LIMPOPO – When Portia Musiiwa Munyai launched her own business, she was driven by the desire to be her own boss and make a difference in her community.

Hailing from Ha-Mashau village outside Louis Trichardt in the Vhembe district, Munyai is the proud owner of Vhanyai Vhakalanga Bakery, a confectionery business she founded in 2019 during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Munyai’s bakery serves both individuals and institutions, specialising in a wide range of confectionery products.

Her journey into entrepreneurship was a gradual but determined one. Before starting her business, Munyai gained experience working at several notable institutions, including CNA, Johannesburg Zoo, Nedbank, and Standard Bank. She also holds a diploma in financial management from Central Johannesburg College.

The idea to start her own bakery took root in 2019, during the uncertainty of the pandemic. “I began to worry about what would happen if I lost my job, as I had no backup plan,” Munyai recalls.

“I discussed the idea with my father, who helped me secure land, and I started teaching myself to bake using social media and the internet. Growing up next to a bakery, I always had an interest, even though I was often teased at school for being the ‘bakery owner’s daughter.’ But that only fuelled my determination.”

Munyai’s initial attempts at baking were far from perfect. “I wasn’t a great baker at first,” she admits. “But being a baker is about more than just making cakes; it requires love and passion to create high-quality products. My long-term goal is to expand into a factory shop, which will create even more job opportunities for those in need.”

Vhanyai Vhakalanga Bakery has become a beacon of light in Munyai’s community, demonstrating that it is possible for women to run successful businesses.

Her commitment to job creation and poverty alleviation is evident in the employment opportunities she has already generated.

Asked what motivates her to keep going, Munyai’s passion shines through, “I want to inspire other women in my community and build wealth that I can pass down to my family. I’m fortunate to have a very supportive family who always go the extra mile for me,” she said.