A Taste of Heritage, A Touch of Love: KayGee’s Confections

Highlighting gateau in modern takes on sculptural sweets. Among them in bakery Conny Gwai the 35-year-old Kathu-based artist and chef.

Gwai is taking Pastry Chef title to a sweeter acquired taste with the comforting aroma of freshly baked cakes, scones and biscuits telling a modern of how baking recipes and creativity has evolved with time and experience. Gone are the days where a cake was round and simple, creatives have landed in the oven with artistic designs soothing to your taste buds and presentation.

Sweet tooth lovers are in for a treat at Yours Truly KayGee’s Confections Pty (Ltd), a dynamic bakery that’s rewriting the recipe for success by combining traditional flavours with community upliftment.

Founded in June 2020 during South Africa’s first national COVID-19 lockdown, this 100% black-, youth-, and women-owned business is the result of vision, resilience, and heart. Under the leadership of Gwai, a Hospitality Management graduate and accredited Skills Development Facilitator, the bakery has grown into a beacon of empowerment and innovation in the John Toalo Gaetsewe District.

With the mentorship and business development support of Anglo American Zimele, KayGee’s Confections was able to formalise its operations, refine its services, and grow into a structured business with a long-term vision. The partnership helped lay a foundation for sustainable growth and job creation.

“Baking isn’t just our business, it’s our way of building futures,” says Gwai. “Through every recipe we teach and every cake we sell, we’re creating opportunities, preserving heritage, and inspiring young people to believe in the power of their hands.”

What sets KayGee’s apart is their unique blend of artisanal baking and skills development. From beautiful cakes to nostalgic South African treats like scones and biscuits, every product is rooted in heritage recipes passed down through generations. These are not just baked goods, they are edible stories, infused with culture and identity.

This Heritage and Tourism Month, KayGee’s Confections proudly honours its roots. Beyond the kitchen, they empower youth, families, and small businesses through hands-on baking workshops, bridging the gap between generations and keeping traditional skills alive.

“We don't just sell confectionery,” Gwai explains. “We sell tradition, training, and transformation. Each workshop, each cake, and each conversation is an opportunity to uplift our community.”

Despite challenges during the pandemic, from supply chain disruptions to limited customer access – Gwai and her team never gave up. Instead, they pivoted to social media marketing, virtual training, and customised small orders, proving their adaptability and drive.

Now, with dreams of becoming a local distributor and retail supplier, Yours Truly KayGee’s Confections is ready to expand and create employment opportunities for local youth.

Visit Kathu this Heritage Month and experience more than just sweet treats. Taste the legacy, meet the changemakers, and celebrate a business where culture rises – just like dough.

Source: Briefly News