THOHOYANDOU - A group of unemployed women at Malavuwe village, east of Thohoyandou, clubbed together to form a community bakery as a means of combating poverty and unemployment.

The projected started three years ago. The eight women and two men donated R50 each and started to produce bricks. With the bricks they built two rooms, which served as their working place.

They started by baking vetkoekies. The vetkoek baking project continued for a very long time. They increased their vetkoek production until they had enough money to buy four pans, which they used to bake bread.

They worked for long hours. And finally they managed to buy a 65kg bag of flour from which they were able to bake bread, a project they are busy with until today. They still continue to bake and sell vetkoekies.

The group says that it does not have sponsorship to expand their business. They therefore appeal to the public for any help so that they could erect a proper secure building.

Among their numerous needs is an electric stove to be used for baking as they still use self-made fire to bake bread. The group said they would work harder and employ more people if they can get a sponsor.