A Dietitian is a qualified healthcare professional registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and populations. Dietitians are uniquely trained to practise across a wide range of nutrition-related fields. They utilise their scientific knowledge of food and nutrition to prevent and treat diseases, manage medical conditions through personalised diets, and promote healthy eating habits through education and counselling.

Dietitians also play a key role in public health, food policy, and community development, and are vital members of multidisciplinary healthcare teams. In addition, they are skilled in food service management, ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of nutritious meals in hospitals, schools, and other institutions.