Panel Discussion: Building More Sustainable and Juster Food Systems

Daliwonga Pantshwa, a father, an Agroecologist, Gauteng Coordinator at the South African Food Sovereignty Campaign, co-founder of Down2Earth Living Soil NPC. His activism is rooted at the intersection of climate justice and food sovereignty. He’s often found in the gardens, learning & sharing on natural farming topics such as soil regeneration, seed saving, ecological garden design, e.t.c. He has a running guest lecturer gig at the University of Stuttgart, Germany, where he co-researches Traditional Ecological Knowledge and emerging technologies in Southern Africa.

Prof Hema Kesa holds a Doctorate and a Master's degree in Food Service Management, with a specialization in Community Nutrition, as well as an MSc in Food and Nutrition Security. She is the Director of the Food Evolution Research Laboratory (FERL) at the University of Johannesburg. Her primary research interests lie in food and nutrition security, particularly in understanding the dynamics of Nutrition Transition, promoting South African indigenous crops, and managing food waste in both schools and the hospitality sector.

In addition to her academic work, Hema serves as a council member for the Nutrition Society of South Africa (NSSA), contributing to the country’s nutrition policies and initiatives. Through her work, Hema aims to bridge gaps in food security, advocating for the integration of traditional food systems and sustainable practices. She is deeply committed to fostering a healthier, more informed society, where technology and indigenous knowledge come together to address critical nutritional and societal challenges.