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For Lusanda Meje and Sesethu Dingaan, entrepreneurship is about far more than earning an income. It represents independence, resilience and the determination to create better futures for themselves and their families.
The two Cape Town women are among the young people who completed Engen’s New Venture Creation Learnership, an 18-month programme that equipped young people living with disabilities with practical business skills and helped them turn their ideas into businesses.
For Lusanda, every bottle of perfume she sells represents a step towards the future she wants to build for her young child.
Originally from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, Lusanda now lives in Delft and owns M-Scent Perfumes, selling affordable fragrances for men and women. She has also expanded her business to include personal shopping services, gym wear, and hair and skincare products.
Living with epilepsy has presented challenges, but Lusanda refuses to let it define her.
“I have epilepsy. Sometimes it can be challenging, but it has made me stronger, taught me to never give up and motivated me to work hard and keep growing my business,” she says.
Like many entrepreneurs, access to capital remains one of her biggest hurdles.
“One of my biggest challenges is not always having enough money to grow my business. I keep working hard, promoting my products and believing in myself. I never give up.”
The learnership gave Lusanda practical business skills and the confidence to turn her dream into reality.
“It has helped me understand how to manage and grow my business and has given me more confidence.”
Today, she dreams of growing M-Scent Perfumes into a thriving business while creating a secure future for her family.
Her message to other women is simple.
“Believe in yourself. Keep working hard, stay strong and never give up on your dreams.”
For Sesethu, the journey has also been about turning an idea into a business and refusing to let personal challenges stand in her way.
Originally from Cradock in the Eastern Cape, Sesethu later completed high school in Queenstown before making Cape Town her home.
Today, she runs Mamzondi Collection from Nyanga Crossroads, offering gym wear, hair products, skincare products and personal shopping services.
Sesethu lives with depression and anxiety but says her diagnosis has never prevented her from pursuing her ambitions.
“I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, but it has never stopped me because I take my medication and remain focused on my goals.”
Finding customers remains one of her biggest challenges, but she continues to promote her business.
“The only challenge I am facing is advertising, but I overcome that by being consistent in promoting my business on social media.”
Sesethu says the learnership gave her practical knowledge that she continues to use in her business.
“It helped me come up with business ideas, manage finances wisely and understand the market I wanted my business to reach.” Her ambition is to one day open her own beauty parlour.
Her message to other aspiring entrepreneurs is one she hopes will encourage women to take the leap.
“To the women out there, that business idea you wake up with every day – don’t be afraid to start. It may be your breakthrough.”
The Engen New Venture Creation Learnership ran from September 2024 to February 2026. Participants completed NQF Level 2 and NQF Level 4 qualifications while receiving laptops and digital skills training.
The programme covered practical areas including business planning, finance, marketing and customer service.
Engen Skills Development Facilitator Pontsho Matshediso says the journeys of women such as Lusanda and Sesethu demonstrate what can happen when aspiring entrepreneurs are given the right skills and support.
“Women like Sesethu remind us that entrepreneurship creates opportunities not only for individuals, but also for their families and communities.”
Engen CSI Manager Olwethu Mdabula says Women’s Month provides an opportunity to recognise women who are creating change through enterprise.
“When young women are equipped with education, business skills and confidence, they become catalysts for inclusive economic growth.
Lusanda’s journey is a wonderful example of what is possible.”
For Lusanda and Sesethu, the journey is still beginning. But through determination, hard work and the skills they have gained, both women are building businesses while showing other women that taking the first step can create new possibilities.
INFO SUPPLIED.