While most businesses were forced to close during the COVID-19 lockdown, Thokozile Innocentia Mahlaba chose a different path. Faced with the challenges of the taxi industry, which was struggling due to the pandemic, Innocentia was compelled to think outside the box and venture into something new. With her taxis grounded by the lockdown regulations, she needed to find an alternative source of income.
Reflecting on the difficult period, Innocentia admits, “It was a difficult time. Although my husband was working, one income was not enough. The taxis support my mother back at home, so with them not on the road, it was a huge financial blow for us. I decided that I have hands and I must put them to good use to help my husband and mother in the process.”
The idea to start baking came from an unexpected source—a lady Innocentia follows on Facebook who encouraged people not to limit themselves and to avoid relying solely on food parcels during the economic downturn. This lady advised her followers to consider baking as a way to generate income.
“I took down the recipe, bought the ingredients, and started practicing baking,” Innocentia recalls. “It came naturally to me because when I was growing up, my mother used to bake, and I had a love for it. I remember when I was in grade 8, a lady asked me to bake for her, and she paid me R20,” she says with a laugh.
Today, Inno’s Bakery is a thriving business, though it currently employs just one other person. Beyond running her bakery, Innocentia is committed to giving back to the community by offering baking lessons to those interested in starting their own businesses. “I have online classes and physical ones. I teach people to bake a variety of things—muffins, scones, birthday cakes, and wedding cakes,” she shares.
Recognizing the high unemployment rate, Innocentia believes in the importance of staying productive. “Unemployment is high, and it’s a good thing to have something to do. Keeping busy helps avoid negative thoughts, such as resorting to crime or suicide,” she adds.
Inno’s Bakery is located in Allandale View, Ebony Park, Thembisa, where Innocentia continues to inspire others with her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
By Sibongile Sokela
