Black, Bold and Powerful: The PerfumeCo. Africa Hosts a Night to Remember
Dr Colleen Mashawana, Chairman Collen Mashawana Foundation
The lady of the hour, founder and CEO of The Perfume.Co Africa, giving a speech at the Gala and Awards dinner ceremony.
The PerfumeCo. Africa distributors, including Supervisors, Managers and Presidents offered recognition awards for their hardwork in the fragrance industry.
The event MC Hulisani Ravele, bringing elegance, vibrance and motivation to an audience of approximately 200 guests.
The PerfumeCo. Africa hosted a glamorous empowerment event on Friday, 31 May, at the luxurious Wrap in Alberton, Johannesburg — an evening dedicated to celebrating Black excellence, feminine leadership, and entrepreneurial growth. Founded by South African businesswoman Ms Bathabile Moreki, the fragrance brand continues to build its legacy by combining luxury with purpose.
The event brought together approximately 200 guests, including women entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals from across Johannesburg, Pretoria, KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland, and as far as Botswana. With media personality Hulisani Ravele as programme director, the evening unfolded with elegance, inspiration, and substance.
Founded as a fragrance franchise rooted in African identity and elegance, The PerfumeCo. Africa has grown into a symbol of empowerment under the leadership of Ms Moreki. In her keynote address, she spoke passionately about resilience, confidence, and the importance of building generational wealth. 'This is more than perfume, it's about presence, confidence, and reclaiming our power as African women,' she said.Ms Moreki also shared that the company is in ongoing discussions to launch an educational fund, aimed at supporting university students who are financially excluded, particularly those impacted by NSFAS defunding. She further revealed that distributors who achieve the prestigious 'President' rank will be rewarded with a Cherry Tiggo SUV to help grow their businesses.
The evening featured a panel of powerful women who shared deeply personal stories of overcoming hardship, building brands, and empowering others. Among them was Nonhle Nyathi, a President within The PerfumeCo. Africa, who reflected on her journey from being a depressed young woman with no direction, to receiving her first R10,000 through the company. She now anticipates her first R100,000 payout by the end of June.
"She is someone connected to the vision," said Nyathi, speaking about her belief in the brand and its mission.
Prominent businessman and philanthropist Dr Collen Mashawana also addressed the audience, drawing inspiration from entrepreneurs like Laduma Ngxokolo and Oprah Winfrey, both of whom started in sales and grew into global icons. His message reinforced the value of perseverance, vision, and long-term thinking in business.
Singer and songwriter Moneoa added a soulful energy to the event, debuting her new single and performing crowd favourites like "More Than You", "Is'banxha' and "Ziphi Inkomo.'The evening also included a recognition ceremony for distributors who had achieved new ranks from Supervisor, Manager to President, honouring the commitment and effort behind the company's growth. One heartwarming story was shared about Mrs Liz Agemo, a President at the company, who manages her business alongside her eight-year-old daughter, a powerful example of legacy-building. 'Whether it's with a spouse or child, it means the business must be managed twice as well,' said Ms Bathabile, speaking about Agemo's inspiring journey.
As the night concluded with music, networking, and elegant branded gift boxes, guests left not only with beautiful scents but also with a renewed sense of pride, purpose, and power — a true celebration of African excellence and womanhood.
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