The Durban Business Fair (DBF) attracted a wide range of entrepreneurs, delegates, and attendees eager to showcase their products and to attend the many empowering seminars on offer. The DBF was held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and the Durban Exhibition Centre from 20 to 25 September.
More than 500 exhibitors set up shop and thousands of attendees showed up over the six days of the fair. The City’s flagship business showcase lived up to this year’s theme ‘Connecting Durban businesses to opportunities’.
Entrepreneurs from across the country had the opportunity to market their products and services as well as to interact directly with potential customers. The exhibition was officially opened by Acting Premier Nomagugu Simelane and eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda. In support of the City’s Buy Local campaign, both Acting Premier Simelane and Mayor Kaunda purchased furniture from the exhibition’s Furniture Pavilion. The featured furniture was locally produced by young graduates trained by the My Space Academy which is funded by eThekwini Municipality and FP and M SETA.
Mayor Kaunda said it was important for him to support local businesses. He was left impressed by the high quality of products showcased at the DBF.
Martha Shingane, Manager of Stakeholder, Marketing and Communications at W&R SETA, said their partnership with the Municipality’s DBF was important as KwaZulu-Natal is among the top three economies in the country, of which small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) comprise the bulk of the retail sector.
Some of the exhibitors included Thobisile Ngcobo of Fuzelimhlophe Trading Project which manufactures furniture. She said the exposure she gained at the fair has resulted in many new orders for her business.
Tshokolo Nong, an Executive Director of Nong Legal a law firm that specialises in assisting SMMEs, said the exhibition is a great platform to market her business and source new clients.
Nobuhle Mlambo, of Ladysmith-based Sizakahle Co-operative said the fair was not just about sales, but about networking and gaining exposure.
The DBF exhibition also had empowerment activities such as the Agrizone which covered access to market and funding opportunities, aquaponics, livestock farming as well as skills transfer of urban agriculture.
During the International Pavilion discussions, it emerged that foreign partners are still enthusiastic about doing business and connecting and investing in eThekwini.
The Street Market, featuring food stalls, was praised for boosting the profits of local vendors.
