Local Entrepreneurs Turn Bushbuckridge’s Beloved Sala Fruit into Thriving Fragrance Brand

What began as a simple appreciation for the scent of a local fruit has grown into a proudly Bushbuckridge-owned manufacturing business, supplying well-known retailers and empowering community members through entrepreneurship.

Conference Khoza, together with his sister Antoinnet Khoza, co-founded Sala in 2017. The brand takes its name and inspiration from the sala fruit—a fragrant fruit that many local motorists traditionally place in their cars as a natural air freshener. Their father, upon holding the fruit and admiring its fresh scent, suggested turning that beloved fragrance into something more lasting. That moment sparked what is now a growing local brand.

Today, Sala manufactures a wide range of scented household and personal care products, including perfumes, colognes, body and hand lotions, roll-ons, shampoos, dishwashing liquids, pine gel, and more. The very first product ever developed was a perfume, created to capture the distinct scent of the sala that many in the community love.

The business operates from a manufacturing space in Rolle, with an administrative office also based in the area. Despite starting small, Sala Fragrance now supplies established outlets including Spar, Makhoma butchery and Roots. They also offer delivery through PAXI, making it easier for customers and resellers across the country to access their products.

What sets their model apart is their community-based approach to employment. Instead of traditional full-time hiring, the Khoza siblings offer commission-based opportunities, allowing individuals to buy stock and resell for profit — creating a platform for many to start small businesses of their own.

Their online presence continues to grow, with the Sala brand active on Facebook, where customers can follow product updates, promotions and success stories.