Moloi one of Africa’s first female butchers

Elizabeth Moloi, from Alberton, became one of the first 13 women on the continent to join the global club of certified master butchers when she graduated from the Shoprite Group’s Master Meat Artisan Programme last month.

This butchery learning programme, underwritten by the UK’s Institute of Meat, gives participants extensive knowledge of meat processing practices from farm to fork.

To qualify, butchers must build a substantial portfolio of evidence that includes modules on butchery expertise, business acumen, and food hygiene and safety, among others.

Moloi’s journey started in 1996 at Shoprite Nigel, where she worked as a general assistant.

While she had little knowledge about meat, she said she was drawn to it when witnessing a skilled blockman cut primal cuts into various retail cuts.

“He generously agreed to mentor me and taught me everything, including processing and production,” said Moloi’.

“As I gained practical knowledge and never stopped learning and growing, my passion for teaching and sharing knowledge started to blossom.”

This drive saw her career flourish, and today she is based at Checkers Hyper Edenvale in the butchery training department.

Enrolling in the Master Meat Artisan Programme was the start of yet another chapter for Moloi.

“A highlight for me was experiencing an abattoir for the first time, while the meat processing sessions offered a valuable learning experience,” Moloi explained.

“Delving into the financial aspects of a successful butchery also underscored the value of this programme.”

The group is the only company in Africa to provide this specialised butchery learning programme. It aims to boost the development of a scarce and sought-after skill, offer employees career opportunities and put the group on the map as world-class specialists in meat processing.