The kitchens at Clover Mama Afrika were recently filled with the warm aroma of freshly baked goods, and more importantly, the spirit of learning and empowerment as a group of dedicated Mamas completed their Pies and Pastries Training.

The Mamas were guided through hands-on training in the art of baking savoury pies and sweet pastries. For many, this was not just a new skill but a powerful tool, an opportunity to return to their home centres and create income-generating ventures within their communities.

But the training didn’t stop at the oven door.

Recognising that sustainable empowerment means combining skill with strategy, the programme also included a mini workshop on costing and profit calculations. This additional session taught the Mamas how to price their products accurately by understanding ingredient costs, labour, and profit margins, ensuring they can turn their baking efforts into viable micro-businesses.

‘We believe in nurturing skills that lead to independence,’ says Rika Haasbroek, Clover Manager: Corporate Social Investment. ‘By offering both practical training and basic business knowledge, we equip our Mamas to thrive, not just survive.’

The initiative is part of Clover Mama Afrika’s ongoing commitment to uplifting women across South Africa through education, skills development, and community support. Every pie baked is a step toward self-sufficiency, and every Mama trained becomes a beacon of hope in her community.

With the success of this workshop, and the beautifully crafted pastries that came out of it, the impact is already being felt, and tasted, in communities across the country.