When Sesethu Dingaan wakes up each morning, she is reminded that every successful business begins with a single decision. To start.

The Nyanga Crossroads entrepreneur has transformed her business dream into reality after completing Engen's New Venture Creation Learnership, inspiring other young women to believe in themselves.

Today she owns Mamzondi Collection, offering gym wear, hair products, skincare products and personal shopping services.

Sesethu lives with depression and anxiety but says her diagnosis has never prevented her from pursuing her ambitions.

"I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, but it has never stopped me because I take my medication and remain focused on my goals."

Like many small business owners, finding customers remains one of her biggest challenges.

"The only challenge I am facing is advertising, but I overcome that by being consistent in promoting my business on social media."

She says Engen's 18-month New Venture Creation Learnership gave her practical business knowledge that she continues to use every day.

"It helped me come up with business ideas, manage finances wisely and understand the market I wanted my business to reach."

Her ambition is to one day open her own beauty parlour. Her message to other aspiring entrepreneurs is one she hopes will encourage women to take the leap.

"To the women out there, that business idea you wake up with every day - don't be afraid to start. It may be your breakthrough."

The Engen learnership, which ran from September 2024 to February 2026, equips young people living with disabilities with practical business skills including finance, marketing, customer service and business planning. Participants completed NQF Level 2 and NQF Level 4 qualifications while receiving laptops and digital skills training to help establish their businesses.

Engen Skills Development Facilitator, Pontsho Matshediso says Sesethu's entrepreneurial journey demonstrates how resilience and skills development can unlock opportunity.

"Women like Sesethu remind us that entrepreneurship creates opportunities not only for individuals, but also for their families and communities."

Engen CSI Manager, Olwethu Mdabula says Women's Month is an opportunity to celebrate women who are creating change through enterprise.

"Empowering young women through education and skills development is essential to building inclusive economic growth. 

Sesethu's journey is an inspiring example of courage, perseverance and ambition."