The Durban Business Fair is the business exhibition and promotion wing of the eThekwini Business Support Unit. This annual event takes place with the aim of giving businesses an opportunity to showcase their unique products, whilst also providing seminars and discussions around certain industry topics by the experts, ensuring the proper equipping of the upcoming economy contributors. This year’s annual event, which marked the Fair’s 24th consecutive year, recently ran concurrently with the Durban Fashion Fair at the Durban International Convention Centre and Durban Exhibition Centre.
The fair kicked off with the first day primarily dedicated to Business Engagement and discussions. Honourable Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda, officially opened the exhibition and pointed out how worthwhile the Fair is for local businesses to attend and participate in.
The fair had five innobiz stalls for five of its entrepreneurs who exhibited their innovative and unique products. They were Mpendulo Mwandlwa- founder of Dorca Paints Pty Ltd, Mpilwenhle Sibisi- founder of Mpilostar Apparel, Themba Gumbi- founder of Wyne’s Leather Accessories, Smiselelo Msimango- founder of Zart Clothing and Philani Zondi-founder of PSAM Printings.
With the aim of innobiz which is to ensure that its entrepreneurs receive all the best exposure, the best mentorship, and to engage with local and international stakeholders and buyers, the Durban Business Fair formed a crucial part of their entrepreneurial journey.
One of the entrepreneurs who was exhibiting, was very humbled and excited at the amount of people at the exhibition who appreciated his work and supported his business,
“I have learnt a lot from the experience of being here at such a big event, and being given the opportunity to showcase my talent and hard work to locals and internationals, is just a humbling moment. I am really grateful to innobiz for always trying to bring us to places where we can better ourselves and our businesses,” said Msimango.
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Professor Keolebogile Motaung said: “It was so exciting to see different kinds of fashion styles at the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF). I can’t wait to see innobiz entrepreneurs in 2023 taking part in DFF, showcasing their designers. They must continue to be fearless and follow their dream,” she said.
Pictured: Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Professor Keolebogile Motaung.
Aliziwe Mbambo
