Grandmother’s love for baking inspires man’s bakery dreams
The baker's journey started in 2021 upon graduating from Siyabonga Africa with really high marks.
Senzeni Tjameya, a baker trained at Brenthurst-based Siyabonga Africa under Lukas Skosana, now owns his own bakery – The Handyman Bakery and Confectionery – in Tsakani Ext 1.
The business is 100% African youth-owned, as well as a Level 1 B-BEEE contributor, and listed on the website of the Foundation for the Development of Africa.
The bakery is quickly gaining a reputation for top-quality products and service, and also has pop-up stalls at markets, sports events and social events, bringing the joy of great baked goods to the public.
Senzeni’s journey began in 2021, when he graduated from Siyabonga Africa’s Bread and Confectionary Baking programme with a score of 97%, highlighting and solidifying his commitment to the craft.
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He was initially inspired by his grandmother’s love for baking and wanted to go out and share that joy with others. Years of hard work and determination, as well as strategic planning, led to the opening of the bakery in August of this year.
“It became a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit in the community,” said Jacob Legodi, the fundraiser for Siyabonga Africa. “It’s more than just a business, it’s a legacy in the making.”
The bakery offers a wide array of baked goods, as well as bread on large orders ensuring that customers always have fresh baked goods to choose from.
“The bakery’s mission extends beyond selling goods, towards empowering the youth and contributing to the local economy. Senzeni has already hired two employees, and his goal is to create more jobs for unemployed youth in Ekurhuleni,” Jacob explained.
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Senzeni has also already received several accolades, and participated in Inqaba Yokulinda and NYDA Entrepreneurial Bootcamp, where he was selected as one of the top 20 entrepreneurs out of 100, despite being one of the newest businesses in the competition.
He was also nominated for Start-Up Business of the Year at the inaugural National Presidential SMME Awards in 2022.
He completed several prestigious business development programmes, including the Gauteng provincial government and Standard Bank Township Business Development Programme.
Those interested in supporting Senzeni and his business may follow along on social media, @the_handyman_bakery on Instagram and The Handyman Bakery on Facebook. Otherwise, customers may pop by at 33788 Lungelo Street.
