The Durban Business Fair has been hailed a success with over 11 000 people attending the event. City Mayor Cllr James Nxumalo said 2011 marks the 13th year of success for the leading business event in South Africa, where small business owners are given the opportunity to showcase their products and create awareness for their businesses.
“The Municipality has now provided a platform to allow big business an opportunity to play a role in assisting small entrepreneurs to exhibit so that small business gain more experience and have access to big business opportunities” said Nxumalo. Deputy Mayor Nomvuzo Shabalala commended SMMEs for what she termed as an “Excellent job.” “I am told that some of these SMMEs were trained for three months by Injiya, but the stuff they produce is world class. This shows that they have been well trained.” Shabalala who also chairs the Economic Development Committee said the Durban Business Fair had grown over the years and was good platform for SMMEs to showcase their products. This year’s fair also included a new approach to exhibitors and information sharing sessions. There was more emphasis on linkages between small and big businesses.
Parallel to the exhibition was the Speaker’s Corner, and a seminar which was addressed by high powered business people. City’s Head of Business Support, Tourism and Markets Unit, Philip Sithole said “This was a good prospect for exhibitors and the general business community, as the new approach is entrenched on creating substantial opportunities for businesses to leverage on as the fair is gaining momentum, greater recognition and more influence.” The fair received an excellent response. “The new brand was well received by both public and business. Our sponsors were happy with the level of professionalism displayed by the Unit,” said Sithole. The event was held from 23 to 25 September with more than 500 stalls. Pinky Dlamini who had a stall at the event said the Fair was very exciting and a huge success. Dlamini, a fashion designer said her company, Modesta Creation and Designs is inspired by African design and fabrics, hence the Afrocentric style of design that one gets from her work.
khumalotk@durban.gov.za, ngcongon@durban.gov.za or masikanezandile@durban.gov.za