Zama Mahlangu
Bethal
Summary
Aspiring Product Developer and final-year BSc Consumer Science student with a robust foundation in food innovation, sensory evaluation, and consumer behavior. Eager to leverage hands-on experience in recipe formulation, food safety, and trend analysis to contribute effectively to a dynamic product development team. Dedicated to crafting meaningful, market-ready products that meet consumer needs while aligning with sustainability goals. Passionate about driving innovation and enhancing the overall consumer experience through thoughtful product design.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Food Lab Practical - Culinary Execution & Hygiene Discipline
University of the Free State
01.2023 - Current
- Executed recipes including cookie doughs, cakes, pastries, candy, and ice cream preserves
- Developed preserved products including jams, conserves, and pickled archer
- Maintained strict hygiene standards: tied hair, short nails, closed shoes, punctuality
- Collaborated in teams to troubleshoot recipes and meet quality benchmarks under pressure
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Sweet Pasta Cone - Sensory Innovation Project
University of the Free State
01.2025 - 12.2025
- Led the development of a novel dessert concept combining sweet pastry and pasta
- Conducted sensory evaluation testing and refined the recipe based on panel feedback
- Designed the product poster, completed the development logbook, and presented findings to faculty
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Community Service Learning Facilitator - Inclusive Education & Mentorship
University of the Free State
02.2025 - 10.2025
- Developed lesson plans and worksheets tailored to diverse learning needs
- Researched learner backgrounds and academic performance to inform teaching strategies
- Facilitated engagement between students and teachers to enhance curriculum integration
- Applied service-learning methods to bridge academic theory with community impact
- Collaborated with local schools and university partners to support student development
- Strengthened leadership, communication, and problem-solving through direct mentorship
Community Nutrition Intervention - Food Security Project
UFS Community Engagement Module
01.2025 - 12.2025
- Designed high-protein recovery meal plans for food-insecure households
- Created caregiver-friendly nutrition resources and educational materials
- Applied Agricultural Extension principles to deliver practical, culturally sensitive support
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Volunteer
Little Msuthu Day Care
01.2023 - Current
- Supported hygiene routines, mealtimes, and daily care for young children
- Communicated with parents using empathy and honesty
- Contributed to inclusive lesson planning and learner-centered activities
- Assisted with special events and programs.
- Supported engaging, fun, and smooth-running events by helping with organization and planning.
- Maintained clean, neat, and operational facilities to serve program needs.
Education
Bachelor of Consumer Science - Consumer behavior, food systems, branding, and inclusive education
University of The Free State
Bloemfontein, South Africa01.2026
High School Diploma -
Hoerskool Oosterland
Secunda01.2022
Food Lab Practical - Culinary Execution & Hygiene Discipline -
University of the Free State
11.2025
Community Service Learning Facilitator - Inclusive Education & Mentorship -
University of the Free State
10.2025
Community Nutrition Intervention - Food Security Project -
UFS Community Engagement Module
12.2025
Sweet Pasta Cone - Sensory Innovation Project -
University of The Free State
12.2025
Skills
- Customer service expertise
- Food safety and hygiene compliance
- Multitasking and time management
- Team collaboration and inclusive leadership
- Professional grooming and presentation
- Active listening
- Recipe development and sensory evaluation
- Kitchen organization and sanitation protocols
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
- Visual presentation and documentation
- Nutritional planning
Accomplishments
- Certificate of Participation – Community Development Module
University of the Free State | 2025
- Nestlé Science & Technology Seminars
2024Engineering Food for All
Anemia & Iron Fortification
- Academic Merit Award
University of the Free State | 2024
- Digital Skills & Competencies (Level 1 & 2)
University of the Free State | 2023–2024
- LinkedIn Learning – Data Visualization & Entrepreneurial Mindset
2023
Certification
- Digital Skills & Competencies (Level 1 & 2), University of the Free State, 2023-2024
- Engineering Food for All, Nestlé Science & Technology Seminars, 2024
- Data Visualization: Storytelling, LinkedIn Learning, 2024
- Entrepreneurial Mindset, LinkedIn Learning, 2024
- Certificate of Participation, Community Development Module - UFS, 2024
References
- Ms. Maryann Khanye, Center Manager, Little Msuthu Daycare, littlemsuthudaycare@gmail.com, (+27) 079 842 0893
- Dr. Tinta, University of the Free State, TintaN@ufs.ac.za, (+27) 051 402 72
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
Afrikaans
Intermediate (B1)
isizulu
Intermediate (B1)
Timeline
Community Service Learning Facilitator - Inclusive Education & Mentorship
University of the Free State
02.2025 - 10.2025
Sweet Pasta Cone - Sensory Innovation Project
University of the Free State
01.2025 - 12.2025
Community Nutrition Intervention - Food Security Project
UFS Community Engagement Module
01.2025 - 12.2025
Food Lab Practical - Culinary Execution & Hygiene Discipline
University of the Free State
01.2023 - Current
Volunteer
Little Msuthu Day Care
01.2023 - Current
Food Lab Practical - Culinary Execution & Hygiene Discipline -
University of the Free State
Community Service Learning Facilitator - Inclusive Education & Mentorship -
University of the Free State
Community Nutrition Intervention - Food Security Project -
UFS Community Engagement Module
Bachelor of Consumer Science - Consumer behavior, food systems, branding, and inclusive education
University of The Free State
High School Diploma -
Hoerskool Oosterland
Sweet Pasta Cone - Sensory Innovation Project -
University of The Free State