FREAKIN' VETKOEK

By Shelile Gino Shelile







"Special vetkoek created for learners. Researchers at Vaal University of Technology (VUT) have developed a nutritionally balanced vetkoek that ends hunger and meets children's micronutrient needs. (Mail&Guardian, September 18)".



The first thing that came to mind: "they cannot be serious!" So what exactly is it that this super-vetkoek is meant to do? Increase attention span; improve concentration; increase levels of intelligence or physical fitness; reduce stress and allow for better understanding and solving of algebraic equations... No, it makes you gain weight. Unbelievable!



"Dr Jeanette Kearney [senior lecturer at VUT and researcher] said the results showed that the mean energy intake of the children, as well as their weight, height and body mass index, increased after they ate the vetkoek daily for seven months." I always assumed that any person would increase their weight after eating any vetkoek daily for seven months. Infact, I would be rather shocked if they didn't. As for the increase in height, is there irrevocable scientific proof that over-greased balls of dough make an individual taller after regular consumption?



I am all for nutrition and I admire the efforts of VUT researchers to combat malnutrition in schools in an attempt to improve learning among pupils. However, could the journalist who wrote the article (and conveniently forgot to put his name on it) at least tried to have put the story across as a serious matter rather than a ridiculous spread on ill-shaped koeksisters.



"The vetkoek had a positive effect on hungry, malnourished children." Any food has a positive effect on a hungry anybody - do not idolize the vetkoek!