Celebrating SA’s real small and medium enterprise owners

EVERY year on October 16, Boss's Day gives employees an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the people who lead them for their support.

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But in South Africa, there's a category of bosses who deserve more than just a thank-you card from their teams ~ the small and medium enterprise (SME) owners. These are the leaders who collectively contribute a third of the country’s GDP and employ over 60% of the workforce. While large corporate CEOs may make more headlines, there is a lot we can also learn from the small business bosses. Here’s why:

1 They often prioritise purpose over profit

For most SME owners, the motivation to start a business goes beyond financial gain. Many are driven by a desire to solve a problem, support their community, or build something lasting. This sense of purpose gives their leadership authenticity — a quality that inspires employees and earns customer loyalty.

Purpose-led leadership is increasingly recognised as a competitive advantage. In uncertain times, it anchors teams and keeps them focused on long-term goals. Small business bosses, who often have a direct and personal connection to their mission, exemplify this naturally.