Dynamite Comes in Sweet Teeth

By Mpundu Valerie

At just 13, Anita Kupakwashe Muranda is already discovering that a little flour, a splash of food colouring and a generous helping of determination can open the door to unexpected possibilities.

Until last year, Anita had never imagined herself in a kitchen, apron dusted with flour and hands busy creating cakes. Then came her first baking class, an experience she describes as a turning point almost like stepping through a magic portal into a world of self-discovery.

She fell in love at first bake.

"I was intrigued by my first class. I loved how the teacher made creaming seem so easy. I loved how she separated the eggs and I marvelled at myself, that's skill," she said.

"It was on that day my interest was piqued. I adored and cherished the technique, simple yet eloquent. I loved it."

That was when flavour and fusion were planted in her taste buds.

"When it comes to confectionery craft, I have my own share of skill, hence, I am a certified cake engineer," she said, eureka pride beaming on her shy face.

At 13, Anita has managed to balance her busy schedule with help and support from her family, whom she says have been her strongest support system from the onset.

"I am a boarder and usually do my cakes on weekends and holidays when I am at home. My family has been so supportive and have always had my back. For that I am super proud and grateful," she said.

Still finding her feet within the kitchen, Anita dreams even bigger — she wishes to be an air hostess.

"If I can bake, why stop dreaming? I would love to incorporate experiences lived and those given to me to better myself," she said.

As a beginner, her first client was her neighbour.

"When she first approached me, I thought she was being funny. I never took her seriously, I kept asking her to confirm countless times. After some time, I told myself I could do this. With determination and courage, I gave her her first delicious bite.

She couldn't believe it, I couldn't believe it either. Seeing her smile made me realise I could bring joy to people through baking. She kept telling people who wanted cakes to come to me," she said with a huge, beautiful grin.

Like every other baker, she has had her fair share of bad cake.

"Oh, I remember this very well. I forgot to put my oven on bake, it was just on grill, and my family had just had a braai. I just rushed to put my cake in there... it flopped.

I panicked, but my mom took me through it all. She helped me to calm down, telling me every business has its good and bad days, but always keep up the positive spirit and let go of the negative energy."

For now, she continues to learn, practise and build her confidence, with family encouragement helping her navigate both the successes and the occasional kitchen disaster.

From flour-covered aprons to the promise of beautifully finished cakes, Anita's story is a reminder that talent can emerge in unexpected places and that age need not be a barrier to exploring one's potential.

At 13, she may still be finding her feet, but her enthusiasm suggests that this young baker has plenty of room to grow.

Indeed, dynamite comes in sweet teeth.

Young Zimbabwean baker Anita Muranda