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Back to business - Unathi's comeback in Johannesburg

A neighborhood bakery in Johannesburg needs help replacing a commercial oven after a break-in.

Anywhere in the worldPosted Oct 1, 20262,303 views
Unathi E. Naicker
Email verified
Member since Sep 29, 2026 · Johannesburg
For three years I have run a neighborhood bakery in Johannesburg. In September, a break-in took a commercial oven. I have no insurance, and the bank won't lend to me. Before that, my customers came every Thursday, and I employed 3 people from the neighborhood. I have been out of business for 7 weeks. This business pays my children's school fees and rent. I have already started working from home in small ways, but I can't meet orders without proper equipment. Every contribution brings me closer to reopening, and I promise to post photos as I buy each item. I'll buy equipment from local suppliers and post photos and receipts as I go. Where the $950 goes: • Replacing a commercial oven: $590 • Initial stock: flour, butter and sugar: $155 • Shop repairs and licensing: $95 • Working capital for the first month: $110 Ask me anything below before you decide. I'd rather you were sure. - Unathi

Updates from Unathi

  1. Update from Johannesburg: we've started the first stage. We're at 34% of the goal. Thank you for believing in us.

  2. 53% there. the plan for working capital for the first month is now scheduled. Thank you.

  • Sade Nneka Williams 🇳🇬 · $50 · 3h ago

    “Thinking of you. Thought of Unathi all day after reading this. - Kaduna”

  • Kavitha E. Vaidyanathan 🇮🇳 · $10 · 4h ago
  • Everett H. Armstrong 🇬🇧 · $10 · 4h ago
  • Paul Vincent Rodriguez 🇫🇷 · $10 · 4h ago
  • Imani Nyambura Mwende 🇹🇿 · $200 · 4h ago
  • Uche Ife Raji 🇳🇬 · $100 · 4h ago
  • Anonymous 🇫🇷 · $10 · 4h ago

    “Keep your head up. Hope the November deadline works out. - Saint-Denis”

  • Margaret Wangari Kiprop 🇰🇪 · $20 · 4h ago
  • Hudson R. Sanchez 🇬🇧 · $50 · 5h ago

    “Only $50 but hope it helps. - Liverpool”

  • Flávio Murilo Costa 🇧🇷 · $50 · 5h ago
  • Kévin Michel Richard 🇲🇦 · $25 · 5h ago
  • Nipa Shefali Mahmud 🇮🇳 · $8 · 5h ago

    “Hope this helps. Thought of Unathi all day after reading this. - Mumbai”

  • Viktor Bohdan Kuznetsov 🇷🇺 · $50 · 5h ago
  • Samuel T. Torres 🇵🇭 · $5 · 5h ago
  • Anonymous 🇨🇦 · $100 · 5h ago
  • Anonymous 🇳🇬 · $20 · 5h ago
  • Camilla Nordström 🇸🇪 · $50 · 5h ago

    “Only $50 but hope it helps. - Södertälje”

  • Charalambos Panagiotis Zafeiriou 🇬🇷 · $100 · 5h ago

    “Hope this helps. Gave what I could this week. - Piraeus”

  • Beatriz Luana Rocha 🇧🇷 · $15 · 5h ago
  • Emily H. Rogers 🇺🇸 · $10 · 5h ago

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  • Good luck. This could happen to any of us. Our whole street has been following this since the weekend. Love from Pune.

    • Logan W. CooperQuestion5h ago

      Is there a list of costs somewhere? Just curious how it adds up for Unathi

      • Unathi E. NaickerOwnerAnswer3h ago

        Everything on the list is an amount I've been quoted or invoiced. replacing a commercial oven comes first ($590) and I'll update the page as each thing gets paid. Fair thing to want to know.

    • Hope things get better soon. Hope the shop reopens soon. This is the second need I've supported on here and the first that made me cry.

      • Rooting for you, Unathi. Small businesses are the heart of Johannesburg. Hope you're open again soon. All the best.

        • Take care, Unathi. This could happen to any of us

          • Stay strong, Unathi. I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. Blessings.

            • Take care. Hope you make a strong comeback. Sent it to 32 people at work.

              • Hope things get better soon, Unathi. Hope the shop reopens soon. Take care.

                • Adeline N. FreemanPhoto verified4h ago

                  praying for you. Looking forward to the next update. Love from Tema.

                  • Nathan MarchandAddress verified4h ago

                    Sending good thoughts, Unathi. This could happen to any of us. Don't give up.

                    • Bas Maas4h ago

                      Hope things get better soon. Gave what I could, wish it was more. My late mom used to say help given quietly counts double. God bless.

                      • Wishing you peace, Unathi. Shared this with my family.

                        • Everyone deserves a bit of help sometimes. My neighbor in Munich donated after I showed her your page.

                          • So sorry you're going through this, Unathi. Shared it with a few friends. My late mom used to say help given quietly counts double. Take care!

                            • Take care. I hope things turn around soon. I have a 13 year old who wants to send good wishes too

                              • Tuhin Rony RahmanAddress verified4h ago

                                I'd happily buy from you once you're back up. Thinking of Johannesburg.

                                • Best of luck. Gave what I could, wish it was more. Thinking of Johannesburg.

                                  • Praying for you, Unathi. Hope the shop reopens soon. God bless.

                                    • Shared this with my family. I'm in retail myself and wanted you to know we're cheering for you. Love from São Paulo.

                                      • Your post was clear and honest. I'm in teaching myself and wanted you to know we're cheering for you. Love from Yonkers

                                        $1,043 raised of $950

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