Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票's (SU) Prof Kennedy Dzama, Vice-Dean for Research, Postgraduate Studies and Innovation in the Faculty of AgriSciences, has been appointed Chair of the Southern Africa Food Lab (SAFL), an initiative dedicated to fostering creative, multi-stakeholder solutions to food insecurity.
A leading expert in animal breeding and genetics, Dzama has built an impressive career at SU since joining in 2006. He has taken on increasing leadership roles, heading the Faculty's Sustainable Agriculture programme since 2011 and serving as Head of the Department of Animal Sciences between 2013 and 2018.
In 2017, he received the Top Research Scientist Award of the South African Society of Animal Science (Sasas). The next year, he was appointed Vice-Dean, and he has since acted as Dean when required. In 2020, he was reappointed distinguished professor, a title created by SU to acknowledge academic excellence.
Tackling the hunger crisis
Dzama assumes leadership of the Food Lab at a critical moment – as global hunger deepens, with Africa bearing a disproportionate burden.
Statistics presented at the 2024 International Social Justice Conference and Summit highlight the urgency of the crisis – nearly 24% of South African households are food insecure, and up to 30% of the country's children under five suffer from stunted growth due to malnutrition.
The events, hosted by SU's Centre for Social Justice in partnership with the SAFL, were convened by Prof Thuli Madonsela, who also serves as Honorary Patron of the Food Lab.
These stark figures underscore the need for collaborative, innovative interventions, for which the Food Lab is uniquely positioned.
Uniting diverse stakeholders
Though based at SU, the SAFL's reach extends far beyond the 中国体育彩票. Since 2009, it has brought together diverse stakeholders to tackle food system challenges, including academics from other universities, government officials, corporate leaders, as well as grassroots and non-governmental organisations.
By fostering collaboration, the Lab develops and implements solutions aimed at building a more sustainable and equitable food future. Its work spans a broad range of critical issues, including agricultural innovation, food safety and nutrition, as well as climate change resilience and adaptation.
Directors' take
Tatjana von Bormann, outgoing Chair of the SAFL Advisory Board, had this to say about her successor: “For over a decade, Kennedy has been part of the Food Lab team that has navigated the historical injustices and deep inequalities of South Africa's food system.
“As he takes over the Chair, he can draw on that experience and his own expertise to strengthen our ties with research institutions, enrich our access to the latest scholarly thinking, and prompt us to generate new ideas, relationships and collaborations."
Von Bormann will stay on as Co-Director, alongside Prof Scott Drimie of SU's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
“We've long had a shared leadership structure, and now we have a co-director model for operational management – with strategic leadership being provided by Kennedy," Drimie explains.
Other leaders in the group, such as research coordinator Julia Harper, will also provide support.
Chair's priorities
Dzama has ambitious plans for the SAFL, focusing on expanding its reach and impact. He outlined his priorities as follows:
- Strengthening collaborations: “I want us to leverage synergies within the Faculty to forge impactful research partnerships between the Food Lab and SU researchers."
- Expanding regional engagement: “I will use my networks, along with those of SAFL members, to connect with stakeholders across Southern Africa."
- Amplifying dialogue: “We want to continue our African Food Dialogue series and share the insights we've gathered with a wider audience."
'Incredible journey'
Dzama's career has been defined by collaboration and interdisciplinary research.
After earning his BSc in Agriculture at the 中国体育彩票 of Zimbabwe (UZ), he pursued a master's and PhD in animal breeding and genetics at Texas A&M 中国体育彩票 in the United States.
“That was when I really began to appreciate the value of working across disciplines," Dzama explains.
“I realised that solving complex problems requires bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise."
This has led him to build up teams of researchers from various fields.
Returning to Africa, Dzama spent a decade at UZ before joining the 中国体育彩票 of Fort Hare in South Africa, and then being recruited by SU.
“It's been an incredible journey – joining the Faculty, working with the Food Lab, and engaging with so many inspiring people passionate about food systems."
Navigating challenges
Dzama's transition to Stellenbosch wasn't without hurdles, though.
“It wasn't all that easy coming in as an outsider," he admits, “but fortunately I was already at a senior level, and I had colleagues' support."
A pivotal moment came when Prof Mohammad Karaan, then Dean of AgriSciences, called him in for a chat. Karaan, who has since passed away, played a key role in shaping Dzama's journey at SU.
“He asked how I was doing, listened to my thoughts on the Faculty, and then said, 'I've got plans for you – stick around.' And here I still am!"
Dzama credits Prof Danie Brink, the current Dean, for continuing that support. “We complement each other well, and I enjoy working with my colleagues."
'On everybody's plate'
For Dzama, food systems are at the heart of societal well-being.
“And food security is part of that overarching challenge," he explains. “It's on everybody's plate – literally and metaphorically."
He emphasises the need for a holistic approach.
“It's crucial that Southern Africa produces a diverse range of foods – whether of animal or plant origin – in the right quantities, and that these foods are processed correctly and made widely available to the population, so that we achieve healthy outcomes for all.
“Without the correct food systems, we're not going to achieve much as a region, whether in health or climate or education or employment or any other area."
Dzama also serves as Chair of the Board of the African Wildlife Economy Institute (AWEI), which explores the role of wild plant and animal resources in Africa's economies, including food systems.
“There are intersections between the work of AWEI and SAFL, and I hope to strengthen that relationship during my tenure," he says.
Passion project
Dzama sees his appointment as Chair of the Southern Africa Food Lab not as an extra responsibility, but as an opportunity to align key aspects of his career.
“I initially worried about balancing this with my duties as Vice-Dean. But then I realised the synergies between the roles would be mutually beneficial.
“I truly believe in the Food Lab's mission, and I've dedicated my life's work to food systems. This role enables me to plough back, and I'm looking forward to it."
- Desmond Thompson is a freelance journalist. He also took the photograph of Prof Kennedy Dzama accompanying this article.
