*PRESS RELEASE
“Organisations can play a massive role in promoting female empowerment in the agricultural sector,” asserts Cindy Nkgoeng, Group HR Manager of the Beefmaster Group, a specialist beef producer and supplier to South Africa and global markets, and Kimberley’s largest private employer.
While Nkgoeng believes the industry still has a way to go to achieve gender parity, Beefmaster affords women in the agricultural sector with good opportunities for career growth and prosperity. “I am encouraged by the success stories of women who have broken into this previously male-only industry and are doing an amazing job,” she says. “It’s proof that diversity in the workplace brings richness and that more female voices need to be heard.”
Realigning professional goals
Two such women who have excelled at the Beefmaster Group are Matshidiso Nomnga, an HR assistant and Group Financial Manager Marietha Koorzen. Both started out in junior positions and have gradually worked their way up.
For Matshidiso, a career in fashion was all she ever wanted. However, when she returned to Kimberley after finishing her fashion course in Pretoria, she found out there were few jobs available in the industry. Instead, she had to pivot and pursue something else.
After completing a public management course at a technical university, she was fortunate to get work at the Beefmaster Group. “In 2016, I began working as a sales assistant,” she says. “A year later, I was promoted to cashier. In 2021, I got a job as an HR assistant.”
Matshidiso is responsible for overseeing industrial relations, employee benefits and payroll processing. She also helps with onboarding new employees and ensuring accurate record keeping.
“My career progression at Beefmaster is a testament to the company’s support of my professional development,” she says. “Beefmaster has provided me with the opportunities and resources to build a successful career.”
Taking time to support career growth
Like Matshidiso, Marietha also hails from the Northern Cape, but studied commerce at the North-West University in Potchefstroom. When she obtained her honors degree, she moved to Johannesburg where she worked in the banking industry after becoming a charted accountant. “After seven years, my husband and I were keen to move back, and I got a job at the Beefmaster Group in 2017 as a senior accountant in Kimberley.”
She attributes her rapid rise within the organisation to the people who invested their time and support in her, as well as dedication and hard work. “I received support from management who helped me understand the business, the industry and various internal systems and procedures,” she says. “I am grateful for the time invested in me which has enabled me to flourish professionally.”
Fostering an inclusive culture
Nkgoeng believes training is a crucial part of nurturing female talent. “By doing this, we can actively support women in their quest to attain leadership roles,” she says. So far this year, 68 women have benefited from studying to attain industry-related qualifications which were sponsored by the Beefmaster Group. “By fostering an inclusive workplace culture where women are valued, we will be able to see more women rise through the corporate ranks and make a difference in their communities,” concludes Nkgoeng.
*PRESS RELEASE
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