From cleaner to champion: SA Dairy Awards honours Dzindikwa

Agri-Expo honoured Pamella Dzindikwa, head of production at Puglia Cheese, with the second annual Hollard Game Changer Award at the prestigious South African Dairy Awards at Eensgezind in Durbanville, Western Cape.

Now in its 192nd year, the South African Dairy Championships is the largest and oldest dairy competition on the African continent. Hosted by Agri-Expo since 1834, it celebrates excellence in dairy production and innovation across South Africa.

According to Breyton Milford, general manager of Agri-Expo, the Hollard Game Changer Award is a tribute to young professionals who are redefining the future of the dairy industry. “This award acknowledges their achievements and encourages them to keep pushing boundaries,” Milford said.

A remarkable journey

Dzindikwa’s inspiring story is one of resilience and passion. She began her journey at the award-winning Puglia Cheese nine years ago as a cleaner. Through relentless dedication, she rose through the ranks to become head of production, playing an integral role in transforming Puglia into a household brand.

Her expertise in spun cheeses such as burrata has helped expand Puglia’s offering to include mature cheddar, Montasio, Fontina, Taleggio, and Manchego. Under her leadership, Puglia has secured multiple accolades at the SA Dairy Awards and the Aurora International Taste Challenge. Her innovative spirit shone through when she developed a new cheese, Somerset, named after Puglia’s location.

Beyond her technical contribution, Dzindikwa is also a mentor, committed to training aspiring cheesemakers and instilling a culture of excellence.

“I’m incredibly grateful for this recognition. I’ve had mentors who believed in me, and I hope to pass that on. The dairy industry has changed my life, and I believe it can do the same for others.”
Pamella Dzindikwa

Andries Wiese, Hollard’s national business development manager, emphasised the importance of recognising emerging talent.

“Progress and development are essential for any industry. With this award, we believe we tap into the energy and skill of these incredibly diverse and talented young individuals and create a sustainable future for the dairy industry,” Wiese said.

According to Agri-Expo, this year’s SA Dairy championships received a record-breaking 1 110 entries from 77 producers. A panel of 103 judges from 47 companies awarded 114 products with SA champion status, while 30 products earned the coveted Qualité mark, the only official industry mark of excellence.

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