What began as a dream has risen into a thriving small business for Florah Muleya, popularly known in the community as Bina Zunda, a young entrepreneur whose baking journey is inspiring many in Binga.
Bina Zunda is among the beneficiaries of the Amalima Loko youth empowerment programme, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, which is equipping young people in Matabeleland North with practical skills to start their own livelihoods.
Her journey started when she enrolled in a professional baking course conducted at Binga High School, where she spent three months learning the theory and practical foundations of baking.
Driven by determination and passion for the craft, she later travelled to Bulawayo for an industrial attachment, where she gained hands-on experience working in a professional environment and sharpening her skills.
After completing her attachment, Bina Zunda returned home to Binga with more than just a certificate — she returned with a vision.
With the support of her husband, she started a baking business that has quickly grown in reputation within the community.
Today, her menu includes a wide range of baked goods such as birthday and wedding cakes, muffins, cream doughnuts, scones, meat pies and traditional samoosas.
Her cream doughnuts have become particularly popular, with the entrepreneur revealing that she made US$200 in just two days selling them during the festive season.
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“I have always dreamed of becoming a baker,” said Muleya.
“When Amalima Loko introduced the youth skills empowerment programme in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, I immediately joined because I knew it was my chance to learn something that could change my life.”
She said the training opened doors she had never imagined.
“After the three months of training, I went to Bulawayo for industrial attachment where I gained valuable experience. When I came back home to Binga, I decided to start my own baking business,” she said.
During the December holidays, Muleya tested the market by producing cream doughnuts from her home kitchen.
“On December 25 and again on January 1, I was making cream doughnuts and selling them locally. In just those two days I made about US$200. That gave me confidence that the business can grow,” she said.
Originally from Bundimba village under Sinakoma ward, Muleya is now running her baking business from Binga town, where customers have embraced her products.
She said the programme not only gave her technical skills, but also confidence and independence.
“I am deeply thankful for the opportunity that Amalima Loko and the Ministry of Youth gave us. The training did not just teach me how to bake — it gave me confidence and a way to support my family,” she said.
Widely known by her community nickname Bina Zunda, which means Zunda’s mother, Muleya says her goal is to continue expanding her business and inspire other young people to take advantage of skills development opportunities.
Her story is a powerful example of how community-based training programmes can transform lives, turning passion into opportunity and dreams into sustainable livelihoods.
