Who We Are at Eat Better South Africa

Eat Better South Africa (EBSA) is a community-based nutrition education program created by The Noakes Foundation. Our mission is simple but powerful: changing lives, one community at a time.

We work with everyday South Africans, especially in low-income areas, where people are deeply affected by lifestyle diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and chronic fatigue. These health problems are often caused by a modern diet full of sugar and processed foods.

At EBSA, we believe that good health starts with real food, and that every person has the right to know how to eat in a way that supports their body, their family, and their future. You don’t need expensive products or complicated diets to feel better. With the right knowledge, support, and a few simple changes, anyone can start their journey to better health.

Our approach is practical, honest, and deeply rooted in community. Through local coaches, workshops, WhatsApp support groups, and hands-on education, we help people:

  • Understand how food affects their health

  • Swap harmful foods for nourishing, whole foods

  • Learn to cook and shop on a budget

  • Take small, powerful steps toward long-term wellness

We’ve seen hundreds of stories of people reducing their medication, losing weight, sleeping better, and feeling stronger, simply by changing what they eat. It’s not always easy, but it is possible, and we walk that path together.

At EBSA, we are building a future where every South African can live with energy, dignity, and hope. No matter your income, your past, or your health challenges, you deserve the chance to eat better and feel better.

 

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From Sickness to Strength: The EBSA Approach to Healing Communities

The Birth of EBSA: A Community-Driven Vision

The Birth of EBSA: A Community-Driven Vision

How EBSA began as a grassroots response to the urgent nutrition challenges in South African communities.

The 6‑Week Program: Practical Change in Action

The 6‑Week Program: Practical Change in Action

EBSA runs a six-week community intervention teaching LCHF, sugar awareness, cooking skills, and tracking health outcomes.

South Africa’s Obesity & Metabolic Crisis

South Africa’s Obesity & Metabolic Crisis

High rates of overweight, obesity, and related diseases, especially among vulnerable communities.

Evidence‑Based Impact: Research on EBSA’s Effectiveness

Evidence‑Based Impact: Research on EBSA’s Effectiveness

Studies evaluating the EBSA program, its community adaptation, and professional perspectives.

Collaborative Support: Affiliates Fuelling Community Change

Collaborative Support: Affiliates Fuelling Community Change

Affiliates donate funds, products, and support EBSA’s six‑week rollouts

Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla Budget Vote 2025/26

“...we are also wide awake to the fact that non-communicable diseases are a rising menace to our population.”

“The detection, screening and treatment are key components of the response to NCDs. We continue strengthening screening services for early detection and prevention of high blood pressure and elevated blood glucose.”

“Our overall strategy for NCDs is anchored on pillars of prevention, early detection and effective treatment where cure is possible, and retention on treatment and monitoring where it is a lifelong ailment.”

Patient demand. Doctor Supply

National public health coverage (2022 census)
Doctor-to-Patient Ratio: 1:2 230 (4.484 doctors per 10 000 population)
Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:762 (13.123 nurses per 10 000 population)

By 2030, the country is expected to have a shortfall of approximately 97,000 health workers (including all categories) to address inequities across the provinces. (Parlimentary monitoring group, question to Minister of Health)

60% of doctors consultations are for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the most common of which: hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, epilepsy, mental illness and renal disease (Kerry et al., 2023. SAMJ)

Real impact. Real people. Real change.

EBSA has provided a vital bridge between science and community, translating complex nutrition principles into accessible, practical, and culturally appropriate guidance.

The model draws on 3 core principles:

Affordability
Accessibility
Accountability

From Surviving to Thriving in 6 weeks.

Week 1 : An introduction to the program and the basics of nutritional literacy plus a practical demonstration of hidden sources of sugar

Week 2: Chronic disease and the role of diet and nutrition

Week 3: Meal planning, home gardening and shopping on a budget

Week 4 : Sugar addiction and how to stay on top of cravings

Week 5: Diet and mental health; navigating social events

Week 6: Diet and immunology

MEET THE TEAM FROM EBSA

Jana Retief
Karen Heath
Georgina Pujol-Busquets Guillen
Lisa Marashula
Simamkele Vazi
Themba Sibunde

Videos and testimonials

Featuring insightful content on a range of topics

A COACH IN MY POCKET

  • Participants have direct access to an EBSA coach

  • In-person and virtual consultations

  • No lengthy waiting times nor need for appointments

  • Moderated by experts and researchers

  • Sharing success, providing support

have you booked YOUR eBSA consultation: iNFO@THENOAKESFOUNDATION.ORG

Popular Questions

View our Frequently Asked Questions page for a full list of questions and answers. 

