Cape Peninsula University of Technology

The Rotatable Fish Drying Frame is aimed at formalising a specific fish-drying process already used by different communities in Africa. The frame allows for the drying of up to 100 kg of fresh fish at a time using the existing iteration. The key principle is that after one week of drying the drum containing the fish may easily be rotated 180 in a rural or coastal setting without mechanical or electrical assistance. At this point the drying process may run (2 weeks) to completion after removing the drying bin and the frame itself, the latter of which can then be used for the next batch to be dried. The concept is best applied where there is an abundance of fish (whether primary or by-catch) but a lack of services and utilities. In an ideal
situation, this drying process would take place in a basic venue or processing area prior to the dried fish being packed and stored. The low water activity and other ingredients used would then also contribute to the shelf life of the product for local consumption or export to a large African market

Omega Caro-E Xtra combines Omega-3 fatty acids with 11 different carotenoids and five different forms of vitamin E, all derived from Palm oil and manufactured by a patented process in Malaysia. It also contains 50% of the daily requirement for vitamin D. The concept was created and developed in South Africa, and international companies are following suit. The current consensus is that this approach will become the method of choice in the near future. Users of the product claim that problems such as eczema, psoriasis, arthritis, and general health improve with regular use.

Benefits:

• Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for good health, brain function, and normal growth and development
• The combination of high-quality omega-3 oils, 11 different carotenes, and five different forms of vitamin E
• Contains no artificial colourants or preservatives and adheres to international recommendations regarding pesticide and heavy metal content

The Bambara Groundnut, or round bean, is widespread in Africa where it is known by various names. It has potential as a cash crop, owing to its nutritional composition, functional properties and antioxidant potential. 

Consequently, we at CPUT have used the Bambara Groundnut as a raw material to create several value-added products. These include dairy substitutes, baked goods, meat substitutes, and beverages. These products are gluten-, lactose- and cholesterol-free and have the potential to be rapidly scaled up to provide niche and alternative products that are nutritious and marketable. The Bambara groundnuts contain up to 60 % carbohydrate, 16 % to 20 % protein, low levels of oil (6% to 8%) and are a rich source of minerals and essential amino acids. Thus Bambara is viewed as a complete food.

Aonyx Foods is a Cape Peninsula University of Technology spin-off company that has been formalised as an opportunity to create a manufacturing business, vertically integrating with other sectors in the country.

In the manufacture of textiles, clothing and leather goods, using a nanoparticle catalyst, this one-step wastewater treatment system activates a powerful oxidiser. This produces sulfate radicals in the wastewater which will degrade the inorganic pollutants. These highly reactive nanoparticles are immobilised in a special system, allowing for the re-usage of effluent water in one continuous process. Thus, less input water is necessary to achieve effective treatment, reducing the cost of purifying large volumes of wastewater.

Coarse particle transportation is essential for moving slurries, or fluids containing very high concentrations of pulverised solids, for example, hydraulic transport of coal ore or waste materials. Due to a scarcity of water and a high concentration of the solid particles, pipe blockages are common. This technology monitors particle velocities and solid concentrations around the inner pipe circumference with the aim to prevent major and often disastrous blockages.

BamPro: A Bambara Nut Probiotic Beverage

This drinking probiotic is made from an indigenous ground nut and is set to take the healthy food scene by storm. BamPro is high in protein, high in anti-oxidants, low in cholesterol, gluten-free, lactose-free, and generally delicious. Finally, BamPro has been fermented with added lactic acid bacteria. Those are the healthy probiotics that are so good for your digestive tract. Try it!