Johannesburg – Basetsana Kumalo has built a multifaceted career that resists straightforward definition.
Since claiming the Miss South Africa crown in 1994, she has evolved from a television presenter to producer, media entrepreneur, fashion designer, property developer, and mining executive, while also acting as a mentor and champion for creating opportunities.
Her entrepreneurial journey began at just 20 when she launched her first media production company.
This endeavor has navigated her through diverse industries, encountering both major successes and challenging setbacks, including a demanding five-year period establishing her presence in the male-dominated mining sector.
“During tough times in mining, I considered giving up, but I reminded myself: ‘Basetsana, quitting is not an option. You have a responsibility to use your platform for the greater good,’” she recalls.
“And so, we persisted.”
As she prepares for her engagement at the MANCOSA Jacaranda FM Business Breakfast next week, Kumalo shares five core principles that have shaped her perspective on business, leadership, and lasting success.
Let passion drive you through difficulties
Entrepreneurship is filled with challenges, yet Kumalo believes that genuine passion is what sustains you during those tough times.
“Your passion for your business is what motivates you to keep moving forward in the face of adversity,” she asserts.
For Kumalo, passion goes beyond simply enjoying what you do; it’s about having enough conviction in your mission to push on, even when immediate results are not visible.
Kumalo stresses that astute leaders understand they need not be the most intelligent people in the room.
“Surround yourself with individuals who are smarter, sharper, and more capable than you. It’s crucial for effective leadership,” she explains.
The essence, she emphasizes, is to collaborate with people who bring unique skills while aligning with the overarching vision.
Reinvest in your business
For entrepreneurs, making a profit is just one part of building a successful enterprise. How that profit is spent can significantly impact the company’s future.
“Always reinvest in your business. When profits come in, resist the temptation to splurge; redirect that money back into your venture,” Kumalo advises.
“This strategy is key to achieving growth, sustainability, and long-term success.”
Maintain a focus on the bigger purpose
For Kumalo, entrepreneurship encompasses more than personal success.
“Every morning, as an entrepreneur, remind yourself that you possess the power to create jobs,” she reflects.
“This idea motivates me each day to rise, dream big, and strive for excellence.”
This philosophy has guided her business pursuits and expresses her belief that successful businesses can create opportunities that extend beyond their founders.
Remain dedicated to your path
With over thirty years in the public sphere and a career across various fields, Kumalo’s final piece of advice is refreshingly simple.
“Stay committed to your path,” she suggests.
Her journey illustrates that honoring your path doesn’t necessarily mean a linear route; it can involve shifts, exploring new areas, learning from failures, and continually evolving while staying focused on your core motivations.
Kumalo to Share More Insights at This Year’s MANCOSA Jacaranda FM Business Breakfast
It is this combination of resilience, reinvention, and purpose that Kumalo will bring to the MANCOSA Jacaranda FM Business Breakfast on 17 August 2026. She will be joined by an esteemed lineup of speakers, including former Springbok Bryan Habana, entrepreneur and speaker Pavlo Phitidis, and Loop CEO Kimberly Taylor.
Over the past four years, this event has evolved from a simple breakfast gathering into a platform for South Africans to share ideas, build connections, and gain actionable insights from leaders who have navigated success, faced challenges, and undergone reinvention.
Attendees can look forward to a morning rich in impactful insights, networking opportunities, and discussions aimed at inspiring action, prompting the important question: what legacy are you creating?
MANCOSA Jacaranda FM Business Breakfast Event Details:
Date: 17 August 2026
Time: Doors open 07:30 | Event ends 12:00
Venue: Vodacom Dome
Tickets: Available now via iTickets
Single seat: R600
Table of 10: R5,500
Tickets are now on sale for an inspiring morning of connection and practical lessons from some of South Africa’s most notable business figures.
The post Basetsana Kumalo’s Five Business Lessons For Building A Career That Lasts appeared first on The Bulrushes.
