Siyavuya Mbondwana
Cape Town,Western Cape
Summary
Versatile food science graduate with hands-on experience in microbiological testing and laboratory operations, dedicated to supporting quality assurance and compliance within the food industry. Proven ability to apply scientific knowledge to optimize manufacturing practices and enhance product safety through meticulous testing and environmental monitoring.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Microbiologist
Fair Cape Dairies
Cape Town, Western Cape
01.2023 - Current
- To accurately and timeously perform all routine microbiological tests on incoming raw materials, in-process samples and final products.
- To accurately and timeously conduct environmental sampling in the factory environment and on factory equipment used.
- World class manufacturing and quality practices and models.
- Specific product and process knowledge.
- Testing methods and tools used in micro testing.
- Problem solving tools.
- Audit practices and principals.
- Knowledge of SANAS Practice & Principles.
- Maintaining occupational health, safety and environmental legislation relevant to the food.
Laboratory Technician
Fair Cape Dairies
Cape Town, Western Cape
12.2022 - 01.2023
- Calibrations of lab equipment.
- Milk & Cream monitoring.
- Daily Hygiene Audit.
- CSB capturing - Octobyte.
- 24 hours product testing.
- CIP chemical concentration checks.
- Daily Handovers.
- Release of holding tanks and wip products.
- Sign off CIP records daily.
- Consumable inventory check.
- Oxonia/Sanitizer concentration checks.
New Product Development Technologist
Faircape Dairies
Cape Town, Western Cape
08.2025 - 01.2026
- Collaborated cross-functionally with microbiology, laboratory, and production teams to optimize product formulations and processes for enhanced quality and shelf-life.
- Utilized advanced problem-solving tools and methodologies to troubleshoot production challenges and improve product consistency and efficacy.
- Conducted comprehensive market and technical research to identify new ingredients and technologies applicable to product development projects.
- Ensured adherence to regulatory requirements, including SANAS standards and occupational health and safety legislation, throughout the product development lifecycle.
- Coordinated pilot-scale production trials to validate new product formulations, ensuring scalability and manufacturability in line with quality standards.
- Developed and maintained detailed documentation of product specifications, standard operating procedures, and test methods to support consistent product development and regulatory compliance.
Quality Controller
Crown Food Group
Cape Town, Western Cape
09.2019 - 08.2020
- Positive release testing to blending and final positive release testing in packaging.
- Raw material sampling and testing.
- Enter results onto the iComply system and file COA's.
- Conduct daily process auditing and report a non-conformance. Ensure that INCR is sent to the relevant department, work with the operations team to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions.
- Conduct daily verification of all equipment in the laboratory and report any non-conformances.
- Timeously load COA's onto the SharePoint system.
- Load microbiology results and upload final COA's onto the SharePoint system for approval.
- Ensure all results are interpreted and timeously communicated if any exceptions or results are obtained.
- Release final product from the Syspro system.
- Handle of shelf-life extension requests from customers, evaluate samples and advise on the status of extension.
- Conduct shelf-life extension validation studies by setting up samples in accelerated and ambient storage, evaluate samples and update the report.
- Conduct environmental monitoring which includes swabbing surface areas, hand and drain swabs and submit to the relevant laboratory.
Education
BSc - Food Science and Technology
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
12.2024
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Analytical thinking
- Aseptic sampling
- Quality management
- Quality control
Languages
- Xhosa
- English
- Xhosa
References
Lungiswa, Faircape Dairies, 0735221078, Lungiswamtose@gmail.com
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 09/19/98
- Gender: Male
Region
Eastern Cape
Ethnicity
African
Timeline
New Product Development Technologist
Faircape Dairies
08.2025 - 01.2026
Microbiologist
Fair Cape Dairies
01.2023 - Current
Laboratory Technician
Fair Cape Dairies
12.2022 - 01.2023
Quality Controller
Crown Food Group
09.2019 - 08.2020
BSc - Food Science and Technology
Cape Peninsula University of Technology