Thembisa baker uplifts the community

Mama Miriam Makamu from Thembisa enjoyed a remarkable 2024 filled with challenges, rewards and invaluable lessons.

As a bakery owner and participant in the Clover Mama Afrika project, she continues to make strides in her community despite the ups and downs of 2024.

“Last year was a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. Despite the challenges, I am proud of the progress made and lessons learnt,” said Mama Miriam.

“The support from Clover Mama Afrika and the dedication of our team were instrumental in keeping the bakery operational. I am optimistic about the future and committed to building a more resilient and thriving bakery.

“This journey has strengthened my resolve and confirmed my belief that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth.”

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Mama Miriam embraced key business principles that have helped her navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship:

• Adaptability is key: Whether adjusting product pricing or streamlining operations, she has learnt the importance of flexibility in maintaining success.
• Clear communication matters: Transparent discussions with her team and stakeholders were vital in implementing necessary changes.
• Resource management: She maximised limited resources while maintaining quality, demonstrating effective prioritisation.
• The importance of financial tracking: Detailed financial planning enabled her to identify areas for cost reduction and revenue improvement.
• Collaboration yields results: Working with her staff, family, and Clover Mama Afrika proved invaluable in overcoming challenges and exploring new opportunities.

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Mama Miriam’s reflections align with the overarching goals of the Clover Mama Afrika project, which has empowered women across SA since its inception in 2004.

The initiative, Clover’s flagship corporate sustainability project, focuses on reducing poverty by equipping women with skills to uplift their communities.

At the close of 2024, the Clover Mama Afrika project reflected on its successes, challenges and lessons learnt.

Under the guidance of Professor Elain Vlok, Clover’s manager of corporate services and the Clover Mama Afrika Trust, the initiative continues to thrive, boasting 440 training sessions and 2 313 beneficiaries since its launch.

“This year was one of success, persistence and growth. Our Mama Afrikas have shown incredible resilience, building successful centres and businesses despite their hurdles.

“I salute them for their hard work and passion. They believed they could, and they did,” said Vlok.

Among the standout Mama Afrikas of 2024, several women shared their reflections:

• Mama Feziwe Gambo from Amanzimtoti launched a bakery at her centre, creating jobs and encouraging persistence.
• Mama Gail Koeberg from Gauteng achieved accreditation for her sewing and baking projects, enabling her community to access certified training.
• Mama Felicity Maluleke from Soweto rediscovered her passion for bread baking, providing fresh and affordable bread to her community.
• Mama Nondumiso Mpitimpiti from the Eastern Cape expanded her early childhood development centre and continues to support foster care homes and local pre-schools.
• Mama Phomolo Raisa from the Free State celebrated her year of growth with recognition at various training courses and advancements in her farming business.

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Looking to 2025

As the Clover Mama Afrika project prepares for another year, Mama Miriam and her peers remain committed to their mission of community upliftment.

“This was another year where our Mama Afrikas worked extremely hard to become self-sustainable.

“I am passionate about this project and proud of the visible differences these women make in their communities,” said Vlok.