AMELIA MAKWAKWA RISES AGAINST THE ODDS, TRANSFORMING FROM COMMUNITY CAREGIVER TO MASTER BAKER

By Madali Chibambu

• Sowetan Amelia Makwakwa is a role model, showing others how skills development opportunities can change lives.
• ⁠For years, Makwakwa cared for others, bathing the ill, collecting medicines, and supporting child-headed households.
• Then she grabbed her chance to learn baking skills at the Philani Development Centre in Zuurbekom on the West Rand. It was a turning point for Makwakwa.

For years, Amelia Makwakwa spent her days caring for others.

As an Expanded Public Works Programme beneficiary, she bathed sick community members, collected medication for them, and supported child-headed households.

She gave her time and strength to those in need, never imagining that one day she would build a new future for herself.

Today, the 49-year-old mother from Protea Glen, Soweto, is a qualified and proud baker at the Philani Development Centre in Zuurbekom on the West Rand.

The centre, funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, has been empowering communities since 2001 through skills development and training programmes.

For Makwakwa, it became more than just a training centre; it became a turning point.

She arrived at Philani as a volunteer in the bakery, helping to distribute scones to homeless people in the mornings. What started as a simple act of service soon sparked something deeper.

“I fell in love with the smell of baking dough and cakes,” she recalls with a smile.

Seeing her interest and potential, the centre’s founder, Phillys Malope, opened the door for her to receive formal baking training. That opportunity changed everything.

At the time, Makwakwa was facing personal hardships. Her husband had left her to raise three children on her own, without financial support. The weight of responsibility was heavy, but she refused to give up.

“I get emotional when I look back,” she says. “I was going through a lot, but Mama Phyllis welcomed me with open arms. Through faith and determination, I pushed through.”

With dedication and perseverance, she mastered the art of baking.

Today, she confidently operates industrial ovens, mixes ingredients with precision, and manages customer orders. Together with her team, she bakes a variety of cakes supplied to different businesses and customers.

The stipend she earned during her training helped her provide for her children during difficult times. Now, she proudly shares that her eldest son is working, her second-born is studying at university, and her youngest is in high school.

“Honestly, I never thought government programmes could move you from zero to hero,” she says, beaming with pride.

Despite travelling long distances each day and starting work early to meet delivery deadlines, Makwakwa remains passionate about her craft.

Baking has not only put food on her table but also restored her dignity and confidence. She also earns extra income by baking for neighbours, friends and family, further strengthening her household.

Malope says she is proud of Makwakwa’s journey and resilience.
“She has made her children proud and shown them that anything is possible. Considering where she comes from, she has done magic. She is a true imbokodo, a strong woman,” she says.

From caring for the sick in her community to becoming a skilled pastry chef, Makwakwa is proof that with support, opportunity and determination, it is never too late to rise and rebuild.