School of Health Care Sciences
Human Nutrition and Dietetics
Good nutrition is the best medicine – let us help you to earn your dietetics qualification

The Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics offers a BSc in Dietetics as an undergraduate degree program with an exit level outcome of NQF level 8. Starting in 2024, the BSc in Dietetics program will offer the revised curriculum.
The programme trains dietitians who use food and nutrition science to prevent and treat diseases, as well as to sustain livelihoods.
UL trains dietitians to be competent leaders who improve the general population’s quality of life by advancing the indigenous Nutrition Knowledge System. Our dieticians have the knowledge and skills to contribute to nutrition services at the local, national, and international levels in an innovative, ethical, and professional manner. The training is intended to provide students with the theoretical and practical skills needed to meet all of the HPCSA Dietetics and Nutrition Board competencies. As a result, laboratory practicum and extensive travel to clinical training sites are required.
Beginning with the first level of study, BSc Dietetics students must register with the Health professions council of South Africa (HPCSA) as student dietitians. Graduates of the BSc Dietetics programme must complete a year of remunerated community service. Registration as a community service dietitian (CSD) with the HPCSA is required. Following the completion of community service, the CSD should register with the HPCSA as an independent practitioner.
It is mandatory to register with the HPCSA on an annual basis from this point forward. Dietitians practice in the following areas:
- Community nutrition
- Therapeutic nutrition
- Food service management
- Sports nutrition
- Research
The Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics strives to be an academic resource centre for learning, research, and skills development, training learners to become competent health professionals who address the nutritional needs of the community through a multidisciplinary and entrepreneurial approach at local, provincial, national, and international levels to ensure optimal nutrition. The Department also aims to advance the Indigenous Nutrition Knowledge System, in the prevention and management in context of the country’s disease profile.
Mrs. Ditope Rabodiba is the Head of Department (HoD) in the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. She holds the following qualifications: MSc in Public Health Nutrition (UNIVEN), Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences Education (WITS), Diploma in Human Resource Management (DAMELIN), and a B. in Nutrition (UL).
Postgraduate Studies
The Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics offers a master’s programme in dietetics in line with its research focus areas.
The focus areas are as follows:
- Indigenous knowledge system
- Maternal and Child Health Nutrition
- Obesity and Non-communicable Diseases
- The Food Environment
- Sports Nutrition
- Food Service Management
- Community Nutrition
- Therapeutic Nutrition
The student is required to develop a dissertation on a subject approved by the Head of the Department.
Admission Requirements:
(a) A relevant 4-year BSc Dietetics or Bachelor of Nutrition Degree
(b) Registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a dietitian.
(c) The candidates should have received at least a 60% pass in the undergraduate
degree or a minimum of two years working experience as a registered dietitian, subject to Faculty approval.
Curriculum:
(a) A full dissertation must be submitted and assessed externally; based on a topic approved by the HoD and Senate.
Duration:
(a) One year full-time.
Dietetics Clinic
The Dietetics Clinic is located at Q-Block. The Clinic serves as both a simulation laboratory for students and a dietetics clinic to render dietetic services to staff and the community. The consultation times are made by appointment as follows:
- Mondays – Fridays from 09:00 – 15:00
Contact Details
Mrs GP Mashala
Secretary
Tel: 015 268 3376
Email: phuti.mashala@ul.ac.za or dieteticsclinic@ul.ac.za
Teaching and Learning Methodology
The teaching and learning methodology for first to third level is in the form of lectures, group discussions, role play, assignments, tasks, demonstrations, tutorials, and practicals. At the fourth level of study, students are expected to cover 30 weeks of internship or experiential learning, practising therapeutic nutrition, community nutrition, and food service management at accredited institutions that are approved by the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.
