Primary school girls in brisk business

Thembelihle Ncube and Mediate Mpofu

             Matobo- Two siblings aged 10 and12 have the Kezi community enraptured and eating out of their hands, thanks to their exceptional baking talent and  business acumen.

The business savvy juveniles are two sisters who go to  Kezi Primary School. Elma Mpofu, the older one, is in grade 7 while the  younger Cleopatra Ndlovu is doing Grade 5. 

It all began when the prodigies stumbled on some baking videos on their aunt’s phone which captivated their callow, inquisitive minds and prompted them to try out the recipes  

“We watched baking videos on our aunt’s mobile and we’re inspired to attempt the recipes and it worked like magic,” explained Elma.

Notwithstanding that the videos they watched were based on oven use, the siblings were taught to improvise in the absence of an oven by their aunt  although they have now managed to buy a gas stove with an oven using proceeds from the business.

“When we started off, we weren’t using an oven. We were taught to use traditional ways in which firewood was central by our auntie,” said Cleopatra.

Silibaziso Moyo, who happens to be the girls’ aunt said she was prodded to support the girls’ venture after realizing their immense talent at baking.

“Initially, I was dismissive and did not take the girls seriously when they asked me for baking ingredients but I changed my mind when l tasted their products,” added a visibly excited Moyo.

Sinanzeni Sibanda who has become one of the girls’ regular customers said the community is playing its  part in supporting the girls’  start-up business as she predicted a bright future given the support they are enjoying.

“l  was under the impression that it was their mother or some older person baking the cakes until l actually saw them doing the baking. It was amazing,” said Sibanda.

Senzele Ndlovu, the girls’ father has let them thrive and is giving them all the necessary backing they require by marketing and acting as the salesperson for his children’s products. His efforts have come in handy in allowing the sisters to strike a balance between their business undertaking and their school work.

“l advertise for them and I also receive and deliver orders on their behalf . So far, they have managed to  purchase a gas stove with an oven and they are now saving for a gas cylinder and more equipment,” said a proud Ndlovu.

Councillor for the area,  Vincent Ndlovu told this publication that the two sisters are endowed with tremendous, rare talent that needs to be nurtured.

“The girls are blessed with uncommon talent which belies their ages…I have tested one of their delicious cakes and I encourage all parents to teach their children such skills and allow them to flourish,” said Cllr Ndlovu.

Elma and Cleopatra are making brithday cakes,scones and biscuits which have become a hit in the community and among their school mates.