11 Feb 2014

Twenty-eight-year old Ms Sylvia Nkomanyane, of Oliphant Drift in the Kgatleng District, says one of the challenges holding back most of rural businesses is stiff competition for a small market.

Ms Nkomanyane, who runs a small bakery from home, says she is faced with more than four other similar businesses in the village to compete with. “It’s quite an experience that one has to appreciate and find some ways of working around if one has to succeed,” she says.

The young entrepreneur says it takes the heart of a lion to lose business to competitors but still talk and laugh as if there is nothing wrong. “Competition brings the best out of someone and this gives customers value for their money and a variety of goods and services to choose from,” she adds.

Ms Nkomanyane was not alone when what is today her own business started in 2010: “I had partners who later left because they could not stomach the frequent losses we experienced at the time.” Left alone to face the difficulties, she says she never gave up but held on believing that one day she would make it.

She says today her business is doing well despite the stiff competition. “I want to apply for the Youth Development Fund so that I can expand my business,” she says.

Ms Nkomanyane uses the traditional method of cooking bread where hot coals are put under and on top of a big rectangular plate with a lead. She explains that for the bread to be appealing one has to learn the skills until they master them.

“From mixing flour with other ingredients to the last product, one has to know what they are doing so the bread is appealing to customers,” she explains confidently.

Ms Nkomanyane acknowledges that nothing comes easy in life and there will always be a challenge along the way. She concludes that for her, baking is part of her life and that she will continue to do for many years to come. ENDS