By: Luyanda Mashele
As unemployment continues to limit opportunities for millions of South Africans, alternative pathways to earning an income are drawing attention to entrepreneurship, with The Perfume Co. Africa placing business ownership, skills development and leadership at the centre of its growing independent distribution network.
This was the focus of the company’s second annual Managers’ and Directors’ Sales and Leadership Summit, held at Olifants River Lodge in Middelburg from 30 October to 2 November 2026. The gathering brought together independent business owners to explore how they can strengthen their enterprises, develop their leadership skills and support others pursuing similar opportunities.
Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the second quarter of 2026 recorded an official unemployment rate of 33.6%, representing approximately 8.5 million unemployed people. Among young people aged 15 to 34, the rate stood at 47.4%, with approximately five million unemployed.
Against this backdrop, entrepreneurship has become an important consideration for those seeking alternatives to formal employment. However, building a sustainable business requires more than access to an opportunity. It also demands practical knowledge, consistency, discipline and the ability to adapt.
For independent business owners operating within The Perfume Co. Africa’s distribution network, the summit provided an opportunity to explore these demands, particularly as they progress into leadership positions and take responsibility for developing their own teams.
Business coach, author and radio host Ntando Maseko addressed delegates on Saturday, 31 October, focusing on business growth and leadership.
“An opportunity gives someone a place to start, but skills, discipline and consistent action help them build a business that can last. As leaders, our responsibility is also to help the people we guide understand their businesses, make informed decisions and develop the confidence to grow,” he said.
The programme also featured Moekoa Karabo, an artisan described as the first millionaire in her family, who challenged participants to take ownership of their personal development and the growth of those they lead.
“Leadership starts with you,” was among the key messages from her presentation.
Karabo encouraged delegates to invest in themselves, pay attention to the information they consume and ensure that the people within their teams are equipped with the knowledge and skills to progress.
Her message highlighted the responsibility that comes with leadership, particularly in a business environment where the growth of individual entrepreneurs can also influence the progress of others.
Skills development practitioner, character-building speaker, publisher and writer Lesego Tau also addressed delegates, encouraging them to reconsider their approaches to business and leadership.
He challenged participants to make deliberate changes, take decisive action and avoid repeating the same practices while expecting different results. His message centred on building consistency and becoming leaders capable of making sound business decisions.
The discussions highlighted the importance of continuous learning as independent business owners advance within the company’s network. Managers and directors are expected to do more than grow their own sales, with their responsibilities extending to mentoring, guiding and supporting other entrepreneurs.
This approach also speaks to the broader conversation about enterprise development and skills in South Africa.
The Perfume Co. Africa offers independent distribution and franchise opportunities centred on its fragrance products, with women and youth empowerment identified among the company’s focus areas.
For women balancing business and family responsibilities, building a sustainable enterprise can contribute to household income and financial stability. For young people facing limited employment opportunities, entrepreneurship presents another avenue to explore, although it requires commitment, business knowledge and ongoing development.
The summit sought to strengthen these foundations by encouraging participants to take what they learned back to their respective teams, extending the benefits of the programme beyond those in attendance.