Uber Eats and The BreadBox Bakery Host “Mzansi on a Plate”: A Celebration of Local Flavour and Female Entrepreneurship

On Thursday, 10th April, Urban Lifestyle was invited to a unique culinary experience hosted by Uber Eats in collaboration with Mahlogonolo Ledwaba, founder of The BreadBox Bakery. The event took place at The BreadBox Studio in Midrand and served up more than just scones and magwinya (vetkoek) — it showcased how platforms like Uber Eats are transforming small business trajectories across South Africa.

In 2024, Uber Eats introduced the Historically Disadvantaged People (HDP) badge to help South Africans discover and support local restaurants that represent the nation’s rich diversity and resilient spirit. The BreadBox Bakery, one of the standout merchants carrying the HDP badge, is a prime example of the badge’s impact.

Already a thriving bakery brand, Mahlogonolo and her team were able to extend their geolocation reach through Uber Eats — meaning their baked goods could now reach customers who previously had no access to them. This digital footprint expansion has allowed BreadBox to grow its customer base, increase visibility, and deepen its presence in the local food scene.

The immersive baking session allowed attendees to get hands-on with flour-dusted aprons and piping techniques while engaging with Mahlogonolo’s inspiring journey — from working in ICT to running a purpose-driven culinary business. What began in her home kitchen, spurred by a conversation with unemployed women and a desire to uplift her community, has blossomed into a bakery and studio with a powerful mission: to provide skills, jobs, and delicious memories.

Founded in 2018 with her own savings and family investment, The BreadBox Bakery continues to scale with passion, heart, and strong leadership. The business supplies local restaurants, corporates, and even grocery chains in Gauteng with freshly baked goods — from cakes to platters — while offering cooking classes and hosting events in their studio, which accommodates up to 30 people.

The leadership team behind BreadBox brings over 35 years of combined experience in sectors such as Telecoms, ICT, FMCG, Financial Services, and logistics, reinforcing the brand’s credibility and capacity for sustainable growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Uber Eats as a business growth catalyst: The HDP badge supports local restaurants by expanding visibility and access through digital tools and wider geolocation.
• Empowering small businesses: Mahlogonolo’s journey shows how local entrepreneurship, when paired with tech platforms, can drive inclusive economic growth.
• A taste of Mzansi: The event highlighted the soul of South African cuisine and the community it brings together.

As we enjoyed the freshly baked pastries, it was clear — this wasn’t just about food. It was about legacy. And Uber Eats, through partnerships with entrepreneurs like Mahlogonolo, is helping shape the next chapter of South Africa’s food culture.