The trio of young women who make up Zinothando Bakery are amongst a group of entrepreneurs who are receiving training and mentorship. This programme aims to stimulate local employment and SMME development, in a response to high levels of unemployment within the Sarah Baartman District in Municipality.
Funded by Cookhouse Wind Farm in collaboration with Suzlon, its Operations and Maintenance Contractor, this programme focuses on addressing skills development and job access for local enterprises, as part of a Supplier Development Programme.
“For young people with entrepreneurial skills to access the economy meaningfully and sustainably, they need assistance and guidance. As part of this initiative, we aim to positively impact and encourage entrepreneurship amongst young women within the communities where we work,” said Lifa Baskiti, Community Liaison Officer for Cookhouse Wind Farm.
Having previously been mentored and trained as part of the Anchor Yeast Foundation, the trio also participated in two-week practicals at De Freitas Spar in Somerset East, following which they established a company while providing catering services in Cookhouse.
“They are among the first recipients of the Cookhouse Wind Farm Youth Skills Development Project in 2022 and in line for advanced training in baking later this year,” added Baskiti.
In addition to this, they benefited from the Sarah Baartman District in Municipality, SMME Support Fund. These women are truly a wonderful example of what is possible when young people take up opportunities.
“We are a group of dedicated women who only want to set a good example for the young people of our town through hard work,” said Zikhona Mjadu, one of the owners of Zinothando Bakery.
