Meet the dietitian

Meet the Dietitian: Retha Harmse (5/24/2023) - We spoke to ADSA Executive Committee member and registered dietitian, Retha Harmse. She has served on the ADSA Executive Committee in the Public Relations portfolio for the last two terms (2019 – 2023). She is a powerhouse and we are glad to have her on the ADSA team! This is quite a tough question as … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Maria van der Merwe (5/23/2023) - This busy lady needs no introduction, but just in case - meet ADSA President for the term 2021 - 2023, Maria van der Merwe! She is one of those inspiring people who has the biggest passion for dietetics and public health! We are blessed to have her at the steer of ADSA!
Meet the Dietitian: Michelle Zietsman (11/16/2021) - Michelle Zietsman serves on the ADSA Executive Committee 2021 – 2023 in the Representation portfolio (and she serves as chair of our ADSA Pretoria branch). We thought it well to meet up with her and get to know her a bit better. Tell us a bit more of yourself? My name is Michelle Zietsman and … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Janke Draper (11/2/2021) - We caught up with Janke Draper, who serves on the ADSA Executive Committee in the Membership portfolio. We met up with her to get to know her a bit better!
MEET THE DIETITIAN: ANNETTE WEAVER (12/21/2020) - Tell us a bit more of yourself? 2020 marks my 35th year of being a registered dietitian! Most of my career has been as a food service dietitian. I am married to wonderful man, whose work took us to Germany, Qatar and Egypt. We have a beautiful daughter who is now the doctor in the … Read More
Meet the dietitian: Natasha de Almeida (11/9/2020) - Hi everyone! My name is Natasha de Almeida, I am a 26-year-old Registered Dietitian from Johannesburg, and I absolutely love food. I spend a lot of my time eating, or thinking about eating, or cooking food, or watching people cook food on TV. Food brings people together, when we’re happy or sad, and there are … Read More
MEET THE DIETITIAN: BLOG SERIES (9/28/2020) - Meet the contributing dietitian Hi. My name is Rendani Ratshibvumo. I am currently working as a clinical dietitian in the public sector. My function as a dietitian is predominantly clinical nutrition, 20% community-based nutrition, and 20% foodservice management. I have been a clinical dietitian for the past 8 plus years. My role in the hospital … Read More
Meet the Dietitians: Rosey Lombard & Jenna Spooner (8/31/2020) - We spoke with ‘softie’ Rosey and ‘ants-in-her-pants’ Jenna as they referred to themselves. These best friends are not only dietitians, but also triathletes and they both competed in IronMan. We had a chat with them to get to know them a bit better: Tell us a bit more of yourselves? Rosey: My name … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Wenda Nel (3/16/2020) - We spoke to Registered Dietitian and Olympic 400m hurdler Wenda Nel. We got to know her a bit better; from the deep things, to her secrets and even the silly things like her favourite foods. She is truly an inspirational woman and amazing RD flying our profession-flag high! Read on and be inspired.
