23 Jun 2024

From time immemorial, the global confectionery industry has witnessed the evolution of bread manufacturing techniques and skills development.

As manufacturing businesses expanded into third world and middle-income countries, governments prioritised empowering local populations through youth development programmes. Botswana government, also committed to improving livelihoods, has spearheaded initiatives aimed at empowering youth and alleviating poverty.

Recognising the high youth unemployment rates leading to many idling on the streets, the programmes aim to bridge the gap by fostering entrepreneurship. They encourage young people to establish their own enterprises, providing opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. Consequently, in the village of Mmankgodi in the Gabane/Mmankgodi Constituency, one determined youth, Mr Tshepo Sekgwane, is pursuing his dream of owning a successful bread and confectionary business under the name Funky Bread and Confectionary.

The young entrepreneur, who received funding from the Youth Development Fund in October last year, expressed in an interview that his passion for bread has always fueled his dream of owning his own bakery.

Tshepo emphasises that bread is a staple food among Batswana and can be adapted in various forms and types to suit a wide range of menus. Reflecting on his journey, Tshepo explains that his prior experience in the bread business motivated him to apply for the YDF programme.

When the opportunity arose, he seized it without hesitation. Despite his business being relatively new, he remains optimistic about its future and looks forward to better days ahead.

He also disclosed that he received funding to the tune of P98 000, which proved instrumental in establishing his bakery.

He takes us down memory lane, reminiscing about his experiences working at Spar, Payless and Star Bakery, where he gained invaluable knowledge central to realising his dream of starting his own business.

Patient and determined to learn, he emphasises the importance of on-the-job training and the guidance from fellow workers in acquiring the essential skills and techniques necessary for entrepreneurship.

Working in these environments allowed Tshepo to hone his skills in bread making, reinforcing his determination to pursue his dream.

He acknowledges that establishing Funky Bread and Confectionary was not without challenges, recounting initial setbacks including rejection from the YDF programme. Undeterred, he persisted, repeatedly reapplying until his proposal was finally approved.

He says his burning desire to open his own bakery kept him sane until he got what he wanted and ‘today I have my own business of which I am the manager and have even employed two more youths to help run the business.’

Tshepo acknowledges the challenges inherent in running a bakery in a village but remains resolute in confronting them head-on, understanding that success doesn’t come easily.

He contrasts the village bakery environment with urban settings where high customer volumes lead to frequent bread sales.

In villages, however, the dynamics differ significantly, with lower purchasing power and diverse consumer needs posing distinct challenges.

“Nevertheless, the residents of this village give me a lot of support and they are the ones who come to the bakery and buy bread”.

Tshepo offers a variety of breads at Funky Bread and Confectionary, including loaves, muffins, scones, rock buns, and local favourites such as fat cakes, mapakiwa, and diphaphatha. Responding to customer demand, he plans to expand his offerings to include cakes, for which many have already expressed interest and placed orders.

Expressing his aspirations, Tshepo mentions his goal of acquiring a cake mixer machine despite its cost, which he sees as an investment in meeting customer needs and expanding his business.

Currently operating out of a rented space, he dreams of owning his own premises in the future, underlining his commitment to long-term growth and sustainability.

“It is important that I have my own place so that I can save money for future expansion of the business and not only for my benefit but creating employment for others, especially the youth”.

Tshepo reckons that he will continue to market his business so that he can create a broad base of customers and also looks forward to tendering with schools to provide them with bread. ENDS