In the heart of Modimolle, a small town nestled in Limpopo, and known for its vibrant citrus fruit farming and thriving tourism activity around game reserves, Lavern Phala is crafting a story of resilience, transformation and empowerment with her baking business, which she seeks to expands.

The Seriti Institute, a non-profit organisation, which collaborates with communities and social partners to help them achieve their goals, says Phala’s business journey is not just one of personal triumph but also a testament to the transformative potential of community-driven initiatives like the SEF.