Empowering Women with Disabilities: The Entrepreneurial Journeys of Lusanda Meje and Sesethu Dingaan

Lusanda Meje and Sesethu Dingaan, both young women living with disabilities, have embarked on entrepreneurial journeys that have transformed their lives. Meje, from Delft, and Dingaan, from Nyanga Crossroads, were among 44 young people with disabilities who graduated from Engen's 18-month New Venture Creation Learnership in February 2026. The program aimed to equip them with practical entrepreneurial skills, and since completing it, they have successfully turned their ideas into thriving businesses.

For Meje, who lives with epilepsy, entrepreneurship has been a catalyst for pursuing her ambitions and challenging perceptions about the capabilities of people with disabilities. She founded M-Scent Perfumes, a business offering affordable fragrances for men and women, personal shopping services, and gym wear, hair, skincare, and hair products.

Despite the challenges posed by her health condition, Meje credits the learnership for strengthening her business acumen and boosting her confidence. She emphasized that the program provided her with the practical knowledge needed to manage and grow her business effectively.

Dingaan, who lives with depression and anxiety, also benefited greatly from the learnership. Her company, Mamzondi Collection, sells gym wear, skincare, and hair products, while offering personal shopping services. The program taught her invaluable skills in identifying target customers and managing finances. Dingaan aspires to open her own beauty salon in the future. Both women attribute their success to the skills and mentorship they received through the learnership, which ran from September 2024 to February 2026.

Engen Skills Development Facilitator Pontsho Matshediso highlighted the program's objective of turning potential into tangible opportunities for young disabled entrepreneurs. Matshediso noted that Meje and Dingaan exemplify how determination coupled with practical skills and support can lead to the achievement of ambitious entrepreneurial dreams.

Engen CSI Manager Olwethu Mdabula emphasized the broader impact of empowering young women through education and skills development, stating that it is crucial for building inclusive economic growth and creating stronger, more resilient communities.

As South Africa commemorates Women's Month, the journeys of Meje and Dingaan underscore the significance of access to skills, mentorship, and opportunities in enabling young women to build sustainable futures. Their stories demonstrate that living with a disability does not preclude one from achieving entrepreneurial aspirations.

With unwavering determination, support, and the right skills, both women illustrate that entrepreneurial ventures can not only serve as a foundation for personal independence but also contribute significantly to the broader community.