Mama Mirriam expands even further in Thembisa

Mama Mirriam Makamu of Clover Mama Afrika from Thembisa was compelled to look for ways that would help her generate a source of income after her husband was laid off from his work as a professional builder and was unable to find another.
She started with one recipe and baked late into the night in a neighbour's oven before peddling her creations at the taxi ranks early the next morning.
She is the second Enterprise Development Project Mama appointed.
Sipho and Mary Bakery, which she opened in the heart of Thembisa in 2008, grew out of these humble beginnings.
Despite all the obstacles she faced, one of which was her lack of experience, her hard work, perseverance and dedication paid off, and her business has been steadily growing.
They are now a well-known bakery in the town and demand for their products continues to grow.
Mama Mirriam joined the Clover Mama Afrika project in March 2015 and now employs 34 full-time employees and five part-time employees.
She has been hard at work expanding her centre for the past few months and is thrilled about getting a pizza oven.
Al Fresco Pizza Ovens' Pieter van Niekerk arrived to light up the oven to allow Mama Mirriam to start baking pizzas.
Prof Elain Vlok, manager of Clover Mama Afrika Trust, assisted with the preparation of the base sauce, cutting the ham and mushrooms, grating the three cheeses and pitting the olives for these pizzas.
“I want to thank Prof Elain for the pizza oven and the lessons she has provided for me to make this a success. I am grateful for this experience,” said Mama Mirriam.