A SPECIAL WOMEN’S MONTH ACCOLADE
By Lekhotla Mokoena
The community of Zamdela also known as Msolomba, in Sasolburg is buzzing with excitement this Women’s Month as one of its own special young women, Tebello Kganya has been named in the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African in Entrepreneurship.
This initiative by Mail and Guardian celebrates extraordinary achievements of young people in South Africa, spotlighting the leaders, innovators and change-makers shaping the nation’s future.
This year also marks a significant milestone for these awards — the 20th anniversary of what young people have achieved over the past two decades.
Tebello’s journey started in a small garage where she ran a laundromat. She quickly realized that traditional laundry detergents were not only blocking drains but also harming the environment. “That’s when I decided to create Bonolo Scents, an eco-friendly laundry solutions brand that uses bio-based raw materials, including recycled sunflower oil from restaurants,” said Tebello.
“Today, our products are sold at Makro Online, Edenvinne Cosmetic Stores, and soon in Food Lover’s Market. We also supply lodges, laundromats, and communities that value sustainable living. This year, we proudly launched South Africa’s first black-owned brand of eco-friendly fabric softener refills, a big step in reducing single-use plastic and promoting the green economy” added Tebello.
Like many other young women in Zamdela and other areas in South Africa, Tebello admits that the journey hasn’t been easy at all. “Struggling with funding, Compliance, Competing with big brands, facing limited manufacturing capacity, were some of my challenges.
“There were moments where it felt like giving up would be easier, but my vision for creating a proudly South African, eco-friendly brand kept me going. I also drew strength from my community, who were the first to believe in me, and from knowing that my work is making a positive environmental impact”
Tebello says being named among Mail and Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans
It’s truly an honour and a humbling moment. “Being recognised in the entrepreneurship category is not just about me, it’s about every young person from small towns like Sasolburg who dreams big. This recognition tells us that where you come from doesn’t limit where you can go”
As women’s month is being celebrated across South Africa, Tebello says “Your dreams are valid, your voice matters, and your ideas can change the world. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment to start; start with what you have, where you are, and learn as you go.
Remember, challenges are part of the journey, but so are victories. You are more powerful than you realise” concludes Tebello.
Happy Women’s Month 
