By Reuben Maake reuben.maake@ul.ac.za
At the forefront of the battle against malnutrition, particularly in South Africa, is Dr Makoma Bopape, an emerging voice in the fight against poor dietary practices who recognised the need to address the dire consequences of malnutrition
Dr Bopape, a lecturer in the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Limpopo (UL), is making significant strides in food policy and public health through her research and advocacy. Her journey began with a childhood vision, driven by a deep passion for combating malnutrition. “From a young age, I was profoundly moved by images of malnourished children from Ethiopia that were broadcast on television. This early exposure instilled in me a determination to make a difference,” she recalls listing some of the effects of malnutrition including delayed wound healing, growth failure, depression and heightened susceptibility to infections.
Dr Bopape, is a lecturer in the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Limpopo
Today, Dr Bopape’s academic and professional accomplishments reflect her unwavering commitment to enhancing nutritional standards and fostering healthier food environments. Her research focuses on food environment and policy, driving meaningful changes in public health. One of her recent projects involves developing a front-of-pack food warning label designed to alert consumers to products high in artificial sweeteners, salt, sugar, and saturated fats.
“These ingredients are linked to non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, and they contribute to malnutrition in children by displacing essential nutrients,” Dr Bopape explains.
This project, developed in collaboration with Professor Rina Swart and Dr Tamryn Frank, has gained significant recognition. The South African National Department of Health has incorporated it into Draft Regulation 3337, which governs food labelling. The public comment period is currently underway, and if the feedback is positive, the label will soon become mandatory on packaged products, marking a major victory for public health.
“The food market is continually stocked with new food products that are tasty, accessible, and convenient, but most of us don’t know what we’re putting into our bodies, or our growing children’s bodies,” Dr Bopape cautions.
Dr Bopape’s influence extends beyond academia. She has actively participated in various platforms, including eNCA News, UNICEF meetings, and Daily Maverick breakfast meetings, advocating for clearer food labelling. Her efforts aim to educate consumers about the nutritional content of their food, particularly in a market flooded with convenient but unhealthy options.
“This advocacy is crucial for empowering individuals to make informed dietary choices and improving overall public health,” she states.
Looking ahead, Dr Bopape is collaborating with the University of the Western Cape, the University of the Witwatersrand, and the University of North Carolina in the USA on projects to create healthier food environments across South Africa. One significant initiative involves improving food practices within primary and high schools, ensuring that students have access to nutritious options. She is also exploring opportunities to enhance food environments in tertiary institutions, with plans to involve the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics at UL in these pivotal projects.