By Sbongile Sokela
Handyman Bakery and Confectionary, founded by Senzeni Clayton Tjameya, is a proud 100% African youth-owned entrepreneurial bakery dedicated to delivering top-quality baked goods. Emphasizing the importance of quality ingredients, this bakery offers a diverse range of products including fat cakes, biscuits, cupcakes, red cakes, muffins, scones, birthday cakes, doughnuts, platters, coffee sachets, bread, rolls, and buns available daily.
Inspired by Senzeni’s grandmother’s baking, the business found its unique name from a client who recognized his skill as “the handyman baker” after he baked a cake in her renovated kitchen oven. Senzeni honed his craft through a comprehensive Bread and Confectionary Baking course at Siyabonga Africa Skills Training & Development Centre, excelling with a top score of 97%, which equipped him with extensive practical skills and business management knowledge. Building experience by volunteering as a pizza maker and baker, his dedication quickly opened doors to various shops and bakeries.
Handyman Bakery has actively participated in numerous prestigious programs and events since its inception in 2021. Highlights include placing 12th out of 100 entrepreneurs at the Inqaba Yokulinda and NYDA Entrepreneurial Bootcamp, nominations and awards such as the Start-up Business of the Year at the National Presidential SMME Awards 2022, and completing multiple business and incubator programs. In 2024, the bakery proudly launched its shop at One Retail Junction in Tsakane Ext1 and engaged actively in community festivals and supplier development initiatives.
The business is committed to social impact by creating employment opportunities for youth, hosting interns from Ekurhuleni East TVET College, and environmentally conscious transformations of illegal dumping spots into productive commercial sites. Looking forward to 2027, the bakery plans to franchise to extend its job creation impact further.
Handyman Bakery operates an innovative mobile bakery presence at pop-up markets, flea markets, sports, and social events, also offering baking and pizza classes. Its customer base spans workers, construction crews, schools, small businesses, sports events, aspiring entrepreneurs, housewives, and corporate parties.
Key strengths include a broad variety of cakes, ability to fulfill large orders, and a highly qualified and experienced team. However, challenges remain in strengthening social media presence, branding, marketing efforts, and managing electricity supply.
The bakery strategically positions itself against key competitors like L.S Bakery & General Dealer and Joyce Confectionary and Bakery, while aiming to capture market share in the larger industry dominated by major players such as Pioneer Foods, Foodcorp, Tiger Brands, and Premier.
Major clients include One Retail Junction, Enterprises University of Pretoria, Mamellong Comprehensive School, and Pholosong Hospital, reflecting confidence in Handyman Bakery’s quality and reliability.
With a vision to achieve consistent profit, grow as a dependable supermarket supplier, and uplift local communities through entrepreneurship, Handyman Bakery is not only baking delightful products but also shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for Ekurhuleni and beyond.
Tjameya stated, “We are planning to get accreditation so we can open a baking school and because we are close to two high schools, we will start training their Grade 12 learners so they can have a Certificate of Bread and Confectionary Baking.”
