Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
WOMEN have been urged to continue reaching for the sky and not to let where they come from limit their potential.
This was said by Zanu-PF DCC Secretary for Business Development Cde Andrew Makahamadze, who is also Zanu-PF shadow legislator for Southerton Constituency, when he officiated at the graduation of 80 bakers from across Zimbabwe in Harare on Saturday.
The 80 bakers from different parts of the country graduated after undergoing a five-month course of turning baking into a science at Bridal Innovational International Cake Academy.
The course was aimed at enhancing value within the small and medium enterprise sector.
Cde Makahamadze said the graduation shows that women-led baking enterprise is spreading beyond the capital to every province.
“This drive is not just centred in Harare, we are seeing it cutting across all provinces,” said Cde Makahamadze.
“Zimbabwe has come of age and there are people who are determined to showcase their wares even to the international community.”
He encouraged the bakers to be innovative and revolutionary in their baking. He praised their work that was on display as having a “Midas touch.”
“We are so elated, we are so happy that women are rising up and doing amazing things in baking, transforming baking into a scientific profession,” he said.
“I am hearing there are graduates from far-off places such as Victoria Falls and Murambinda, which shows that empowerment is spreading and this institution deserves our support,” he said
Bridal Innovations International Cake Academy CEO Ms Indra Chiyerere appealed for the Government’s assistance with the importation of equipment and provision of bigger premises.
She said the science behind baking deserves respect.
“Baking is not just about mixing flour with eggs. It is science. We need machinery, we need mixers, we need ovens, we need to change the baking world,” she said.
One of the graduates, Ms Tinotenda Gatsi, said the certification gives her pride as it is from an internationally recognised school.
“I am a certified beginner at this Innovative Institute. Scientific learning changes the way we think about cakes. I am happy and proud to be part of it,” she said.
Ms Tafadzwa Chikuvire from Murambinda thanked the institute for training her. She appealed for off-grid equipment like solar or gas appliances because her area has no electricity.
“We need support with sustainable equipment that can work without electricity, since we do not have electricity in my area,” she said
