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From the Netherlands to Bloemfontein: Cheesemaking expertise inspires UFS students

26 August 2025 | Story Martinette Brits | Photo Martinette Brits

Cheesemaking expertise from the Netherlands has given University of the Free State (UFS) students a unique taste of hands-on learning. From 10 to 22 August 2025, Eline van der Velde, a cheesemaking specialist and lecturer in food technology, spent two weeks at the UFS Paradys Experimental Farm teaching students, guiding dairy assistants, and working with staff to strengthen the university’s Dairy Processing Unit.

Supported by PUM – a Dutch volunteer organisation that connects international experts with local projects – her visit combined technical training with practical exposure, showing students the full process of transforming fresh milk into a range of cheeses.

Hands-on cheesemaking at the UFS

In interactive sessions, Van der Velde introduced students in the BSc Food Systems programme to the art and science of cheesemaking. They learned how to prepare paneer, halloumi, feta, mozzarella, and cottage cheese, while experimenting with flavoured varieties such as garlic-and-oregano and chilli cheese.

“I gave demonstrations on different types of coagulation and let the students try it out themselves. They asked great questions and enjoyed it so much that they wanted to come again for more practicals,” she said.

For many students, the opportunity was a first step into the practical realities behind food science. “It’s as if a whole world has opened up for our students,” said Dr Analie Hattingh, Lecturer and Production Manager at the Paradys Experimental Farm. “They don’t just hear about pH in theory – they can relate it to what they’ve seen and experienced here. That’s what prepares them for the workplace.”

“Due to food safety regulations all over the world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to take food science or food sustainability students into commercial factories. They don’t allow students or visitors anymore. At least with this facility here, our students can experience a real production environment and see how the industry works,” Dr Hattingh said.

From farm girl to food technologist

Van der Velde’s passion for cheesemaking began on her uncle’s farm in the Netherlands, where she helped with milking and turning cheeses in storage. “Even though I grew up in the city, I think I’m more of a farm girl at heart,” she recalled.

Today, she teaches at an agricultural school and trains adults entering the food industry, while volunteering internationally through PUM. “I like to share knowledge – it’s not for me alone. That’s why I volunteer, to support projects across the world,” she explained.

Sustainability at the heart of the farm

The cheesemaking unit also forms part of the experimental farm’s commitment to sustainability. The cheeses are made from milk produced by Jersey cows on the farm, with careful attention to hygiene and quality. Byproducts are reused – whey is processed into ricotta, and the remainder is spread as fertiliser in the fields. “Nothing goes to waste,” Van der Velde noted.

Hattingh added that this integrated approach ensures that the farm serves as both an academic training ground and a model for sustainable food production. “We want to be self-sustaining and academically valuable, without competing with industry – to serve both the university and its students,” she said.

A shared learning journey

For dairy assistants Elisa Mosala and Martha Kantoane, working alongside Van der Velde and the students was equally rewarding. “It was nice, especially learning how to do different kinds of cheese,” said Kantoane.

Mosala agreed: “It was nice working with students and experiencing more every day. I learned new skills and got out of my comfort zone.”

Looking to the future, Van der Velde emphasised the value of involving students in the entire process – from milking to packaging and selling – so that they graduate with both knowledge and practical skills. She also believes in the potential of more international exchange: “These projects benefit both sides. Knowledge exchange in agriculture and food science is essential for building sustainable solutions worldwide.”

News Archive

Fundraising campaign launched to help feed hungry students

2012-03-28

From the left is Dr. Carin Buys (Patron of NSH), Ms. Nicky Abdinor (guest speaker), Mrs. Grace Jansen (patron of NSH) and Redi Tlhabi (master of ceremonies).
Photo: Johan Roux
28 March 2012

Video clip (YouTube)

The University of the Free State (UFS) received over R200 000 for its No Student Hungry (NSH) Programme at the NSH launch dinner on Friday 23 March 2012 in Bloemfontein.

Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS as well as founder of the NSH Programme donated R100 000 from the proceeds of his book We Need to Talk to this programme. Standard Bank also donated R30 000.

An additional amount of about R90 000 was raised by means of pledges made by guests and the auctioning of several items. These items were donated by local companies and university staff.

The No Student Hungry Programme (NSH) aims to raise funds to provide modest food bursaries for needy students and give them daily access to a balanced meal.
Prof. Jansen started the NSH programme in 2011 with the proceeds of his book, We Need to Talk.

The NSH funds more than 100 students in the hope of helping them to excel in their academic endeavours and, ultimately, to obtain their degrees.

In 2011, Prof. Jansen discovered that a significant number of students were studying without eating on a regular basis. These were often students with strong academic records but without adequate funding to sustain themselves with regular meals.

The project was established in January 2011 when the NSH Team started to develop the structure and processes of the programme. The first 100 students who were awarded the food bursaries started using their student cards for daily meals on campus on 1 April 2011.

“The No Student Hungry Campaign is not only about creating a university campus that cares. It is about creating a country where being human matters. Our students on the NSH project are amazing young people. They struggle to get by, but they have great potential and achieve good marks," Prof. Jansen said on Friday.

Prof. Jansen’s wife, Grace, and Dr Carin Buys, wife of Mr Rudi Buys, Dean of Student Affairs, volunteered to drive the programme and raise funds to address the problem. They are supported by various divisions within the university.

Students apply for the bursaries and are selected on the basis of their financial needs, good academic results, active participation in student life programmes and commitment to give something back to the community.

The raising of funds is a continuous process involving awareness campaigns, seeking of partnerships with companies and institutions and support from the general public, staff and individuals.

An agreement has been made with several food outlets/restaurants on campus who offer healthy, balanced meals to NSH students when they swipe their student cards that are funded by the programme.

At the end of the year the process is reviewed and students who still qualify are reinstated on the programme, whilst those whose circumstances have changed or are no longer in need of the bursaries, make way for new applications.

The NSH Team meets with students on a regular basis with the purpose of offering training, motivation and opportunities for personal growth and career development. Students are also expected to become involved in projects as a way of ploughing back into the community.

The goal is to expand the project annually as support for it grows.
Ms Nicky Abdinor, a clinical psychologist from Cape Town, who was born without arms and with shortened legs, provided an entertaining motivational speech at the launch. Ms Abdinor, founder of the Nicky's Drive organisation, also visited the UFS’ Unit for Students with disabilities where she delivered a talk on independence for people living with disabilities.

To become involved with the NSH Programme, please contact Mrs René Pelser on +27(0)51 4019087 or e-mail pelserr@ufs.ac.za.

Media Release
28 March 2012
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication
Tel: +27(0)51 401 2584
Cell: +27(0)83 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za

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