Home-based baking has become increasingly popular in South Africa over the past few years, as more and more people are discovering the joys of baking from the comfort of their own kitchens. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a surge in demand for home-based baked goods, as many people turned to baking as they spent more time at home, and a way to cope the the stresses that the pandemic brought about.

Despite the growth in popularity of home-based baking in South Africa, many home-based bakers struggle to make a sustainable living from their craft. There are several reasons for this, including the lack of formal training and support, the high cost of ingredients, and the difficulty of competing with larger, more established bakeries.

However, supporting home-based bakers in South Africa is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, home-based baking is an important part of South Africa's cultural heritage, with many traditional recipes being passed down through generations of families. By supporting home-based bakers, we are helping to preserve this heritage and keep these traditional recipes alive.

Secondly, home-based baking provides an important source of income for many families in South Africa, particularly those in low-income communities. By purchasing baked goods from home-based bakers, we are not only supporting small businesses but also helping to alleviate poverty and promote economic growth.

Thirdly, home-based baking offers a unique and personalized touch to baked goods that cannot be replicated by larger bakeries. Home-based bakers often use family recipes and take great care in creating their baked goods, resulting in a unique and special product that is not available anywhere else.

There are several ways in which we can support home-based bakers in South Africa. Firstly, we can use A Piece of Cake SA to find the best hand-selected and closely vetted bakers, and support them. Secondly we can attend local markets and fairs where home-based bakers are selling their products. Additionally we can share information about A Piece of Cake SA and our home-based bakers on social media or recommend them to friends and family.

Finally, we can advocate for greater support and recognition of home-based bakers at a policy level. This could include providing training and mentorship programs for home-based bakers, reducing the barriers to entry for starting a home-based baking business, and creating opportunities for home-based bakers to showcase their products to a wider audience.

Home-based baking plays an important role in South African society, both as a cultural tradition and as a source of income for many families. By supporting home-based bakers, we are not only preserving this heritage and promoting economic growth but also enjoying delicious, homemade baked goods that are made with love and care.

References:

1. "The State of the Home-Based Baking Industry in South Africa." Business Insider, 28 May 2020, www.businessinsider.co.za/the-state-of-home-based-baking-in-south-africa-2020-5.
2. "Home-Based Baking Industry in South Africa." The South African, 14 June 2020, www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/home-based-baking-industry-in-south-africa.
3. "Support Local: The Home-Based Baking Industry in South Africa." FNB, 14 July 2020, www.fnbblog.co.za/support-local-the-home-based-baking-industry-in-south-africa/.