Local Ceres-Based Catering Business Empowered

What began as a small, faith-driven home catering business in Ceres has grown into a thriving community enterprise that not only serves quality meals but also creates meaningful employment for local residents. 

Magula Appetizing Food, founded by Nobomvu Mizpha Magula, was established with a vision to serve the community, while creating meaningful job opportunities for young people and community members with disabilities. Like many small enterprises, the business faced barriers to growth, including limited resources and a lack of formal business training. The business has since moved from a survival venture to a profitable one capable of catering to large church and community events. 

With support from Perdekraal East Wind Farm, Magula received funding to purchase essential catering equipment, enabling the business to operate more efficiently and professionally. Before the funding, the wind farm also provided Magula with hands-on training and mentorship in core business fundamentals, providing marketing skills as well as administrative and accounting expertise. 

“This support has changed the way I see and run my business. I now understand my strengths and weaknesses, how to position my services in the market, and how to manage my finances properly. What started as a small home operation has become a sustainable enterprise. Most importantly, I am now able to create opportunities for others in my community,” said Magula. 

Now operating as a profitable and growing enterprise, the business has created employment opportunities, including appointing a delivery driver who was previously a special-needs learner. 

“Our decision to sponsor this SMME was motivated by a strategic commitment to fostering economic development and supporting sustainable entrepreneurship within the communities we serve. We recognised the business’s potential for growth, its alignment with our organisational values, and its capacity to contribute meaningfully to local employment and innovation. By providing sponsorship, we aimed not only to strengthen the business’s operational capabilities but also to promote inclusive economic participation and long-term socio-economic impact,” said Gwynne- Lee Borcherds, Economic Development Manager for Perdekraal East Wind Farm.