Durban Business and Fashion Fair boosts eThekwini’s small, medium and micro businesses
Approximately 20 231 patrons attended this year’s Durban Business Fair and Fashion Fair and heeded the call to support local. There was a total of 609 exhibitors who showcased their products and services.
TWO of eThekwini Municipality’s small, medium and micro business (SMME) development initiatives, namely the Durban Business Fair (DBF) and Durban Fashion Fair (DFF), have been hailed for providing a platform for small businesses to grow and thrive.
The DBF and DFF were hosted from September 20 to September 24 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and Durban Exhibition Centre and attracted approximately 20 231 visitors. There were 609 exhibitors who showcased their businesses and products.
The main highlight of the week-long empowerment activities was the hosting of the DBF Excellence Awards on September 23. The awards incorporated the DFF Recognition Awards and Lion’s Den Business Plan Competition Awards. A total of 23 businesses scooped up R50 000 each in business-support prizes, with youth-owned businesses dominating the awards.
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The DBF Excellence Awards had five categories. The DBF Excellence Award was won by Afya Food while Eagle Eye Clothing took the Youth-Owned Business Award. The Rural/Township-Based Award was scooped by Insika Interiors. Mrs HairFidance won in the Women-Owned Business Category while My Space Academy was given a Long-Stand Special Recognition Award.
The Lion’s Den Business Competition Awards had three categories, which encouraged innovation and competitiveness among entrepreneurs. Guru’s Eatery won under the Emerging Business category while M Branding & Advertising took the second spot. For the Established Business category, Premier Group emerged the winner while Babuse General Trading took second position. Spot on Fire Control received the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award with Pro Resin taking second place.
In the DFF Recognition Awards, Zamaswazi was named the Designer of the Year, and Martin John Bespoke took the Fashion Innovation Award. The Best Women’s Collection was won by Eullue, and the Best Men’s Collection was Vyagor Louve.
The Best Collection of the Week was awarded to EYC Couture while Jigga was named the 2023 Emerging Designer. Further to receiving cash cheques, both designers were selected to supply their products to Edgars stores.
Meanwhile, in the DFF Rising Star category, Sduduzo Nkwanya scooped first place while Silondile Makhanya took second position and Nokuzola Ndlovu came in third. For the DFF New Faces (models), Nobuhle Mnguni won in the Standard Size Female Category while the Plus Size Female Award went to Fezeka Dlamini. Lwandle Khulu won in the Male Model Category.
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Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, praised both the DBF and DFF.
“These platforms have become a key tool to accelerate the development of SMMEs. We had over 10 African and international countries at the DBF, and we are confident that business linkages and opportunities emerged from the engagements hosted. Through the awards, we aim to encourage excellence among businesses. The financial support, mentoring and capacity building provided to those who won are to elevate their businesses. SMMEs are critical to job creation and the boosting of local economic growth,” he said.
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