The DNB is one of the twelve boards which falls under the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Chairperson of the DNB, Lenore Spies, explained to OFM News that their mandate is to guide the profession as well as to protect the public by providing oversight on the quality and standards of training of dieticians and nutritionists at universities. This includes, among others, engaging and guiding practitioners on how they should function. 

She added that in terms of protecting the public, DNB has to ensure that only registered professionals practice and not bogus dietitians and nutritionists. Spies gave an insight on what should be expected in their first-ever roadshow which will take place at the UFS’s James Moroka Building on 17 March 2023.

“It’s quite important that our practitioners meet members of the professional board as well as have these personal engagements where we can provide necessary information and assistance, as well as update members on the activities of the board. So I really, really encourage members to come out and meet us, see who we are and know what we are about,” she said.

Spies called on practitioners in the Free State and Northern Cape who are registered with the board, as well as students, to take advantage of the opportunity.

OFM News