From Vision to Venture

When young people combine their skills, experience and determination, they become a powerful force for change. For the five members of Mohautse Group, trading as Thabseki Bakery, what began as a shared vision to build something meaningful has grown into a thriving bakery business.

Established in 2023, the cooperative was founded by five members, comprising one male and four young women, who shared a common vision of building a successful bakery business while creating opportunities within their community. Operating from Cathcart in the Amahlathi Local Municipality, the cooperative specialises in the production of dough and confectionery products, serving customers across the local area.

By combining skills, passion and hard work, the cooperative's members are building a sustainable business while contributing to economic activity and opportunity creation within the Amahlathi community.

At the heart of the business is founder Mr Thabiso Mohautse, whose journey in the baking industry spans more than two decades. Having started his career in 2001, he boasts extensive experience through formal training and hands-on roles within the retail sector, including management positions at local supermarkets where he was responsible for training bakery staff and overseeing operations. Drawing on this wealth of knowledge, he joined forces with fellow cooperative members to establish a business that would transform experience into enterprise.

From the outset, the members demonstrated their commitment by investing more than R60 000 of their own funds into purchasing baking equipment. As demand continued to grow, the cooperative faced challenges associated with limited production capacity and manual processes that constrained efficiency and growth. Recognising the business’ potential and its contribution to local economic development, the ECDC, through the Imvaba Fund, assisted with bakery equipment valued at R399 252.

The support has strengthened the cooperative's ability to improve production processes, enhance workplace safety and position the business for future growth. The support also demonstrates the important role that strategic development funding can play in enabling emerging enterprises to scale their operations and contribute meaningfully to local economies.