Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Julienne Du Toit
Published on 2024-03-21 05:00:32
The town of Cradock in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa comes alive in the early hours before dawn as the local bakers and cooks prepare their delicious treats for the day ahead. From mini quiches to chicken pies, sausage rolls, and other savory delights, the kitchens are a hive of activity. Rika and her husband Francois, known as Vossie, are hard at work creating a variety of baked goods that will be delivered to the beloved home industries shop, Dit en Dat.
Meanwhile, Ellen Taks in Michausdal township is also busy baking a batch of cupcakes and preparing her famous Malay-style koesisters, which have made her a minor celebrity in town. The aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air as the day begins.
One of the standout bakers in Cradock is Tannie Betsie van Jaarsveld, who bakes an impressive 16 cakes a day along with rusks and homemade biscuits. Maswazandile Mabusela, known as Maswazi, is the breakfast chef at the Victoria Manor and is constantly experimenting with new recipes to impress his guests.
Home industries like Dit en Dat have been a cornerstone of the community for years, offering a wide variety of homemade goods to the locals. The success of these bakers is closely tied to the active social life in Cradock, where every occasion calls for a delicious array of treats.
The cooperative nature of home industries allows for a diverse range of products to be offered, from baked goods to fresh produce and homemade goods. Each member contributes to the success of the group by offering their specialties and contributing to the collective buying power for essential ingredients.
The story of home bakers in South Africa is one of entrepreneurship and perseverance. From funding road trips with koeksusters to sending children to university, the impact of home baking goes beyond just satisfying a sweet tooth. The tradition of baking has changed lives and brought communities together in the most delicious way possible.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
