Media Releases
Celebrating Excellence and Showcasing Innovation
The Post-Harvest Innovation (PHI) Programme hosted a Gala Dinner on 11 June 2026 at STIAS in Stellenbosch to showcase the Programme’s achievements since its inception in 2007, with particular focus on the research and development (R&D) projects undertaken during the fifth phase (PHI-5) of the Programme.
The event brought together representatives from government, industry and academia to celebrate excellence, showcase innovation, and recognise the contributions of the many stakeholders whose support has been instrumental to the success of the PHI Programme over the past nineteen years.
Representatives of the FPEF and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)
From left to right: Mr Thihangwi Mudzanani (DSTI – Deputy-Director: Sector Innovation Planning), Ms Desireé Thompson (PHI Programme Manager), Mr Piet de Jager (FPEF CEO), Dr Mlungisi Cele (DSTI Director-General), Ms Sunita Kalan (DSTI – Director: Sector and Local Innovation) and Ms Marinda Roux (FPEF Financial Manager)
From left to right: Mr Stuart Symington (PHI founding member and Industry speaker), Mr Piet de Jager (FPEF CEO), Mr Anton Kruger (previous FPEF CEO), Mr Charl du Bois (Chairperson: FPEF Board of Directors).
At the back: Prof. Nawaz Mahomed (PHI founding member), Prof. Malcolm Dodd (PHI founding member and first PHI Programme Manager), Mr Stuart Symington (PHI founding member and first FPEF CEO). In front: Prof. Karen Theron (PHI founding member) and Ms Junette Davids (previous PHI Programme Manager).
Gallery
