11 Apr 2013

The poverty eradication programme continues to benefit many in rural areas where employment is scarce.

The programme would aid in attaining food security and sustainable livelihoods amongst disadvantaged individuals and families.

Among other packages under the poverty eradication programme, is the bakery component particularly in areas where competition is at its lowest.

In the settlement of Inalegolo, about 36 kilometres off the Trans Kalahari Highway near Kang in Kgalagadi District, five women have grouped themselves to kick-start a bakery with the help of social workers.

Ms Thapelo Dithatho who co-owns the bakery with the other four women said in an interview that they have now found a source of employment and things will never be the same again.

She admitted that starting such a project in a small locality requires faith and a lot of commitment. According to the 2011 Population Census, Inalegolo has a population of 662 people.

Ms Dithatho, however, is aware of the challenges of operating a business in an area where most people are not working which at times cripples their sales of bread.

She said despite low support from the community, they have won a tender to supply Inalegolo Primary School with bread.

Ms Dithatho expressed happiness over the help they have received from the government adding that the two week training in Kang was an eye opener for them to see that it is possible to run a small business and make a living from it.

“I want to thank the primary school for allowing us to use their old kitchen which we run our business from through the help of the council who provided stock for us to kick-start the bakery.”

She said even though the sales are usually high month end, they have now mastered the trend of sales, which helps them to bake just enough for people to buy and finish with little wastage.

Whoever gets into business always looks into the future and makes plans for expansion and that is what troubles Ms Dithatho together with her colleagues as to where they will be in the next five years.

Should their dreams come into fruition, they would like to see themselves being able to tender for bigger schools so that they make more profit and employ other youths. “There is nothing stopping us from achieving our dreams as long as we work hard to reach out to many opportunities.” ENDS