The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM), in collaboration with various partners, empowered vulnerable women from the Breede Valley through a Baking Skills Training Programme during the month of June. The initiative culminated in a certificate ceremony held on Friday, 27 June 2025.
Together with its partners—the Breede Valley Municipality, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Education, and the Safehouse in Worcester—CWDM identified the training need and selected the fifteen (15) women to participate in the programme, which was conducted by G&D Guesthouse.
The course covered essential skills, including:
- Cleaning and maintaining preparation and cooking areas and equipment
- Baking and decorating basic cakes and biscuits
- Preparing, cooking, and finishing basic dough products
- Preparing and cooking basic cold and hot desserts
The lack of skills development continues to hinder sustainable progress in the rural communities of the Cape Winelands District. Violence, social isolation, and low education levels make young, unemployed women more vulnerable and increase their risk of sexual exploitation. Economic empowerment opportunities, such as the Baking Skills Training Programme, help reduce these vulnerabilities and strengthen the resilience of young women.
“Our goal is to support our female citizens in becoming self-sufficient and independent,” explained Cllr Minnie Petersen (Portfolio Holder: Rural and Social Development).