Meet the Dietitian: Jodie Mouton (12/16/2019) - Meet Registered Dietitian Jodie Mouton, that is more than your average dietitian – she is also a personal trainer! Why did you become a Registered Dietitian? From a very young age I knew I always wanted to work within the health sector, but never knew which route was intended for me. My aunt studied to be … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Nadine van Niekerk (11/25/2019) - Inspirational Dietitians Nadine van Niekerk and Stefanie du Plessis make a huge impact in their area (Bethlehem, Free State) by going above and beyond their job description of Dietitians. They empower, encourage and equip their patients and colleagues and frequently reach the papers for the impact they are having. We spoke to them both and … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Stefanie du Plessis (11/25/2019) - Inspirational Dietitians Stefanie du Plessis and Nadine van Niekerk make a huge impact in their area (Bethlehem, Free State) by going above and beyond their job description of Dietitians. They empower, encourage and equip their patients and colleagues and frequently reach the papers for the impact they are having. We spoke to them both and … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Karla Pretorius (10/28/2019) - Not only is Karla Pretorius a Dietitian; she is also a Protea netball player, vice-captain and announced as the Player of the Tournament at the Netball World Champs earlier this year! Thank you Karla for flying the Dietetic flag high. Karla Pretorius: My participation as an elite netball athlete in the professional world of … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Robyn Duarte (9/30/2019) - We spoke to Registered Dietitian, Robyn Duarte, working in the interesting field of Molecular Diagnostic Services (MDS). Why did you become a Registered Dietitian? I’ve always had an interest in food; the effect different nutrition has on our bodies and the psychology behind eating. In school there were many girls with eating disorders and … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Leanne Katzenellenbogen (9/2/2019) - Meet Dietitian, Leanne Katzenellenbogen, that dispels the myth that “diet” food is boring. My name is Leanne Katzenellenbogen and I am a dietitian. I originally decided to study to become a dietitian because I love helping people and I believe that good nutrition is integral to good health. I did my undergraduate BSc degree at … Read More
Meet the Dietitian: Raeesa Seedat (8/5/2019) - We spoke to Registered Dietitian, Raeesa Seedat, creative and passionate about the field of nutrition. Why did you become a Registered Dietitian? Being a Dietitian is like being the Terminator, except that you’re analysing food instead of potential threats (even though some may be treated as such). So you get to see each food … Read More
Meet the Dietitian – Estée van Lingen (7/1/2019) - We chatted to Estée van Lingen, a dietitian who is passionate about growth and evolving in her field. And is willing to share a chocolate brownie or cheesecake!
Meet registered dietitian, Jessica Oosthuizen (11/30/2018) - We chatted to registered dietitian Jessica Oosthuizen to find out why she became a dietitian, what being a dietitian means to her, the challenges she faces in her profession and her views on healthy nutrition: Why did you become a registered dietitian? I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when I was just 13 years … Read More
Meet the ADSA President! (8/23/2018) - We sat down and had a chat with the new ADSA President, Christine Taljaard-Krugell, who has taken over from Nicole Lubasinski, following her relocation to the UK. Christine brings along a wealth of experience as the general manager of the African Nutrition Leadership Programme. “With ADSA turning 30 this year, I am truly humbled for … Read More
Meet Registered Dietitian, Nazeeia Sayed (7/4/2018) - We chatted to registered dietitian Nazeeia Sayed, who is the Branch Liaison on the current ADSA Executive committee, acting as the communication link between ADSA branch chairpersons and the national Executive Committee to ensure consistency in operations. She also manages the mentorship programme. We wanted to find out why she became a registered dietitian, what she … Read More
Meet Registered Dietitian, Retha Booyens (5/31/2018) - We caught up with registered dietitian Retha Booyens, who is passionate about nutrition and dietetics, to find out what drives her, why she chose dietetics as a career and how she is making a difference through her work: Why did you become a Registered Dietitian? Contrary to what people believe, dietitians are actually foodies and … Read More
“We should be as kind to ourselves as we are to others” (5/8/2018) - This week we chat to Tabitha Hume, a registered clinical dietitian in private practice, to find out why she became a dietitian, what she enjoys most about the work she does and what the challenges are: Why did you become a Registered Dietitian? I danced very seriously when I was at high school (ballet) and … Read More
“Teaching nutrition is my passion” (4/20/2018) - We chatted to Registered Dietitian Zelda Ackerman who runs Family 1st Nutrition and is the author of a wonderful book called ‘Eet Reg (Bevry jouself en jou kinders van emosionele eet)’. We wanted to find out why she became a dietitian, what she loves about her work and what the challenges are: Why … Read More
