NOURISHING A NATION WITH TEMA THE DIETICIAN

Born and raised in the picturesque town of Lobamba, Temalangeni Dlamini’s story is one of passion, resilience and purpose. From an early age, she displayed an innate love for food and its transformative power. One of her fondest childhood memories is the sheer joy she felt when she was finally allowed to cook for her family. Experimenting in the kitchen became her sanctuary, a place where she could create meals that brought smiles to her loved ones.

What started as a personal delight blossomed into a profound interest in the science of nutrition and its impact on well-being. Her academic journey reflects her dedication to this passion. After completing her high school education at U-Tech, she pursued a BSc in Dietetics and Human Nutrition at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). It was during her Matric year, while job-shadowing as a dietitian that her career aspirations solidified. Witnessing the tangible impact of personalised nutrition guidance on patients’ health ignited a lifelong commitment to shaping lives through food.

Adaptability

Dlamini’s strengths lie in her adaptability, creativity and unyielding drive for self-improvement. She approaches challenges with a positive mindset, finding innovative solutions and embracing a continuous learning philosophy. However, she is candid about her struggles, acknowledging her perfectionist tendencies and impatience with slow progress. These traits, while challenging at times, have taught her the value of balance, setting realistic goals and remaining patient in the pursuit of long-term success.

She understands the cultural significance of traditional Eswatini cuisine and the challenges people face when trying to adopt healthier eating habits. While dietetics is often associated with expensive, Westernised diets, she is determined to prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to break the bank. Dlamini passionately advocates for the use of indigenous foods such as umbhidvo (wild spinach), peanuts, maize meal, millet, beans and goat meat to create balanced, nutrient-rich meals.

Embrace

She emphasises the importance of portion sizes and encourages people to embrace what is locally available: “MaSwati lamahle akudzingi kuphele imali kuze udle kahle. Asidleni lesinako kute siphile”tranlating to mean that our beautiful Swatis, you people don’t need to spend a fortune to eat well; let’s eat what we have to live healthily.Eswatini faces a dual burden of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

While strides have been made to reduce childhood malnutrition, issues like stunting and under nutrition persist in rural areas. Conversely, urbanisation has contributed to rising rates of obesity, diabetes and hypertension due to poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles. Dlamini advocates for a diet rich in whole foods—fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, as a way of combating both ends of the nutritional spectrum. She highlights the importance of public health initiatives that educate communities about sustainable, affordable and culturally relevant dietary choices.

Promotion

Exclusive breastfeeding, while improving, also requires continued promotion to support infant health and development. A significant part of Dlamini’s work involves addressing misconceptions about dietitians. Many assume that consulting a dietitian means giving up their favourite foods entirely, but she stresses the importance of balance and moderation. Another widespread myth is that healthy eating is inherently expensive or that dietitians only work in hospitals. In reality, dietitians operate in diverse fields, from public health and sports nutrition to corporate wellness and food service management. She is committed to showing people that healthy eating can be practical, affordable and sustainable.

Development

The field of dietetics is ever-evolving and Dlamini ensures she stays ahead by prioritising professional development. She subscribes to reputable journals, attends webinars and participates in courses to remain informed of the latest trends and research. Networking with fellow professionals and engaging in online communities further enriches her knowledge.  Balancing her profession with personal life, she integrates learning into her routine, such as listening to nutrition podcasts during commutes, ensuring she stays current without feeling overwhelmed.

Wellness

Dlamini sees a future where Eswatini overcomes its nutritional challenges by embracing comprehensive education and interventions tailored to local needs. Addressing malnutrition and the rise of NCDs requires holistic, evidence-based strategies that promote balanced diets rooted in whole foods. As a dietitian, she envisions playing a pivotal role in shaping healthier communities, empowering individuals to make informed choices and fostering a culture of wellness. Outside her professional life, she finds joy in fashion, particularly the creations of local designer Keodh’s On. Her outfits depend on how she’s feeling and the occasion, some days she keeps it natural and other days she wants to be bold. She admires the designer’s incredible creativity and the way her unique pieces bring her’s vision to life.

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