Photo: Lindi Botha
Pamella Dzindikwa, head of production at Puglia Cheese and winner of the 2025 Hollard Game Changer Award, was honoured for her contribution to the cheese industry.
Since its inception in 2010, Puglia Cheese has won numerous prizes for their range of cheese, which includes burrata and fior di latte. Earlier this year at the South African Dairy Championships, the cheesery was recognised for Dzindikwa’s inspiring work.
Dzindikwa began her career at Puglia Cheese nine years ago as cleaner. She progressed to packaging, then assistant cheesemaker, and is now the production manager.
Speaking at the event, Andries Wiese, national business development manager at Hollard, said the Game Changer Award recognised young professionals who were making a meaningful impact in the dairy industry.
“This award acknowledges their achievements and encourages them to keep pushing boundaries. 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,” he said.
Commending Dzindikwa for the work she had done in the industry, Breyton Milford, general manager of Agri-Expo, said through hard work and dedication, Dzindikwa mastered the art of spun cheeses and played a key role in expanding Puglia’s range to include mature Cheddar, montasio, fontina, taleggio, and Manchego.
“Under [Dzindikwa’s] guidance, Puglia has [won] multiple awards at the SA Dairy [Championships] and the Aurora International Taste Challenge. Her innovation was demonstrated when she single-handedly developed a new cheese, Somerset, named in honour of Puglia’s location.
“Beyond production, Dzindikwa is a mentor, dedicating herself to training new cheesemakers and fostering a culture of excellence,” Milford said.
Commenting on the award, Dzindikwa said she was 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.”
