Tebello Khanya, 34, is making a tangible impact through eco-conscious entrepreneurship. As the founder and managing director of Bonolo Scents, Tebello leads an innovative, eco-friendly laundry-care brand that began in the most humble of places: a garage laundromat. Her journey from small beginnings to supplying national retailers like Makro online and Edenvinne stores, with Food Lover’s Market to follow, is a testament to perseverance. Armed with a diploma in human resource management from Flavius Mareka TVET College, Khanya blends business acumen with a deep passion for environmental education and community upliftment. She runs workshops and talks to empower youth and small businesses with knowledge on sustainability, recycling, and building eco-conscious enterprises. Khanya’s work has earned her recognition as one of Sunday World’s Top 100 Youth Unsung Heroes and a Top 10 finalist in the Food Lover’s Market Seeds of Change programme. She credits her parents — a nurse and a correctional services officer — for instilling her strong values. “What drives me is creating impact, empowering others and setting an example for my daughter,” she says.
Human Resource Management, Flavius Mareka TVET College
I look up to my parents, who both worked in public service — my mother as a nurse and my father in correctional services. Their dedication and strong values laid the foundation for my work ethic and my passion for serving others through my business. Along my journey, I’ve been guided and inspired by several mentors who have had a meaningful impact on my growth. Ricky from Jika Communications and Training has been instrumental as a mentor, offering valuable insight and encouragement. Julian Khoao, a business adviser from SEDFA, has helped me make strategic decisions for the growth of Bonolo Scents. I also deeply admire Itumeleng Hlapane, owner of Shape Café, whose entrepreneurial spirit and resilience continue to inspire me. Each of them has contributed to my journey in unique ways, and I’m grateful for the wisdom and support they’ve shared.