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As we celebrate Women’s Month, the spotlight shines on a trailblazer breaking through in an unexpected arena.

Meet Fundeka Ndyoki from Springs, who has defied convention to become one of the first 13 women on the continent to join the exclusive global club of certified master butchers.

Personally, as a woman who likes to get her meat already nicely prepped, cut and wrapped, BIG respect to the ladies who know how to actually work with vleis (get your mind out of the gutter!).

Hailing from Qumbu in the Eastern Cape, Ndyoki embarked on her journey by completing a food science degree at Stellenbosch University in 2016.

The up-and-coming butcher’s determination led her to the role of abattoir senior supervisor at Skukuza in the Kruger Park in 2017. Pretty great place to work, if you ask me. Here, she honed her expertise in handling game meat, including buffalo and springbok, which laid the foundation for her exciting future.

While Ndyoki has been busy making fresh cuts for a while now, the meat specialist was able to take it to the next level this month with a group of equally talented Saffa butchers.

In a historic African first, a total of 62 butchery managers and trainers, including 13 formidable women, have achieved the coveted status of certified Master Butchers through the Shoprite Group’s esteemed Master Meat Artisan Programme.

Ndyoki reflects on her remarkable journey, stating, “Having graduated as a meat master has been a significant asset to my career and feels that it has truly put me ‘on the map’ as a skilled professional.” In an industry where gender bias prevails, Ndyoki’s success story stands as a testament to her resilience and determination to break through barriers.

Everyone wants to know Ndyoki’s fave cut of vleis, but in true pro style, she humbly revealed that each holds a unique appeal.

Big ups to Ndyoki and the other women who are raising the ‘steaks’ of the butchery game.

[source:timeslive]