grown through word of mouth and by
being active on social media.
According to Shakil, the Riversands
Incubation Hub is an initiative founded
to help entrepreneurs grow in South
Africa. In addition, businesses housed
there pledge to support locals by
giving them jobs and skills training.
This is how Shakil found his committed
and loyal team of staff who are just as
passionate about baking as he is –
everyone is recruited from the local
township of Diepsloot and trained in
artisanal baking. “I have to be honest:
I wouldn’t be able to do what I do
without my staff; they are the most
important part of this business,”
Shakil smiles.
Speaking to Dikeledi Seshwene,
who runs the bakery in Laudium, she
positively beams with happiness when
talking about her job. “I really love
dealing with people,” she tells me.
“And I love it when customers come
into the shop and ask me about the
different goodies.” Having been with
Tonka Bean Bakery for over a year,
Dikeledi says that, although she lives in
Diepsloot, travelling to and from work
is not an issue as Shakil always helps
her out by fetching her in the mornings
and taking her back in the evenings.
Finally, I ask the Khans about the
quirky name: “Why Tonka Bean?”
Nazeema jumps up to bring me an
example of the bean while Shakil tells
me how he discovered this exotic
spice while working in San Francisco.
I’m given a black, shrivelled pod and,
when I smell it, it gives off scents of
clove, vanilla, cherry and something
darker, exciting and almost forbidden.
Native to South America, tonka beans
are exported around the world and
used to impart a distinctive flavour to
food. In large doses, the bean is
considered lethal, but tiny pinches of
it add a unique taste to any dish.
When I ask what’s in store for Tonka
Bean Bakery down the line, Shakil
tells me he believes the future of his
company is in the ordering service –
it’s a good vision, with a future-forward
focus that is sure to put Tonka Bean
Bakery on a trajectory of note.
279 OLIVINE STREET CORNER 10 AVE,
LAUDIUM, CENTURION; 078 078 0417;
TONKABEANBAKERY.CO.ZA
FOODANDHOME.CO.ZA APRIL 2019 29BUSINESS WATCH