AS DIWALI approaches, four remarkable women from Chatsworth and Phoenix have transformed their passion for traditional sweetmeats into thriving home businesses.
From classic burfee to innovative burfee-filled gulab jamuns, these entrepreneurs blend heritage with creativity while supporting their families and communities.
These are inspiring stories of resilience and success that add sweetness to the Festival of Lights. With preparations afoot for Diwali on Monday, kitchens across Chatsworth and Phoenix are filled with the comforting aromas of ghee, cardamom, and roasted coconut.
For these four women, these festive scents mark not just celebration – but a livelihood and labour of love. Over the years they have built thriving, small businesses – proving that entrepreneurship can flourish from a small home kitchen.
Each has her own story, yet they share a common thread – the determination to provide for their families while keeping the spirit of Diwali alive through their handmade delicacies.
Patsy Iyavoo Havenside, Chatsworth
Image: Supplied
A labour of love in Havenside
Patsy Iyavoo, 51, of Havenside, has spent the past decade transforming her passion into a beloved home industry, Patsy’s Sweet Delights.
What began as making birthday cakes for her children, has blossomed into a business known for its traditional treats.
“Baking became my therapy, my creative outlet, and my way of connecting with people,” she said.
Guided by her mother-in-law’s wisdom and supported by her husband, Patsy’s kitchen becomes a hive of activity every Diwali.
From burfee to chana magaj and soji balls, every sweetmeat is made from scratch and finished with her signature hand-decorated detail.
“When someone tells me that my burfee reminded them of their childhood, it fills my heart with pride,” she added.
For Patsy, the Havenside community’s support has been her solid foundation for her business – proof that passion, consistency, and heart can turn any kitchen into a success story.
Magdalene Naidoo Westcliff, Chatsworth
Image: Supplied
A legacy of taste in Westcliff
In Westcliff, Magdalene Naidoo, 51, affectionately known as Maggie, has been running Winter’s Delights since 1999.
Her journey began in her outbuilding, selling biscuits and sweetmeats to schoolchildren before and after class.
“I was just 9 years old when I first watched my neighbour bake. That’s where it all started,” she recalled.
More than two decades later, her humble venture has evolved into a trusted brand across Durban.
Known for her signature snowballs, melting moments, and banana puri, Maggie’s attention to detail sets her treats apart.
Her dream is to one day open a bakery and factory to supply her community and local retailers.
“What is Diwali without baked goodies to share? Each order I fill completes not just my celebration, but those of my customers too.”
Neresha Debipersad Phoenix
Image: Supplied
The Confection Connection in Phoenix
Neresha Debipersadh, 49, of Phoenix, and owner of Confection Connection, blends traditional sweets with modern flair.
A part-time baker since 2016, Neresha’s passion for baking was sparked by her mother and aunts, whose kitchen camaraderie she fondly remembered.
“For me, Diwali is a time for family, food, and festivity,” she said.
Her cheesecake tartlets and lamingtons have become local, firm favourites, while her burfee-filled gulab jamuns add a delightful modern twist to her menu.
Running a small business comes with challenges – from the rising cost of ingredients to fierce competition.
However, her motivation remains simple: “It’s the smile on a customer’s face that makes it all worthwhile.”
Her wish for the future? To open her own bakery and employ youth from her community, sharing both skills and opportunities.
Nirvasha Hansraj Shallcross
Image: Supplied
A modern touch in Shallcross
In Shallcross, Nirvasha Hansraj of Delicious Delites brings artistry and innovation to her kitchen.
The 37-year-old mom of two began baking for her children, turning those moments of joy into a fully-fledged business seven years ago.
Her Diwali boxes feature traditional sweets like burfee and chana magaj, alongside playful creations such as chocolate paan, burfee truffles, and themed cupcakes decorated with edible diyas and rangoli designs.
“It’s about blending heritage with creativity,” she said.
Nirvasha’s sweetmeats have reached as far as London and Canada – a proud milestone for a home baker from Shallcross.
Despite balancing family life, she finds fulfillment in knowing her creations form part of other peoples’ celebrations.
“Start small, but start with heart. Never compromise on quality,” she advised.
Lighting the way forward
These women represent more than flour and sugar; they embody resilience, creativity, perseverance and passion.
Through their hands, recipes passed down generations live on – adapted for modern palates but steeped in the same love and devotion that have marked Diwali for generations.
As lights flicker in windows and homes fill with the scent of freshly baked treats, these bakers remind us that the sweetest part of Diwali is not just the confections, it’s the people behind them, lighting up their communities one homemade delight at a time.
These bakers can all be contacted on WhatsApp:
Patsy Iyavoo – 083 306 4297, Maggie Naidoo – 063 494 6987, Neresha Debipersadh – 084 581 7213 and Nirvasha Hansraj – 076 672 6743.