My name is Mondli Ndwandwe, and I'm a 24-year-old Honours graduate in Animal Science and currently an intern at Foxenburg Estate, where I work as a cheesemaker and produce other dairy products.

My passion for animals started at a very young age. Being the only boy at home, I was responsible for looking after our livestock, which included cattle, sheep, and goats. This early responsibility sparked my interest in agriculture, especially animal science.

Last year, I developed a particular interest in dairy. Since joining Future Farmers, I was keen to work in a dairy, seeing it as a chance for a better life and the opportunity to eventually start my own business. Thanks to Future Farmers, I was placed in a dairy, fulfilling my wish.

At Foxenburg, we produce cheese and other products using goat milk. We are fortunate to have about 300 goats, so we don't need to buy milk. We manage the entire process, from feeding the goats to producing high-quality milk, which we then process in our dairy. Our products have been winning competitions consistently due to their quality. During my time here, I've gained extensive experience in dairy production.

One of my proudest achievements is stepping up as the cheesemaker when the previous one left two months after I arrived. It was a busy season, and I had to quickly learn and take over. My performance was validated when our products won five awards at the agri-expo competition this year.

Adapting quickly to the role was challenging, especially during a busy period. However, my passion for dairy helped me manage. Working in a diverse environment with people from different cultures required patience and understanding, but it ultimately led to efficient teamwork.

My advice to Future Farmers starting apprenticeships is to always be willing to learn and aim to exceed the expectations of their seniors. With the experience I've gained so far, I am now eager to start my own dairy and realise my dreams.