This report from Power FM, first published on 4 August 2025.
The Tshwane University of Technology is at the forefront of efforts to reposition cannabis as a catalyst for health innovation, sustainable farming and rural economic development.
Dr Tshepo Lesaba (pictured here), Senior Research and Project Manager, Pharmaceutical and Biotech Advanced Investment in Africa Research Platform, says TUT’s focus is on three pillars of the cannabis value chain: research and development, policy and regulations, and training and advocacy.
Dr Lechaba says “With medical cannabis we focus on non-communicable diseases such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes and hypertension. We are developing medicinal products, which can either be clinical or complementary medicines, to help treat these conditions”.
He said hemp was being investigated for therapeutic and industrial applications.
“We have ventured into the cosmetics and therapeutic industries by producing oils that are good for any kind of skin disease, whether it is eczema, dermatitis, alopecia in women, or fungal issues”.
The research team is also exploring cannabis as a sustainable agricultural input and has partnered with agricultural students and researchers to develop feed formulations for chicken and cattle.
“We believe that, because of the nutritional value of cannabis, we can also address issues of food security and human nutrition, because at the end of the day, we consume this chicken and cattle meat. So, we always want to make sure that whatever it is we feed the animals, when a human being consumes that, instead of being detrimental, their health actually improves.”
Dr Lechaba says TUT is concentrating on four product streams: nutraceuticals, traditional medicine, mushroom cultivation and probiotics.
“With neutraceuticals we are developing heath drinks made from sorghum, finger millet, priobiotics and so forth. Secondly, we collaborate with traditional healers to develop certified traditional medicine products. We also work on mushroom cultivation as part of our broader product innovation pipeline.”
He says all products undergo rigorous testing.
“First we conduct DNA sequencing – genomics on each product to identify any cytotoxic or antimicrobial effects. We partner with institutions like the CSIR and the National Metrology Institute to verify quality and standards. Only once this is done we obtain the SABS stamp to certify these products for market shelves”.
In terms of advocacy, Dr Lechaba says TUT’s aim is to empower communities with knowledge and skills and show them how cannabis has depth beyond mere recreational use.
“We teach them about the crop and train them to become entrepreneurs. They learn how to create certified products with our support and that of our partners” he said.
Sustainable farms contribute to local economies, concludes Dr Lechaba..
“These farms can produce various products, which can then be integrated into any local economy. That’s how we ensure the work lives beyond us.”
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