About Us

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Ryk Lues currently holds the distinguished position of Professor of Food Safety and serves as the Director of the Centre for Applied Food Sustainability and Biotechnology (CAFSaB) at the Central University of Technology, located in the Free State region of South Africa. His primary area of expertise revolves around the intricate interplay of social and behavioral factors influencing food safety, as well as the development and cultivation of organizational food safety cultures.

Professor Lues, as an esteemed member of the academic faculty, has been actively engaged in the dissemination of knowledge in this vital field. He has conducted lectures, provided guidance and mentorship to students, and has delivered extensive presentations on the subject matter, both within his local community and on an international scale.

Furthermore, Professor Lues actively contributes to various national regulatory and legal advisory committees, lending his considerable expertise in the capacity of an expert witness. His dedication to the field of food safety is evident in his past role as Vice-President of the South African Association of Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST).

It is noteworthy that Professor Lues has

 achieved recognition as an NRF-rated scientist, a prestigious designation conferred by the National Research Foundation of South Africa.

 Lizelle holds the title as Coordinator: Work Integrated Learing, SETA's and Industry Liaison at the prestigious Central University of Technology (CUT). Her principal responsibility in this role is to orchestrate the placement of countless students within various industries, enabling them to complete the practical facets of their academic pursuits

Lizelle Els is a strong advocate of the belief that hard work is the key to unlocking moments of joy, and she has seamlessly integrated this philosophy into the very fabric of her life story. 

Lizelle's unwavering commitment and dedication have yielded remarkable results in terms of financial support for students. Notably, she has adeptly secured funding totaling just under R 90 Million from various Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) in her time at the CUT thereby providing invaluable financial aid to countless students and graduates.

She is an expert in project management, a go getter with a heart for students and Skills Development in the Free State

 Ms. Manneheng Raphuthing is a detail-oriented and highly efficient medical technology expert, trained and qualified at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT). She exemplifies the principle of "growing your own timber" at CUT, having both received her academic training and gained her post-qualification work experience at the institution. She is fulfilling the position of research coordinator for the Wholesale and Retail Leadership Chair in the Free State.

Passionate about teaching and learning, Ms. Raphuthing boasts 10 years of experience in academia. She has supervised twenty B-Tech students and is currently co-supervising four master’s students. Her research interests focus on societal impact, particularly female health. This interest has driven her to study geophagia, a practice prevalent in disadvantaged communities and mostly among women.

Her master’s research explored the association between geophagia and haematological parameters of iron deficiency anaemia among geophagic women in Qwa-Qwa. Now a doctoral candidate, her thesis investigates the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of oral iron therapy combined with different geophagic materials consumed by women with iron deficiency anaemia in Botshabelo. 

Ms. Raphuthing currently serves as the laboratory manager and administration support at the Centre for Applied Food Sustainability and Biotechnology (CAFSaB). 

Born and raised in Thaba Nchu in the Free State, Machaka Dimakatso has dedicated her career to community development, education, and administration. She is currently serving as the W&R SETA Chair Administrator at the Central University of Technology (CUT).

Machaka's journey began at World Vision South Africa's Thaba Nchu Area Program, where she worked as a Sponsorship Programming Facilitator. In this role, she connected orphans and vulnerable children with Canadian sponsors to improve their lives and the well-being of their communities. The sponsorship funds supported education, healthcare, and nutritional awareness, fostering sustainability long after the project's conclusion. Many community structures built during her tenure continue to thrive with ongoing support from the government and other entities. Additionally, several sponsored children have graduated and embarked on successful careers.

After the program ended, Machaka returned to CUT to study full-time and later worked as a student assistant in Residence Life. She was subsequently appointed as a registration clerk, ensuring students secured campus residences and private accommodations. She collaborated with landlords to ensure compliance and addressed student accommodation issues.

Machaka then transitioned to KaganoHR as a Site Supervisor (HR Officer), where she recruited general workers for Supreme Poultry, managed weekly payroll, and ensured HR and labor relations compliance.

With a diploma and advanced diploma in Human Resources Management from CUT, Machaka brings over 10 years of administrative experience to her current role. As an Admin Assistant for the W&R Leadership Chair, she handles scheduling, logistics, procurement, student registrations, stipend payments, budgeting, and reporting.

A disciplined hard worker, Machaka believes in lifelong learning and continually seeks to expand her knowledge and skills.

Sally Joubert is a dedicated and people-oriented professional currently serving in the Marketing and Communications portfolio for the CUT-W&RSETA Research and Leadership Chair.

In her role, Sally leverages her extensive experience in education and industry collaboration to effectively promote the Chair's projects, events, and research outcomes. Her commitment to excellence and attention to detail ensure that all communications are impactful and align with the Chair's objectives. Sally’s ability to network and build relationships with key stakeholders has been instrumental in advancing the Chair’s mission.

Sally is currently pursuing her  Master's Degree to become a registered Industrial Psychologist and is investigating the effect of emotional Intelligence and mindfulness on Self Efficacy amongst WIL students. She holds undergraduate and honours degrees from UFS, where she was recognized for her outstanding performance in Research Methodology. Her dedication to continued learning is evident in her completion of a professional Coaching for Development course 

Sally works as Work Integrated Learning Coordinator at CUT. She is knowledgeable in the SETA landscape and serves as the Player Development Manager for the Toyota Cheetahs rugby team, assisting players with career development, securing internships, and addressing mental health issues.

Sally is also actively involved in the South African Board of People Practices, contributing to fundraising, event management, and committee activities. As a Commissioner of Oaths and a director for the NPO "Ons Hart," she demonstrates her commitment to community initiatives and her dedication to improving the lives of South Africans.

Sally Joubert is dedicated to advancing the goals of the CUT-W&RSETA Research and Leadership Chair. Her strategic vision and collaborative approach make her an invaluable asset to the team.