During 2014, DGRV and SEDA established the Bakery Incubation Centre of South Africa (BICSA), with a mandate to support cooperatives and SMME’s in the food manufacturing sector with emphasis on Bakeries in rural, peri-urban and urban areas. The aim is to support enterprises to create sustainable jobs, alleviate poverty and ensure food security in the disadvantaged communities in South Africa. The following case study represents an urban township life changing intervention by DGRV that addresses issues of poverty, unemployment, income generation and reduces inequalities.
This cooperative is based in the Township of Mamelodi north of Pretoria. The cooperative was registered in November 2018 and subsequently entered the BICSA incubation program. The idea of a bakery cooperative emerged because Mrs. Matsi was retrenched in 2005 and started baking scones from her kitchen. The business grew and over time the family got involved in a form of a cooperative. It has since grown to have two outlets in different sites of the township.
The cooperative is currently the main bread producer & provider in the community of Nellpmaphuis and Mamelodi, Pretoria and increased their market share massively.
Through DGRV and SEDA funding made available, the mentorship BICSA is able to provide continues support to make an impact to the Khumo Bohlale Family Bakery Cooperative.
This bakery is able to financially support the whole family, created employment to the community of Nellpmaphuis and Mamelodi and further played a critical role as an essential service provider during the COVID-19 national lockdown. Fresh, healthy bread available daily and at lower price compared to the dominating traditional bread suppliers.
Khumo Bohlale Family Bakery Primary Cooperative has reached a minimum average monthly turnover of R250 000 that increased to R330 000 over the peak December 2019 season.
Additionally, the cooperative has created 12 full-time jobs including the 5 members of the cooperative.
The GDP of the areas, province and country is different because of this economic activity and money circulation within the township.
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