Speakers

Thabang Nthabeleng Rampa

Thabang Nthabeleng Rampa is the manager of regulatory affairs at the Dairy Standard Agency (DSA), a position she assumed on 10 February 2025. She also serves as the project manager for the Dairy Regulations and Standards Project of Milk SA.

Prior to joining the DSA, Rampa spent nine years at the National Department of Agriculture, where she served as chief food safety and quality assurance officer under the directorate: food safety and quality assurance. In this capacity, she was responsible for the compilation and amendment of various regulations relating to geographical indications, tea, coffee, rooibos, edible ices, and dairy products, as well as providing technical interpretation of regulations to national and international stakeholders. She also represented South Africa at the Special Committee for Geographical Indications under the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement.

Earlier in her career, Rampa worked at the National Department of Health as a medical biological scientist within the directorate: food control, where she was responsible for regulations pertaining to food contaminants. She also gained industry experience in research and development as well as quality control within the food manufacturing sector.

Rampa holds a National Diploma in Food Technology from the Durban University of Technology and a BTech in Food Technology from the Tshwane University of Technology. She has further strengthened her professional expertise with certificates in Total Quality Management from the University of South Africa and Legislative Drafting from the University of Pretoria. In 2025, she completed her LLB at the University of South Africa.

Anneke van Niekerk

Anneke van Niekerk is a dynamic leader and technical expert in the food industry, renowned for her passion for unlocking potential through meaningful relationships. As the founder and owner of Food Fineprint (Pty) Ltd., Anneke provides specialised technical and regulatory consulting, helping businesses navigate labelling compliance, nutritional analysis, and new product development.

With over a decade of experience spanning roles such as head of development at Bidvest Food Ingredients, research and development manager at Lancewood Holdings, and labelling compliance technologist at Shoprite Group, Anneke has played a pivotal role in bringing innovative food products to market while ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Anneke is an active member of the South African Society for Dairy Technology, served as judge for the Qualité SA Dairy Championships for ten years, and contributes to several industry technical workgroups. She holds a BSc in Food Science with Biochemistry from the University of Stellenbosch and has completed advanced training in food safety, project management, and project development.

Known for her analytical thinking, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving, Anneke is passionate about continuous learning and industry collaboration. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor adventures and making memories with her family.