By Nomsa Dlamini (Intern)
NHLANGANO – From mixing bowl to business!
In a quiet kitchen in Nhlangano, a woman once searching for purpose after graduation is now piping her way into the hearts (and mouths) of cake lovers across Eswatini. Meet Qinisile Nsibande Mndawe, the self-taught powerhouse behind Que’s Cakes, whose flair for flavour and eye for detail have turned a humble hobby into a blossoming baking brand.
Born and bred in Nhlangano, Nsibande is no stranger to hard work. After attending Nhlangano Central Primary and Evelyn Baring High School, she pursued a diploma in Human Resource Management at Majuba TVET College in 2011. When job opportunities didn’t pan out, she pivoted to primary education at SANU, graduating in 2020 — but still found herself at a crossroads.
“I was sitting at home with nothing to do. I needed income,” she recalls. “That’s when I went back to something I’ve always loved: baking.”
Guided by her younger sister, the baker behind Ato’s Cakes, Nsibande rolled up her sleeves and rekindled her love for flour and frosting. What started as trial-and-error quickly transformed into trays of decadent carrot and chocolate cakes known for their rich taste and moist, irresistible texture.
“I’m a perfectionist. I’ll redo a cake until it’s just right,” she says. “What sets Que’s Cakes apart is the simplicity and elegance in every design.”
But her love for baking runs even deeper — it’s in her blood. “Our mother was a baker too,” she shares. “She ran a wedding cake business back in the day, baking over 10 cakes a week. You could say we were raised on flour and icing.”
Now, Nsibande is leaving her own mark, with Que’s Cakes fast becoming a go-to name in the local celebration circuit. Her proudest moment? Crafting her first six-tier wedding cake — a turning point that elevated her business. “It was perfect,” she beams. “That cake opened so many doors.”
Not every bake has been smooth, though. A challenging four-tier cake with spacers pushed her skills to the limit. “If you mess up the foundation, that cake will show you flames,” she laughs. “It could literally collapse.”
Her secret ingredient? Unwavering support from her husband, Mpela Mndawe. From cake deliveries to managing social media, he’s her biggest cheerleader. “This business would be impossible without him,” she admits. “It’s draining work, but he keeps me going.”
And the menu is about to expand. Nsibande is working on launching dessert jars to meet rising demand. “I’m always trying new ideas from bakers I follow online,” she says. “Pastes and fillings — those are my favourite tools. They take any cake to the next level.”
Though still a side hustle, baking has become her lifeline — feeding her creativity and quite literally putting food on the table.
“Baking surprises me every time. But it’s a blessing, and I’m grateful,” she says.
From a quiet kitchen in Nhlangano to the centre of celebrations across Eswatini, Qinisile Nsibande’s journey is a delicious reminder that sometimes, the sweetest success starts right at home.
To get in touch with her you can reach her on 76147090
Follow her on Facebook at Que’s Cakes
