08 Oct 2015 RIP Amanda Minaar: SAAFoST president passes away

In a great loss for food science in South Africa, Prof Amanda Minnaar, head of dept at University of Pretoria, passed away on 26 September. She had only just been inaugurated as president of SAAFoST (SA Association for Food Science & Technology) two weeks prior at the organisation’s biennial congress in Durban. Amanda is pictured here (left) with SAAFoST president elect, Lucia Anelich, taken recently at the congress.

Writes SAAFoST’s executive director, Owen Frisby: “It is with great sadness and regret that I have to inform you of the sudden and unexpected passing of our President, Prof Amanda Minnaar. Amanda had been receiving treatment for cancer for a number of years and was admitted to hospital to be treated for dehydration after which complications set in leading to her death on Saturday evening, 26 September.

“SAAFoST congress delegates in Durban a few weeks ago would have noticed Amanda participating enthusiastically in the scientific programme and other events, and banquet guests would have been witness to her proudly and excitedly assuming the office of SAAFoST President for the period 2015 – 2017 on the evening of 8 September.

“Amanda had been a SAAFoST Member since graduating with a BSc from the University of Pretoria in the mid-eighties and, in 1987, was awarded the Association’s most prestigious education award, the Koeppen Memorial Scholarship for academic excellence.

“As a regular participant in SAAFoST events and congresses, as past chair of the Northern Branch, Chair of a Congress organising committee, Council member and most recently as President Elect and subsequently President of the Association, Amanda will be sorely and sincerely missed by fellow members and colleagues.

“We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and husband of 35 years, Francois.”

Amanda’s memorial service was held in Pretoria on Thursday 1 October.

[FOODStuff SA regrets the delay in announcing this sad news due to overseas leave. Ed]