eThekwini’s Community Container Bakeries Programme has created 222 permanent jobs while supporting township entrepreneurs, food security and sustainable local economic development.
The eThekwini Municipality’s Community Container Bakeries Programme is helping transform small township bakeries into sustainable businesses, creating employment, supporting food security and strengthening local economies across Durban.
Launched in 2019, the initiative provides fully equipped container bakeries to qualifying co-operatives, enabling aspiring entrepreneurs to establish viable businesses while creating long-term employment opportunities in township and rural communities.
Since its launch, the municipality has invested approximately R28 million in the programme, delivering more than 30 bakery infrastructure projects across the city. Beneficiary co-operatives also receive industrial baking equipment, operational support and business training to help grow sustainable enterprises.
The programme has created approximately 222 permanent jobs, while the construction and installation of the container bakeries generated around 300 temporary employment opportunities for local residents through earthworks, plumbing, painting and other infrastructure-related work.
During the 2025/26 financial year, six new container bakeries were completed in Newlands West, uMlazi D Section, Welbedacht, Magabheni, Hammarsdale and Shongweni. A further three facilities are planned for KwaNyuswa, Dassenhoek and Inanda during the 2026/27 financial year.
One of the programme’s success stories is the Bread Army Bakery Co-operative in Zwelibomvu, west of Durban. What began as a home-based business operated by just two people has grown into a thriving enterprise employing seven full-time staff since opening its container bakery in March 2025.
“When we started, there were just two of us using a household stove. Today, we employ seven people and supply bread and other baked goods across our community,” said co-operative member Khaya Nyawo.
“Our growth is a direct result of the municipality sponsoring us with a three-part container bakery and the equipment needed to operate. We now want to expand into other areas and create even more employment opportunities.”
The municipality equipped the bakery with an industrial oven capable of producing up to 900 loaves of bread a day, along with commercial mixers, refrigeration equipment, storage facilities, a 5,000-litre water tank, and other essential baking infrastructure. It also provided R25,000 worth of baking ingredients, water services and a three-phase electricity connection to help the co-operative begin trading immediately.
Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, Thembo Ntuli, said the programme demonstrates how investment in small businesses can create lasting economic opportunities.
“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,” Ntuli said.
