Nedbank Pitch & Polish Top 8: Interview With Finalist Blessing Sithole

Nedbank Pitch & Polish Top 8: Interview With Finalist Blessing Sithole. A total of 8 talented and innovative minds have made it to the top 8 of the Nedbank Pitch & Polish competition for the R1 million prize, the competition is about arming the contestants with business skills and valuable insights that they can use to improve their products, they will also gain one-on-one mentorship provided by Raizcorp. One of the contestants that managed to make it to the top 8 is Njabulo Sithole, the founder of Bakers Creationz. We recently had an interesting conversation with Sithole regarding his experience in the competition, the inspiration behind his business and his vision for the future. Check it out below!

1. What inspired you to start Bakers Creationz in Maphephetheni?

I started Bakers Creationz because I wanted to create something meaningful in my community. Growing up in Maphephetheni, I saw a lot of untapped potential and very few opportunities. Baking was my passion, and I believed I could turn it into something that not only produced great cakes but also created jobs and pride for local people. What started as a home-kitchen dream has become a business that represents possibility.

2. How did you come up with the idea of reinventing the classic snowball cake?

The snowball cake has always been a South African favourite, but I wanted to re-imagine it for today’s market. I saw a gap for a version that feels lighter, fresher, and more appealing to young consumers. That’s how Bakers Creationz Snowball was born, a modern take on a nostalgic treat, with softer sponge, creamier filling, and exciting flavour options that still honour the original.

3. What was the biggest challenge in scaling from your home kitchen to retail shelves?

Scaling up has been one of the toughest parts of my entrepreneurial journey. Moving from small batches at home to mass production meant I had to learn about equipment, quality control, compliance, and consistency. The financial pressure is real, but each step taught me valuable lessons about professionalism and business discipline.

4. How did you secure partnerships with retailers like Pick n Pay and Spar?

It didn’t happen overnight. I started by supplying smaller local stores and built a reputation for quality, reliability, and meeting deadlines. Word spread, and soon we were approached by large retailers. I made sure every delivery represented excellence, that’s what opened the doors to the Pick n Pay and Spar partnerships.

5. Producing over 10 000 snowballs a week is no small feat – how do you manage production and quality control?

We run a structured production system guided by Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and strict hygiene standards. Every team member knows their role and takes pride in delivering consistent quality. Regular checks at each stage, from mixing to packaging, ensure that every product that leaves our bakery meets our high standards.

6. What role has community support played in your business journey?

Community support has been everything. Bakers Creationz employs more than 30 people from our community, mostly youth and women. The business has become a source of pride in Maphephetheni. Seeing our product on shelves inspires others here to believe that success from a rural village is possible.

7. How has Nedbank Pitch & Polish sharpened your business and pitching skills?

Nedbank Pitch & Polish has transformed how I think about business. It’s more than a competition – it’s a masterclass in entrepreneurship. I’ve learned how to refine my business model, understand my numbers, and communicate my vision with clarity and confidence. It has helped me grow from being a baker into a business leader. The mentorship and exposure I received from the Nedbank Pitch & Polish competition with Raizcorp has taught me a lot about pitching, improving my chances of securing funding, landing clients and take my business to new heights.

8. What do you think sets Bakers Creationz apart from other confectionery brands?

Our story and our roots set us apart. We combine modern creativity with authentic local flavour. Bakers Creationz products are not just about taste, they represent resilience, innovation, and African pride. We’re proving that a business from a rural community can compete at national level with excellence.

9. How do you balance innovation while keeping that nostalgic “taste of home” appeal?

We innovate carefully. We experiment with flavours and textures, but we never lose the heart of what makes the snowball special, its softness, sweetness, and comfort. Every new version still brings that familiar feeling of home, just with a fresh twist.

10. What advice would you give to other township or rural food entrepreneurs looking to go national?

Start small but start now. Use what you have, build your brand around quality, and be consistent. Don’t be afraid of slow growth, focus on learning and improving. And most importantly, believe that your business deserves a national platform no matter where you come from.