DUTYWA– What started as a simple curiosity during the COVID-19 lockdown has transformed into a growing baking business in Dutywa. Residing at Govan Mbeki Township in Dutywa turned this entrepreneur lockdown pastime into a skill that is now in demand across the Eastern Cape.
Oko Makohliso (36) the founder of Cakes by Oko, studied at Walter Sisulu University earning a Diploma in Local Government Finance in 2010. She later completed an Advanced Diploma in Public Management in 2024. After graduating, she stayed at home with nothing to do and tried all types of business, describing herself as a person who loved selling and styling people’s hair.
Her first venture was a decoration business called Cosy Event by Oko, focused on small gatherings such as baby showers, birthdays and other occasional events. She later found a job at Deloitte however the contract ended, so she continued with her decoration business.
During this time, she noticed that people were always asking for cakes, yet there were very few local bakers, so she referred clients to Nono and Sive in Butterworth. This led her to realise that baking was something she could do and it wasn’t complicated.
During the 2020 lockdown, Makohliso discovered her passion for baking. With ample time at home, she began watching YouTube tutorials to learn the craft. Eager to refine her skills, she enrolled in a two-day baking class in East London, investing R2,500 in her future. The classes paid off and her first order a cake for a girl who had seen her class attendance was a resounding success.
Buoyed by her achievement, Makohliso continued to hone her skills, attending further classes to master cake decorating. Her dedication and natural talent propelled her baking business forward, setting the stage for a sweet success story.
She was inspired by a baker named Sive, whom she met through her work in Butterworth at the Department of Education. Sive, who wakes up early to bake, encouraged her to take baking seriously after seeing her potential. Makohliso was also inspired by Aya Dish and her book Baking Bible. After buying the book, she realized her business could be serious. Aya Dish’s guidance helped her understand everything, including pricing. Previously, she had priced her cakes randomly and wasn’t making much profit, but now she is starting to make a profit.
Makohliso said that, “One of the challenges I face is load-shedding, as my small business cannot yet afford equipment like a generator. It’s still a problem but I plans to invest in this soon, seeing that my business is growing well,” she said.
Looking ahead, Makohliso wishes to offer baking masterclasses for those interested in learning baking and cake decorating, similar to the classes she attended in East London.
Orders for her baked goods can be placed on WhatsApp on 083 463 4427.
