Tannie Poppie is back baking at her Karoo roosterbrood stand

At her usual stall, with the unmistakable aroma of bread baking over an open fire, Rosaline van As, better known as Tannie Poppie, said her business was still suffering from losses during the Covid-19 pandemic, quiet off-seasons and municipal fees, but the booming festive season had brought a measure of revival.

- By Vincent Cruywagen

She has been baking and selling roosterbrood, as she prefers calling roosterkoek, for at least 17 years. She began her roadside baking business in Laingsburg in 2009 to provide an income for her family. Even at the age of 69, her wrinkled fingers and tired face continue with the hard work.

"Thanks to the festive season and the many visitors and tourists stopping again for their favourite roosterbrood, I've been given much-needed hope," she said.

"The business isn’t back to 100% yet, but I take courage. In the past, I used about 10kg of flour a day; now I'm [back up to] around 5kg daily, thanks to the holiday time."