If you’ve ever visited the Skukuza Main Camp in the Kruger National Park, you might have spotted Eagle Dough Buddies based at Kruger Station. In fact, you might even have left there with armfuls of crispy ciabattas, golden-brown sourdough loaves, and pillow-soft bread rolls.
The bakery was founded by brothers Sipho and Believe Mavundla and is a shining example of how tourism companies can support small, black-owned businesses. This collaboration demonstrates the positive impact such partnerships can have on local economic growth.
The business of hospitality
In 2020, Motsamayi Group, which co-manages Kruger Station with SANParks, recognised the potential of Sipho and Believe. The brothers, who ran a small bakery in Bushbuckridge, were eager to expand but lacked the resources. Motsamayi enrolled them in a business incubation programme at Kruger Station, providing them with training, mentorship, and the tools they needed to grow their business.
Under the guidance of Gavin Ferreira, Concession General Manager at Kruger Station, the Mavundla brothers learned about baking and running a successful hospitality business. From perfecting their products to meeting the demands of a high-end market and overcoming operational challenges, they have become confident entrepreneurs. “Their dedication is clear in every loaf they bake,” says Ferreira. “We’re proud to sell their bread at Kruger Station and its restaurant.”
The programme is divided into stages, each building on the brothers’ growing expertise. Although they are only halfway through, Sipho and Believe have already made a significant impression by demonstrating the potential of small, black-owned enterprises in the tourism industry.
Initially, the Mavundla brothers concentrated on mastering the art of baking high-quality artisan bread. “We experimented with various recipes and techniques to perfect our bread. We started with plain bread and scones but soon expanded to artisan varieties like sourdough, rye, and ciabatta. We’re proud of how far we’ve come,” adds Believe.
Impact and recognition
Aside from supplying the 3638 Restaurant and convenience store at Kruger Station, Eagle Dough Buddies also provides baked goods to Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge and other luxury safari lodges and operators in the area. Their pumpkin spice and gingerbread treats have become favourites, adding a unique twist to their impressive range of products.
“This project has transformed our lives,” says Believe. “We’re gaining exposure to international guests from all over the world – Germany, China, India… and beyond.” Their family couldn’t be prouder. “They can’t stop talking about it. We were even featured on TV recently, and everyone was thrilled,” the brothers share.
“The Mavundla brothers’ rise from small-town bakers to successful entrepreneurs operating at Kruger Station in the Skukuza Main Rest Camp proves the power of supporting local entrepreneurs,” Ferreira says.
A long-term investment
Jerry Mabena, CEO of Motsamayi Group, says that nurturing small business owners during their start-up phase is vital to long-term success. “The success of Eagle Dough Buddies shows the value of investing in people and communities over the long term. These are crucial for sustainable tourism and benefit everyone: guests, industry workers, and the communities they support,” Mabena concludes.
