The eThekwini Municipality's Community Container Bakeries Programme has created more than 220 permanent jobs, helping to transform small township bakeries into sustainable businesses, while boosting local economic development.
Launched in 2019, the initiative, which provides fully equipped container bakeries to qualifying co-operatives, aims to stimulate entrepreneurship, create sustainable employment, and improve food security in township and rural communities.
Since its inception, 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 baking equipment, operational support and training to help establish and grow their businesses.
To date, the programme has created about 222 permanent jobs within participating co-operatives.
The construction and installation of the bakery facilities has also generated approximately 300 temporary jobs for local residents, including opportunities in earthworks, concrete slab construction, plumbing, painting, and other infrastructure-related activities.
During the 2025/26 financial year, the municipality completed six container bakeries in Newlands West, uMlazi D Section, Welbedacht, Magabheni, Hammarsdale, and Shongweni.
The programme is expected to expand further in the 2026/27 financial year, with three additional container bakeries planned for KwaNyuswa, Dassenhoek and Inanda.
One of the programme's success stories is the Bread Army Bakery Co-operative in Zwelibomvu, west of Durban.
The co-operative has grown from a small home-based operation run by two people into a thriving enterprise, employing seven full-time staff since opening its container bakery in March 2025.
Co-operative member Khaya Nyawo said municipal support has enabled the business to grow rapidly.
"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. Our growth is a direct result of the municipality sponsoring us with a three-part container bakery and the equipment needed to operate.
“We also received baking ingredients, as well as water and electricity connections, which helped us start trading immediately. We now want to expand into other areas and create even more employment opportunities," Nyawo said.
The municipality equipped the bakery with an industrial oven capable of producing up to 900 loaves of bread a day, as well as a proofer, dough mixer, cake mixer, bread slicer, refrigeration equipment, worktables, storage facilities, a 5 000-litre water tank, baking utensils, and other essential baking equipment.
The municipality also provided R25 000 worth of baking ingredients, water services and a three-phase electricity connection to enable the co-operative to begin operations immediately.
Chairperson of the City's Economic Development and Planning Committee, Thembo Ntuli, said the programme demonstrates the impact of investing in small businesses.
"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. – SAnews.gov.za
