ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ETHEKWINI BAKERY PROGRAMME CREATES JOBS AND TRANSFORMS COMMUNITIES
From humble beginnings with just two people baking from their home, the Bread Army Bakery Co-operative in Zwelibomvu has grown into a thriving enterprise.
Today, it employs seven full-time staff and supplies freshly baked goods to its community, a testament to the transformative impact of eThekwini Municipality’s Community Container Bakeries Programme.
Launched in April 2019, the programme provides fully equipped container bakeries to qualifying co-operatives. Its aim is to stimulate local economic development, create sustainable jobs, and improve food security in township and rural communities.
Since inception, the Municipality has invested approximately R28 million, delivering more than 30 bakery infrastructure projects across the City. Beneficiaries also receive equipment, operational support, and training.
To date, bakeries established through the programme have created around 222 permanent jobs within co-operatives.
In addition, the construction and installation of bakery facilities generated approximately 300 temporary jobs for local residents, including work in earthworks, slab construction, plumbing, painting, and other infrastructure-related activities.
During the 2025/26 financial year, six container bakeries were completed in Newlands West, uMlazi D Section, Welbedacht, Magabheni, Hammarsdale, and Shongweni. Building on this success, three more bakeries are planned for the 2026/27 financial year in KwaNyuswa, Dassenhoek, and Inanda, extending opportunities to additional communities.
One of the programme’s standout success stories is the Bread Army Bakery Co-operative in Ward 100, Zwelibomvu. Since opening in March 2025, it has already achieved significant growth.
Khaya Nyawo from the co-operative said: “When we started, there were just two of us using a household stove. Today, we employ seven people, and we supply bread and other baked goods across our community. Our growth is a direct result of the Municipality sponsoring us with a three-part container bakery and the equipment needed to operate. We also received baking ingredients, as well as water and electricity connections, which helped us start trading immediately. We now want to expand into other areas and create even more employment opportunities.”
The co-operative received a fully equipped bakery, including an industrial oven capable of producing 900 loaves per day, a proofer, dough mixer, cake mixer, bread slicer, industrial sink, steel worktables, refrigeration equipment, a point-of-sale counter, storage facilities, a 5 000-litre water tank, baking utensils, and other accessories. The Municipality also provided R25 000 worth of baking ingredients, water services, and a three-phase electricity connection.
Councillor Thembo Ntuli, Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, said: “This programme continues to demonstrate that investing in small businesses creates sustainable livelihoods, strengthens township economies, addresses unemployment, and delivers lasting hope to communities across eThekwini.”
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
