Confectionary Sales Stall

Group: Nzo humanist community group 

Members:

Ayanda Mthembu 

Lindiwe Khumalo 

Naledi Sebe 

Chantel Naidoo 

Thabo Molefe 

Sipho Dlamini 

Pieter van der Merwe 

Jabulani Zulu 

Kagiso Radebe 

Mxolisi Ngcobo 

Email - bandilej014@gmail.com

Phone +27 72 476 7899

Location - Nzo Municipality

What does humanism mean to your group?

As members of the Nzo Humanist Community Group, residing in a modest and under-resourced settlement, we affirm our commitment to the principles of humanism, which guide our daily lives, relationships, and aspirations. To us, humanism is a philosophy that affirms the inherent dignity, worth, and equality of all human beings regardless of social status, religious affiliation, or economic background. It is grounded in reason, compassion, and a belief in our collective ability to improve the human condition through mutual support and ethical action.

In the face of the many challenges we experience poverty, limited access to education, and systemic neglect, humanism offers us a framework of hope and empowerment. We do not rely on supernatural interventions, but instead place our trust in human effort, critical thinking, and the strength of our community. Humanism encourages us to care for one another, to promote education and dialogue, and to act with kindness and respect in all our interactions. It calls upon us to build a society in which every child has the opportunity to learn, every individual is treated with dignity, and every voice is valued.

Within our context, humanism is more than a philosophy; it is a practical commitment to resilience, self-determination, and solidarity. It inspires us to create change, however modest, and to believe in the possibility of a better future through our own actions. This is what humanism means to us in Nzo: the pursuit of human dignity, equality, and justice, grounded in reason and compassion, and expressed through our shared humanity.

Project Description

Members of the Nzo Humanist Community Group are coming together to create a dignified source of income by launching a small, community-run confectionery stall. As committed humanists, we believe in the power of self-reliance, cooperation, and compassion. Guided by these principles, we aim to build a sustainable means of livelihood that reflects our values and responds to the economic needs of our community. This initiative will focus on the production and sale of affordable, flour-based baked goods such as buns, mandazi, chapati, and simple pastries. These items are both familiar and accessible to local residents, making them well-suited for a small-scale food enterprise. The stall will be managed and operated by members of our humanist group, many of whom are currently unemployed or underemployed and seeking meaningful ways to support themselves and their families.

We see this project not only as a way to earn a living, but as a demonstration of what can be achieved when people work together with integrity, reason, and purpose. The project will be funded by HuMAN (Humanist Mutual Aid Network), whose support will enable us to acquire startup materials, baking equipment, and basic training in food safety and small business operations. We are deeply grateful for this partnership, which empowers us to move from vision to action.

Proceeds from the stall will be reinvested into the business to ensure sustainability, while a portion will support the broader activities of the Nzo Humanist Community Group. This includes group education initiatives, mutual aid support, and the development of additional skills-based projects aimed at long-term self-sufficiency.Ultimately, this stall is more than a business venture it is a humanist effort to reclaim our dignity, strengthen our community, and prove that even in difficult circumstances, we can build a better future through cooperation, compassion, and belief in our shared humanity.

Budget

Startup Budget – Nzo Humanist Confectionery Stall 

Wood & metal sheets (stall structure) – $80

Work table for baking/preparation – $30

Display shelves/rack – $20

Basic signage & branding materials – $15

Baking tools (rolling pins, trays, knives, etc.) – $30

Mixing bowls & storage containers – $20

Small cooking stove (charcoal or gas) – $40

Initial fuel supply – $15

Protective gear (aprons, gloves, towels) – $10

Starter packaging (paper bags, foil) – $10

Cleaning supplies – $10

Contingency (for price variations) – $20

Total: $300

Expected Income from Project, with Timeline

The Nzo Humanist Confectionery Stall is expected to generate steady income by selling flour-based baked goods such as mandazi, chapati, and buns, six days a week. On average, the stall aims to sell around 40 items daily at $0.20 each, resulting in approximately $8 in daily sales. This translates to about $48 per week and roughly $192 in monthly revenue. In the first month, income may be slightly lower as the team builds a customer base and streamlines operations. By the second month, sales are expected to grow modestly, with a projection of $200, and by the third month, up to $350 as the business stabilizes. A portion of the income will be reinvested into supplies and maintenance, while the remainder will support group savings, member stipends, and sustainability efforts aligned with the values of the Nzo Humanist Community.  

Benefits to your Community

Income Generation: Provides a reliable source of income for members of the Nzo Humanist Community Group, reducing dependency on aid.

Employment Opportunities: Creates small-scale jobs, especially for women and youth within the community.

Skill Development: Offers training in baking, hygiene, customer service, and basic business management.

Affordable Food: Supplies low-cost, freshly made baked goods to the local community.

Community Empowerment: Promotes self-reliance and dignity by enabling community-led economic activity.

Support for Humanist Values: Demonstrates practical application of humanist principles such as cooperation, compassion, and mutual aid.

Reinvestment in the Community: A portion of profits will support education, emergency aid, and group development projects.