EBSA is a community nutrition program started by The Noakes Foundation. It helps South Africans eat better, feel better, and take control of their health using simple, affordable, real food.

Anyone is welcome, especially people struggling with diabetes, weight, fatigue, cravings, or other health issues related to poor diet.

No. EBSA is for anyone who wants to learn how to eat better, feel better, and avoid future health problems.

No. EBSA focuses on budget-friendly solutions. We teach how to eat well using affordable ingredients, no fancy foods needed.

You’ll learn how sugar affects your body, how to shop and cook better, how to manage cravings, and how to make small changes that last.

EBSA is not a short-term diet. It’s a lifestyle based on eating real food, avoiding sugar and processed products, and feeling your best.

We focus on simple foods: eggs, meat, full-cream dairy, leafy greens, tinned fish in brine, and local seasonal vegetables.

Yes, but we always recommend you talk to your doctor before making big changes, especially if you’re on diabetes or blood pressure meds.

Yes! If you want to bring EBSA to your area, please email info@thenoakesfoundation.org and we’ll be in touch.

Visit www.thenoakesfoundation.org or email us. You can also ask to join a local WhatsApp support group.

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Copyright (c) 2023 The Noakes Foundation™️ – Cape Town, South Africa. The Noakes Foundation is a trademark of The Noakes Foundation PBO, established in 2013. All rights reserved.

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Jana Retief

Jana Retief, Foundation Manager at The Noakes Foundation, brings a diverse background with experience in the NGO and educational sectors. Alongside her M.A. in Drama and Theatre Studies and a postgraduate degree in Psychology, Jana’s diverse expertise encompasses community development, project management, research coordination, and operations management.

She has a passion for helping people live happy and healthy lives and is dedicated to driving positive change in the fields of nutrition and mental health.

Karen Heath

Karen has a PhD degree in exercise physiology from the University of Cape Town and brings over 15 years of research and communication experience from both corporate and academic environments. She has managed global projects for market research agencies and has provided medical and health related research, insights, and copywriting to support the introduction of telemedicine in South Africa. With a keen interest in digital health, Karen also has experience in health risk management and coaching via AI and science-backed personalised health education.

Karen is a passionate health advocate; a scientist at heart; a cheerleader for the importance of sustainable health habits and a strong believer in the power of research and engagement to motivate and improve health and well-being.

Georgina Pujol-Busquets Guillén

Dr. Georgina Pujol-Busquets Guillen is a pharmacist and public health researcher with expertise in nutrition, chronic disease prevention, and sustainable food systems. She holds a PhD in Physiology and Public Health from the University of Cape Town, as well as master’s degrees in Nutrition and Public Health and in Community Pharmacy. Georgina began working with The Noakes Foundation in 2017 and currently serves as a postdoctoral researcher, leading community-based interventions aimed at improving metabolic health. She was awarded the prestigious Tim & Marilyn Noakes Postdoctoral Fellowship, which enabled her to pursue a postdoctoral position at the Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), University of the Witwatersrand, where she contributed to health systems research in low-resource settings. She also lectures and supervises postgraduate students at the Open University of Catalonia, contributing to international efforts in public health education and research.

Lisakhanya Marashula

I join The Noakes Foundation with a unique interdisciplinary background in natural and social sciences. Holding an Honours degree in Anthropology from Rhodes University, I bring a holistic understanding of human health and wellbeing. I’m passionate about innovative public health solutions that drive social impact, and I’m committed to community engagement and outreach. My goal is to increase accessibility and bridge health disparities, empowering local communities and promoting equitable health outcomes, guided by evidence-based research and scientific best practices