Workers’ Day – observed annually on 1 May – offers an opportunity to recognise the value of the people doing the critical work that keeps South Africa running and playing an important role in enabling food security. Jan Gaebonwe, a roto operator Beefmaster Group, is such a person.
He graduated with a Diploma in Animal Production on the 24th of April 2025 from the Peritum Agri Institute and was fully funded and supported by the business. His story is not just about growth, but rather, a story about the importance of investing in the people and industry that does essential work of feeding our nation.
Gaebonwe, who has been at Beefmaster Group for eight years, started as a casual worker at the company’s feedlot in Christiana in 2017. “After showing hard work and dedication, I was given a permanent position in the same year as a dump truck operator, and the following year, I became a roto operator.”
A roto mix operator is responsible for operating a vehicle equipped with a specialised mixing system that is used in livestock feeding, to mix feed ingredients and deliver them accurately to animals. This includes driving the vehicle, ensuring proper loading and mixing, and dispensing feed at the designated location.
To help ease the transition into his new role, Beefmaster Group provided Gaebonwe with specialised driver training. “The tractor training was a great source of inspiration and motivation for me, as I had never had the chance to drive a tractor in my entire life. From that point forward, I became a competent driver. After receiving the training, everything just fell into place, and I became a better operator than before.”
However, he says a true turning point in his career came when Beefmaster invested in his education, enabling him to pursue an NQF Level 4 and Level 5 Diploma in Animal Production. “My dreams, passion, and love for the agricultural industry became a reality. I grabbed the opportunity to further my studies with both hands.”
He says the journey has taught him many life lessons. “I’ve learned that everything is possible. I have gained so much knowledge that has helped me grow into a better person. I’ve also learned the importance of teamwork, dedication, problem-solving, and patience – all essential skills for achieving so much more.”
During his studies, he learned how to feed livestock, from receiving cattle into the feedlot through every stage of their care and feeding, right up to the final phase where they are prepared to produce tender, high-quality meat for consumers around the world.
Cindy Nkgoeng, HR Manager at Beefmaster Group, says the company is committed to agricultural communities through the creation of employment opportunities, and that the development of employees is central to its ethos. This is why there are numerous formalised training opportunities available to staff.
“We offer a learnership programme for unemployed individuals and youth in Fresh Meat Processing, providing them with the skills that make them employable,” she says.
Since the programme launched in 2021, Beefmaster Group has permanently employed 70 young people. This year, the company enrolled a further 20 unemployed individuals into the programme. In addition to Gaebonwe, another employee being supported is Edwin Makoloi, who has achieved his Red Seal Artisan Certificate in Plumbing in March 2025 from Kimberley. “We are currently offering bursaries to three students who are pursuing university studies,” Nkgoeng adds.
She says the company also has nine interns based at its beef processing plant in Kimberley, and six interns at the Christiana feedlot. These interns are participating in a two-year experiential training programme that began in 2023. “The aim is to provide these young graduates with relevant industry experience and practical knowledge. We support all employees, including through our Adult Education and Training (AET) programme, which offers literacy in communication and numeracy.”
For Gaebonwe, it’s all about mindset.
“I believe one should be grateful for the opportunities life presents. I am determined to keep doing good work, and I’m proud of the role I’ve played thus far in putting food on people’s tables around the world. Watch this space, as I am only just getting started,” he concludes.
