Welkom born and bred Lydia Thithi was celebrated after becoming one of the first 13 women on the continent to join the global club of certified Master Butchers.
She graduated from the Shoprite Group’s Master Meat Artisan Programme in July.
The butchery learning programme was underwritten by the United Kingdom’s Institute of Meat, and it provides participants with extensive knowledge in meat processing practices, from farm to fork.
To qualify, butchers are required to build a good portfolio of evidence that includes modules on butchery expertise, business acumen and food hygiene and safety, among others.
Thithi worked in clothing retail for two years before joining Shoprite Boitumelo Junction in 2011 as a general assistant through the Group’s Meat Market learnership programme. She was then promoted to Meat Market manager.
“My favourite aspect of the Meat Market Artisan Programme was learning about agriculture and the journey that meat takes from farm to table.
“I aspire to become better in business by bringing new and improved ideas for the growth of the butchery and continuing to improve my skills as a manager,” said Thithi.
