Don’t you love reading about people who succeed against all the odds?
Meet Senzeni Tjameya, whose journey to success was sparked by a starter pack.
Like many young South Africans, Senzeni struggled to find a job after he left school. Inspired by his grandmother’s love of baking, he decided to enrol in our Bread & Confectionary Baking Course in 2021. He graduated with an outstanding 97%.
But it took a further three years of hard work, determination and planning before his brand new business, The Handyman Bakery, officially opened its doors in Tsakane, Brakpan. Since then, Senzeni’s bakery has built a solid reputation for outstanding products and service.
His commitment to quality is evident in every product that leaves his bakery – from vetkoek, doughnuts and scones, to biscuits, cupcakes, muffins and birthday cakes.
Seeing how his baked goods literally flew off the shelves, Senzeni decided to expand his customer base. He invested in a mobile bakery, which he takes to ‘pop up’ and craft markets, sports events and social gatherings.
But for Senzeni, it’s not just about selling products and making a living. Drawing from his own experiences, he is passionate about empowering young people and contributing to the local economy. He already employs two staff members, and his goal is to create more jobs, particularly for unemployed youth in Ekurhuleni.
Senzeni is now busy scouting sites with a view to opening additional bakeries. He also plans to franchise his operation to create more opportunities and contribute to the economic development of the region.
If this is what one young man can achieve – given the right skills and training – just think of the possibilities for unemployed youth in our country.
Right now, we have 76 students in training at Siyabonga Africa. They are moving through courses and programs in preparation for technical skills training in the workplace and small business development in baking, sewing, welding and food gardening – all with an eye to being able to open their own businesses.
But, like Senzeni, they may face years of frustration and set-backs before success is within their grasp. Unless you can find it in your heart to give them the start they need, by sponsoring a start-up pack.
Your donation, made now online, can set another eager young person on the path to success and help get South Africa working.
So please, will you make your donation now?
If you prefer to donate by EFT, our bank details are:
Bank: Absa
Branch: Brakpan
Account name: Siyabonga Africa
Account type: Cheque
Account number: 240 153 971
Please use your surname or company name as the beneficiary reference.
You can also donate by scanning the Snapscan code, or by Debit Order.
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