Meet the lady who made Nelson Mandela's birthday cake
WHEN former president Nelson Mandela celebrated his 91st birthday one feature that stood out - apart from his beautiful smile - was his two huge five-tier cakes: one a chocolate and the other a passion fruit cake.
OH SO SWEET: Cake designer Lucia Molefe shows off her creations. Photo: Mabuti Kali
I love dealing with the public and have met some fabulous people, including celebrities
These were the fruits of cake designer Lucia Molefe's labour. This was a career highlight for the 41-year-old married mother of two.
"I do not think this experience will ever be beaten by any other. It was the greatest moment of my career. I feel blessed to have made a cake for a man like Nelson Mandela," she says.
Molefe began her business by making the odd cake for friends and family while working as a social worker. She says she loved baking, cooking and doing handwork when she was growing up.
This passion for baking and cooking helped her learn how to craft beautiful and artistic cakes. Lucia had no formal training in confectionery or cake design, but reading many books on various recipes - especially pastries - helped her cause.
In 2008, after working for more than 15 years, she started up Mokgalaka Creations - a one-stop shop for décor, flowers and confectionery needs in Oakdene, South of Johannesburg.
Today Mokgalaka Creations is a booming wedding business.
"I do not regret making this decision. This is what fulfills my life every day. I love that my job is so artistic and is based on my passion and I get to use my imagination," Molefe says.
"I love dealing with the public and have met some fabulous people, including celebrities. You're involved with happy, excited people planning their special day."
She believes the greatest reward for passion and hard work is a satisfied customer and that honesty, humility, hard work and integrity are second nature to her.
"Our pledge is to bring a professional touch to the marriage experience and an opportunity for the bride and groom to discuss some wedding tips beyond the wedding occasion."
But it's not all chocolates and icing sugar.
"I have never made a lot of money because I am a perfectionist and it's so time-consuming. It's often not very cost-effective, but I couldn't work any other way. The client has to be happy because if she is not I will not be," Molefe says.
Molefe, who has five part-time workers helping her, says it can be stressful working to meet irregular deadlines. Her advice to aspiring confectioners and wedding planners?
"Be well-organised. Keep an eye on design trends, and be prepared for long, irregular hours."
Mokgalaka Creations will be one of the exhibitors at The Wedding Expo taking place on Saturday and Sunday at The Dome.
Doors are open from 9am to - 5pm and tickets are available for R100 at the door, or online at a discounted price of R80.
Amanda Cunningham, managing director of The Wedding Expo, says brides-to-be will be able to plan their day down to the finest detail at the Expo.
"We have handpicked some of South Africa's leading wedding planners, designers and caterers to create 'trend hotspots' around the show where the latest in colours, floral arrangements, textures, gowns and décor accessories will be on display," Cunningham says.
"No expense has been spared to give our brides a world-class experience and to assist them in choosing the best."
- For more info visit www.wedding-expo.co.za
KHOROMMBI
KnoxmannAre you sure that is the only cake you wanna bake the old man??
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Yes my man...that's my question...buy the guy is too old..
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Mybra
Once in a while, I take a break from my beer and brandy and have a slice of cake - long as there is some brandy in the cake.Report Abuse
Vhamsanda
@Khorommbi. Ndaa... this woman want to kill the former statesman with her CAKE.Report Abuse
ayobaness
if i wz the one who orderd her to make a cake for ,i dont think she wz gonna make it perfect like this its so sad not be a celebrityReport Abuse
KHOROMMBI
Vhamsanda@Khorommbi. Ndaa... this woman want to kill the former statesman with her CAKE.
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kikikikiki, ni ri mini naa nwana wa mukalaha! Possible heart attack...I advice her to give me the cake...
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KHOROMMBI
BOOKIESIKA LE KHEKHE MANDELA
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and is like she has a nice cake..
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EmptyTin
@ ayobanessI personally know Mam Lucia,she is a perfectionist,so u should not worry,her number 0826500073
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