Baking queen Fanele scores entrepreneur of the year

BUSINESSWOMAN Fanele Manyoni shed tears of joy when she was presented with the 2020 Judy Barbour Entrepreneur Award at a ceremony hosted by Zikulise Community Upliftment Project NPC in Richards Bay last week.

She received the accolade for her business skills and for putting into practice the Baking and Business management training she has obtained from the non-profit organisation.

The award was made possible by Roger Barbour who, together with his wife Sue, expressed his wish to honour the memory of his late mother Judy Barbour by giving an annual award in her name to a deserving entrepreneur who started his or her journey at Zikulise.

Fanele said the award is not only a recognition for her work but an opportunity for her to expand her business offering.

‘I used to bake for fun, I didn’t know how to follow recipes or how to cost my products when I first started. After the courses I attended at Zikulise, I improved.

‘I could make top quality and good tasting cakes that every customer was satisfied with. I always wanted to learn more, though. I dreamt of making themed cakes.

‘I identified a gap in the market but I did not know how to bake the cakes and I could not afford to attend the course. Now with this amazing prize, my dream is coming true and I promise I will not disappoint,’ she said.

Fanele said the entrepreneurial skills training provided by Zikulise gives hope to many and helps in the development of local communities.

‘Your work has made a difference not only in my life but also I believe to hundreds of other people.’

Her prize included a five-day advanced baking course for the making of themed cakes and a start-up kit to help her officially launch her business. It also includes a voucher to purchase ingredients for her business.

To add icing onto the cake and a cherry on top, Umfolozi Hotel Casino and Convention Resort General Manager Pam Nagappa gifted a one night stay voucher at the resort which includes two rooms, dinner, bed and breakfast to Fanele.

Nagappa, who attended the ceremony, encouraged Fanele and other entrepreneurs to make a positive impact through their businesses.

‘Never start a business to make money. Start a business to make a difference. People do not buy goods and services. They buy relationships, stories and magic.’