Research Interests
The Department’s current research focuses on paediatric nutrition, food security, indigenous foods, diabetes, dietary intake, obesity, sports nutrition, infant and young child feeding, school feeding, environmental health, hygiene and safety, and artificial feeding practices, among other things. The research focus areas in the Department include:
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- Maternal and Child Health Nutrition
- Obesity and Non-communicable Diseases
- The Food Environment
- Sports Nutrition
- Food Service Management
Research publications
The research publications for the past five years
Bopape, M., Taillie, L. S., & Swart, R. (2022). Perceived effect of warning label on parental food purchasing and drivers of food selection among South African parents-An exploratory study. Frontiers in public health, 10, 939937. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.939937
Bopape, M; De Man J, Taillie LS, Ng SW,Murukutla N; Swart R. 2022. Effect of different front-of-package food labels on identification of unhealthy products and intention to purchase the products– A randomised controlled trial in South Africa. Appetite. 176.106283 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2022.106283
Mabitsela Hezekiel Mphasha and Tebogo Maria Mothiba. Family-Centered Diabetes Care for Better Glycemic Outcomes of Outpatients in Rural Areas. Intech Open, Lifestyle and Epidemiology – The Double Burden of Poverty and Cardiovascular Diseases. 2021. DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.96223. Available from: https://www.intechopen.com/online-first/family-centered-diabetes-care-for-better-glycemic-outcomes-of-outpatients-in-rural-areas
Mahlatjie MA, Bopape MM & Mothiba TM. Women’s Knowledge and Attitudes on Established Breastmilk Bank in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Global Journal of Health Science. 2019. 11 (9); 93-101. doi:10.5539/gjhs.v11n9p93
Masoga S, Makuse SHM & Bopape MM. Dietary Intake of Amateur Bodybuilding Athletes Around Polokwane Municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Global Journal of Health Science .2019:11 (9); 134-144. doi:10.5539/gjhs. v11n9p134
Masoga S., Maja, MT., Matsepane, MP., and Sethemane, SC. Dietary practices of soccer athletes registered at the University of Limpopo, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Sport Sciences for Health 2021: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-021-00790-3
Masoga, S., Mboweni, N.W and Ramokolo, K.M. 2023. Use of Ergogenic Substances amongst Bodybuilding Athletes Around Polokwane Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Arab Journal of Nutrition and Exercise (AJNE), 7(1), 33–46. Available at: https://doi.org/10.18502/ajne.v7i1.13427.
Mbhenyane XG, Tambe BA, Phooko-Rabodiba DA and CN Nesamvuni. Dietary pattern, household hunger, coping strategies and nutritional status of children in Sekhukhune District of Limpopo Province, South African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development. 2020: 20(3);15821-15836 DOI: 10.18697/ajfand.91.18630
Mphasha MH and Skaal L. Infant and Young Child Feeding Policy: Do primary health care nurses adhere to the HIV breastfeeding recommendations in Limpopo Province? South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2018: 4(1); 1-6. DOI:10.1080/16070658.2018.1457863
Mphasha MH. 2023. A Narrative Review of the Support Structure Available to Newly Diagnosed Individuals with Diabetes. The Open Journal of Public Health, 16, 1-6.
Mphasha, M., Skaal, L., & Mothiba, T. M. 2022. Baseline Analysis for Effective Diabetes Intervention. In A. P. I. Ramavhoya, T. E. Mutshatshi, & T. M. Mothiba (Eds.), Health and Educational Success – Recent Perspectives [Working Title]. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.108170
Mphasha, M.H., Mothiba, T.M. & Skaal, L.2022. Family support in the management of diabetes patients’ perspectives from Limpopo province in South Africa. BMC Public Health 22, 2421. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-14903-1
Mphasha, M.H., Mothiba, T.M., & Skaal, L. (2023). Diet and exercise knowledge and practices for diabetes care within families in Senwabarwana, Limpopo province. South African Family Practice Journal,
Mphasha, M.H., Mothiba, T.M., & Skaal, L. (2023). Exploring the importance of nutrition and exercise in diabetes care: A qualitative study of male patients in Senwabarwana, Limpopo Province, South Africa. African Journal for Physical Activity and Health Sciences, 29(4), 397-410. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37597/ajphes.2023.29.4.5
Mphasha, M.H.; Rapetsoa, M.; Mathebula, N.; Makua, K.; Mazibuko, S. 2023. Attitudes of Caregivers of Children under Five Years Regarding Growth Monitoring and Promotion in Polokwane, Limpopo Province. Children, 10, 56. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10010056
Muleka N, Maanaso B, Phoku M, Mphasha MH, Makwela M. 2023. Infant and Young Child Feeding Knowledge among Caregivers of Children Aged between 0 and 24 Months in Seshego Township, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Healthcare (Basel). 2023 Apr 5;11(7):1044. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11071044. PMID: 37046971; PMCID: PMC10094686.
Phooko-Rabodiba DA, Tambe BA, Nesamvuni CN, Mbhenyane XG. Socioeconomic Determinants Influencing Nutritional Status of Children in Sekhukhune District of Limpopo Province in South Africa. Journal of Nutrition and Health. 2019:5(1); 7. DOI :10.13188/2469-4185.1000039.
Rapetsoa ME, Ayuk B T, Khoza LB, Mushaphi LF and Mbhenyane XG. Adherence to Growth Monitoring Procedures by health workers at Clinics in Mopani District, South Africa. Journal of Food and Nutrition Research 2020: 8(2); 87-94. doi: 10.12691/jfnr-8-2-3.
