Having announced the expansion of their innovative, low-carbon dairy farming initiative in South Africa, Nestlé’s "farm to glass" journey uses regenerative agriculture to change traditional dairy production with the goal of lowering greenhouse gases and increasing biodiversity, ensuring sustainability.
This Women's Month presents a suitable moment to highlight the role women play in the global regeneration movement. With their commitment to investing in the agriculture value chain in South Africa while celebrating the women who are driving progress in this sector, Nestlé shines a light on four remarkable women who are contributing to the developments in agriculture and dairy manufacturing, while showcasing the impact of Nestlé's initiatives in fostering sustainable livelihoods.
Mirriam Mogoane
Production Manager
Nestlé’s dedicated Production Manager, Mirriam Mogoane, has been spearheading operations at the Mossel Bay facility since August 2023. She plays a crucial role in overseeing manufacturing processes, which includes quality control and contributing to the circularity process of Nestlé’s value chain. Her leadership and vast skill set contribute to the seamless operation of the plant, driving both productivity and innovation. Her journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a keen focus on improving production workflow, making her a vital asset
Marlain Deal
Plant Manager
As a qualified Chemical Engineer from Stellenbosch University, Marlain Deal started her career with Nestlé as a Production Team Leader in the Powders Filling and Packing plant at the Mossel Bay factory. After a journey of moving to another position, Marlain experienced a full-circle moment when she was appointed to her current position as Plant Manager for the Filling and Packing plant at the Mossel Bay factory. This position is a crucial part of Nestlé’s production process at the plant, ensuring that only the best quality products are produced and packaged before landing on the shelves and in consumers’ homes.
Lushé February
Assistant Application Group Manager
As an accomplished professional currently serving as the Assistant Application Group Manager at Nestlé, Lushé February plays a pivotal role in leading and optimising Nestlé’s product development and application strategies at the Mossel Bay facility in the Western Cape. Lushé forms part of the team that ensures that innovation stays top of mind when it comes to product development and evolution. She kick-started her journey at Nestlé in October 2019, when she joined the company as an Applications Process Technologist where she leveraged her expertise in food science and biochemistry ensuring high standards of quality and efficiency. Since then, her journey with Nestlé continues to demonstrate her leadership and technical skills contributing to the company’s success.
Thobeka Mzila
Agriculturist
Now soaring as an Agriculturist at Nestlé, after acquiring her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) Honours degree majoring in Agricultural Economics, Thobeka’s responsibilities lie in providing support and solutions to farmers in the Mossel Bay and George area to ensure a long-term milk supply at a competitive price and at the best quality. Additionally, her role also prioritises compliance with all food standards and considers the environmental impact in relation to Nestlé’s commitment to climate and Regenerative Agriculture. This includes collaborating with the Skimmelkrans farm in George – one of Nestlé’s trusted milk suppliers that is working towards being a net-zero carbon emission operation.
In light of women empowerment, Nestlé looks to uplift female farmers across the region through seminars like Farming In Heels. While highlighting all things agriculture and the importance of supporting women in the field, Nestlé’s efforts in sustainable livelihoods also lie in economic empowerment through initiatives like the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative which is aimed at helping young people gain job opportunities, apprenticeships and training through Nestlé’s Agri Competition, encouraging agripreneurship amongst young people.
