My name is Nomzamo Steven, and I am the founder of Mzansi Bread Bakery, a proudly traditional South African bakery born from passion, heritage, and a dream to see our traditional breads celebrated both nationally and globally.

Mzansi Bread began in Germany, when I baked for my friends during my time working there. They loved the unique flavours of our breads but struggled with the names, so I called them Mzansi Bread. In that moment, I realised that bread could be more than food — it could be a bridge between cultures and a celebration of who we are as South Africans.

When I returned home to Nelson Mandela Bay, I introduced Mzansi Bread to my community. I started baking from my aunt’s kitchen, driven by faith and a vision to honour our heritage through bread. People immediately connected to it, not just for the taste but for the story behind it — our roots, our memories, and our pride.

Today, Mzansi Bread has grown into a committed team of four bakers who keep the ovens warm while I continue working in Germany to fund and expand our dream. Together, we are building a brand that will one day make me the first woman in South Africa to open a traditional bread bakery, and uplift Nelson Mandela Bay as the birthplace of this national movement.

Our dream goes beyond baking. Through our Tuesday Morning Fix project at Ikhwezelihle Primary School, we provide bread, fruit, and hygiene essentials to learners, restoring dignity and hope.

Mzansi Bread is not just a bakery — it’s a story of heritage, empowerment, and pride, rising from Nelson Mandela Bay to inspire the world.

My slogan is Isintu-Isonka-Ubuntu Our heritage lives in our breads.