“No day is ever the same” (1/26/2018) - We chatted to Registered Dietitian, Jessica Byrne, who is currently undergoing her Masters studies in Therapeutic Nutrition and fulfils the role of chief operating officer for ADSA, to find out why she became a dietitian, what she loves about her work and what the challenges are: Why did you become a Registered Dietitian? Biology was … Read More
‘Making a contribution to the bigger health picture’ (9/8/2017) - We chatted to Neil Stephen, Chief Dietitian at Addington Hospital in Durban, to find out why he became a dietitian, what he loves about his work and what the challenges are: Why did you become a Registered Dietitian? I developed an interest in nutrition when someone at the gym suggested I should see a dietitian to improve … Read More
Meet the new ADSA President! (8/16/2017) - We chatted to Nicole Lubasinski, the new ADSA President (July 2017 to June 2019), to find out about her plans for ADSA and why she became a dietitian, what she loves about her work and what the challenges are: As the new President, what are you looking foward to achieving? I am looking forward to … Read More
Meet registered dietitian, Thembekile Dlamini (3/13/2017) - We chat to registered dietitian and ADSA spokesperson, Thembekile Dlamini to find out why she became a dietitian and what she loves most about her work. Thembekile works at the Free State Department of Health, is busy doing her PhD in Public Health and has a special interest in paediatric nutrition. Why did you become … Read More
Celebrating Heritage Day with Food! (9/20/2016) - In celebration on Heritage Day (24 September), ADSA member Mpho Tshukudu and food writer Anna Trapido, authors of the wonderful cookbook EAT TING, share one of their many ‘traditional recipes with a modern twist’ with us! EAT TING will make you fall in love with timeless African flavours – while also improving your health and well-being. Lets … Read More
“I’m fascinated about the effect of food on our health” (9/16/2016) - We chatted to Registered Dietitian, Kelly Schreuder who also has professional culinary experience, to find out why she became a dietitian, what she loves about her work and what the challenges are: Why did you become a Registered Dietitian? I was very interested in health and the prevention of disease – always reading about nutrition and … Read More
Flying the flag for nutrition – Meet Lisanne du Plessis (RD) (8/17/2016) - We chatted to registered dietitian Lisanne du Plessis who is a senior lecturer and the Head of Community Nutrition at Stellenbosch University, to find out why she became a dietitian, what she loves the most about the work she does and what she wishes people would stop saying when they meet a dietitian. Why did … Read More
“I love the versatility our profession” (7/4/2016) - We chatted to Registered Dietitian, Monique Piderit who works mostly in the corporate wellness space, to find out why she became a dietitian, what she loves about her work and what the challenges are: Why did you become a Registered Dietitian? I heard about dietetics for the first time when I was in 2nd year … Read More
“We all make mistakes or have bad days” – meet dietitian, Faaizah Laher (6/22/2016) - Why did you become a Registered Dietitian? Cooking has always been a favourite pastime and being Indian so many of our occasions revolve around food and the kitchen. Helping people through what they eat became an interest when I was in high school and applying for a degree in dietetics seemed like the most natural … Read More
“Sensible, long-term healthy eating is not the sexiest of subjects” – meet dietitian, Hlanzeka Mpanza (6/8/2016) - Why did you become a Registered Dietitian? By accident actually. My father brought a career guidance book home that featured a dietitian when I was in standard 9. I was fascinated about the idea that everyday food could help with getting the most out of life whether in sports, work, disease and general mental well-being. … Read More
“I enjoy helping clients design their wellness paths” – Meet dietitian, Mpho Tshukudu (11/20/2015) - Why did you become a Registered Dietitian? My favourite childhood memories are around food. My mother constantly told me about hungry children somewhere in East Africa, and I thought I would work for the World Health Organisation and feed hungry children. When I graduated, I had been exposed to different aspects of dietetics and nutrition … Read More
“Improving health through diet therapy” – Meet registered dietitian Astrid Wichmann (7/30/2015) - This week we chat to Astrid Wichmann, Chief Dietitian at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in Durban. Astrid completed her BSc Degree in Dietetics at the University of Stellenbosch, followed by one year community service in Barberton. She stayed in the public sector and her interests are mainly in the field of clinical dietetics. To date … Read More
Work highlight – “Being able to witness how positively nutrition changes affect clients’ every day lives!” – Meet The Dietitian (6/24/2015) - As part of our ‘Meet the Dietitian’ series, we chatted to Lila Bruk about why she became registered dietitian, what she loves about her work, how she copes after a day of nutrition disaster and bad eating choices, and what people should look out for when choosing a dietitian. Meet Lila Bruk a registered dietitian … Read More
“People don’t eat nutrients, they eat food” – Meet The Dietitian (5/22/2015) - Over the next couple of months we will be introducing you to some of the amazing dietitians we work with every day. We are going to find out why they became registered dietitians, what they love about their work, how they cope after a day of nutrition disaster and bad eating choices, and what people … Read More