By Innovation and Commercialisation

Bennie Malan manages 16 fully operational kitchens and 12 serving kitchens with a team of 350 staff. In addition to this, he is also responsible for the Health & Safety Compliance of all SunCom facilities, as well as the coordination of all maintenance projects. Apart from his regular responsibilities, Bennie has been instrumental in addressing food insecurity among students, especially with the introduction of the "Affordable Meal" option in residences. 

One of the significant challenges they face is effectively managing expectations regarding our meal offerings and service delivery. To ensure food safety compliance, their goals include achieving a 90% score on external audits focused on food safety, hygiene, and facility standards. This ambitious target can only be realised through a collaborative, dedicated program among all stakeholders involved in our operations. Remarkably, over the past year, they have recorded zero incidents of food poisoning, a testament to their stringent operational protocols and dedication to quality. This achievement is particularly significant, considering the hundreds of thousands of meals served (around 800 000 booked meals per annum).

In 2024, addressing food insecurity among students became one of his department's foremost challenges. In response, they launched an innovative program designed to provide affordable meal options specifically for needy NSFAS students who lack sufficient meal quotas. This initiative represents a collaborative partnership between Stellenbosch University (SU) and private food service providers, responding to the need for accessible nutrition among our student community.