Young women should stop waiting for employment opportunities and start creating their own sources of income, says Ermelo entrepreneur Kelebohile Mhlabane, who is encouraging women across the Gert Sibande District to take charge of their financial futures.
The young mother of three believes financial independence can give women greater control over their lives and reduce dependence on partners or family members.
Mhlabane says women do not necessarily need large amounts of capital or complicated business ideas to get started.
Her advice is simple: identify a need in your community and find a way to meet it.
“If you don’t know what to sell, start by looking at what people need in your area. Become the person who provides that product or service,” she said.
Mhlabane is using her own journey as an example.
She joined The Perfume Co. Africa on February 24, 2026, as another avenue to supplement her income. She says she has earned up to R9,000 in a busy month, including up to R5,500 in commission depending on her team’s performance.
She says the additional income has also helped her settle two handed-over accounts that had placed her under financial pressure.
But her journey to financial independence has not been straightforward.
Born and raised in Ermelo, Mhlabane pursued studies in Nursing and Computer Studies after completing school. She also obtained qualifications as a Safety Representative and Fire Watch, among other short courses.
Despite her qualifications, securing employment in her chosen fields proved difficult.
In 2018, she secured a management position at a retail store, where she worked until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her employment. She was retrenched in 2021 and subsequently struggled to find permanent employment.
Today, she works as a service driver in the logistics industry while building her income through entrepreneurship.
For Mhlabane, the message to young women is about taking action rather than waiting for circumstances to change.
“Some young women are abused by their partners because they depend on them financially. Others go through divorce and say their partners cannot support them, but they are not doing anything to contribute financially,” she said.
She also warned against relying on relationships as a means of financial survival.
“Some young girls change boyfriends and end up dating older men because they want money. They become trapped when they could be doing something to make their own money,” she said.
“Start selling something. Start somewhere. The goal is to make your own money and gain your financial freedom.”
Mhlabane says she is willing to assist women interested in learning how to start selling The Perfume Co. Africa products.
She can be contacted on 078 479 6168, or interested women can visit The Perfume Co. Africa.
Income and commission figures in this article are based on Mhlabane’s account and are not guaranteed earnings. Results may vary depending on individual sales, expenses, effort and team performance.
