fashion.

The new complex will include upgraded laboratories suitable for accredited operations and will further be complemented by a new product development laboratory. A sensory analytical facility is also planned within the next five years. The allocation of the R29.6 M is only the first step, further tranches will be motivated and we will also be approaching industry to co-fund and participate in adding and using additional infrastructure. The multi-faceted food processing facility with attendant laboratories will allow food technologists to experience hands-on production and online quality control. We firmly believe that this will ensure that we continue to train job-ready food technologists in spite of the rapidly changing technological scene in this field.

This opportunity is further exciting because the allocation will establish ongoing opportunities for research and development and will create a two-way flow between our academic institution and industry. The Agrifood Technology Station, already being an integral part of the existing facility, in the new complex will further strengthen its services to industry, as well as create a further platform for immediate contact with the academic programmes and industry-based projects. This development is significant, since we already have a very healthy and active relationship with the Food Industry.

Consolidation

The current department is the result of the units on the Bellville and Cape Town campuses merging in 2006. This greatly increased the staffing and equipment resources as the department now had two well-equipped pilot plants at their disposal for training and collaborative projects with the food industry. This enabled them to renew their motivation for expanded and improved facilities from 2007. This resulted in the CPUT Council approving R29.6 Million towards this project in June 2008, with a further R11 Million being allocated by the Faculty of Applied Sciences in April 2009. As from January 2010 we have consolidated all our activities on the Bellville campus.