Sekgobela, T.T., Sepodumo, T., Mamaila, J., Ramokolo, K.M and Masoga, S. 2023. “Sources of Nutrition Information Used by Tennis Trainee Athletes at the University of Limpopo in Limpopo Province, South Africa: A Descriptive Study.” World Nutrition, June, 51–55
Sylven Masoga*, Ntsako Wisdom Mboweni, and Khutso Matlala Ramokolo, (2023) “Use of Ergogenic Substances amongst Bodybuilding Athletes Around Polokwane Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa,” Arab Journal of Nutrition and Exercise, vol. 7, issue no. 1,33–46. DOI 10.18502/ajne.v7i1.13427.
Thabiso, S., Tshabaku, S, T., Juanita, M., Sylven, M., Wisdom, M, N. 2023. Adherence to Sports Nutrition Guidelines by Tennis Athletes Team Representing the University of Limpopo; Limpopo Province, South Africa. Journal Coaching Education Sport, 4(1), 121 https://doi.org/10.31599/jces.v4i1.1844.
Thabiso, S., Tshabaku, S, T., Juanita, M., Sylven, M., Wisdom, M, N. (2023). Adherence to Sports Nutrition Guidelines by Tennis Athletes Team Representing the University of Limpopo; Limpopo Province, South Africa. Journal Coaching Education Sport, 4(1), 121-. https://doi.org/10.31599/jces.v4i1.1844.
TM Mothiba, MH Mphasha, M Bopape, & P Makofane. 2023. Knowledge of Self-management Activities among Patients Living with Diabetes in Sekhukhune, Limpopo Province of South Africa, 16, 1-6. DOI: 10.2174/18749445-v16-230716-2023-73, 2023
Academic Staff
Name & Surname |
Contact Details |
Position |
Ms DA Rabodiba |
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3698 Email:ditope.rabodiba@ul.ac.za |
Senior Lecturer/ HOD |
Ms MM Bopape |
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3323/3376 Email: makoma.bopape@ul.ac.za |
Senior Lecturer |
Ms SHM Makuse |
Tel: (+27) 15 268 2270 Email: sefora.makuse@ul.ac.za |
Senior lecturer |
Ms ME Rapetsoa |
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3079 Email: matjie.rapetsoa@ul.ac.za |
Senior Lecturer |
Ms MA Mahlatjie |
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3375 Email: mantji.mahlatjie@ul.ac.za |
Senior Lecturer |
Ms CM Mothapo |
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3700 Email: choney.sebothoma@ul.ac.za |
Senior Lecturer |
Ms DMR Tleane |
Tel: (+27) 15 268 2727 Email: rosina.tleane@ul.ac.za |
Lecturer |
Mr MS Makwela |
Tel: (+27) 15 268 4067 Email: maishataba.makwela@ul.ac.za |
Lecturer |
Ms G Manale |
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3376 Email: glenrose.manale@ul.ac.za |
Lecturer |
Mr RM Kgatla |
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3376 Email: regan.kgatla@ul.ac.za |
Lecturer |
Ms MS Lebepe |
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3376 Email: shirley.lebepe@ul.ac.za |
Lecturer |
Mr KG Mokubela |
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3376 Email: gerald.mokubela@ul.ac.za |
Lecturer |
Mr MK Ramokolo |
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3376 Email: matlaila.ramokolo@ul.ac.za |
Lecturer |
Mothapo CM |
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3376 Ext 3700 Email: choney.sebothoma@ul.ac.za |
Lecturer |
Makwela MS |
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3376 Ext 4076 Email: maishataba.makwela@ul.ac.za |
Senior Lecturer |
Support Staff
Name & Surname | Contact Details | Position |
Ms MM Mogale |
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3712 Email: mary.mogale@ul.ac.za |
Laboratory Assistant |
Ms TW Nkoko |
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3712 Email: winnie.nkoko@ul.ac.za |
Laboratory Assistant |
Ms PG Mashala |
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3376 Email: phuti.mashala@ul.ac.za |
Departmental Secretary |
Career Opportunities
Our graduates can find career opportunities in the following areas:
- In hospitals as food service managers – for planning diets for patients and/or staff and conducting counselling sessions
- Private practice – a dietitian may choose to open their own practice and consult with patients and clients
- In the industry – food processing companies and chain stores employ a resident or consultant dietitian
- In pharmaceutical companies manufacturing nutritional products as medical representatives
- In universities and research institutes to teach and conduct research
- In organisations concerned with nutrition and health information – a dietitian will update education material and disseminate the information through various media, for example, radio, television, and social media platforms
- In institutions (old age homes, places of safety, hospitals, or correctional facilities) with catering facilities – a dietitian will plan for the feeding of staff, residents, patients and inmates

Mrs. Ditope Rabodiba
Head of Department, Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
DEPARTMENT CONTACTS
University of Limpopo
Turfloop Campus, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727
Ground Floor, Old Q Block Building