UMlazi fair boosts local businesses

THE eThekwini Municipality says its second 2018 Regional Business Fair in uMlazi was a roaring success.

The city said the three-day fair last week at KwaMnyandu Shopping Mall attracted 13561 buyers, and created a platform for 110 exhibitors to showcase their work and seal business deals.

EThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede said small township businesses were the main role-players in job creation.

“It is for this reason that we will continue to invest in growing township economies, because they contribute to alleviating poverty, creating employment and eradicating inequality,” she said.

First-time exhibitor Dumisile Dlomo said the platform assisted her in marketing her business as well as in networking with potential buyers and owners of other small and emerging businesses.

Dlomo is the owner of Snqobangaye Traditional Clothing, which produces traditional isiZulu regalia and traditional colourful beaded accessories.

“You could tell that the municipality went all out to ensure the exhibition was well marketed judging by the number of buyers who visited our stands. We are eternally grateful. The response has been very positive and I am certain my business will grow after this,” she said.

The fair also included a business indaba with the key themes being contractor development, and township and rural economy revitalisation.

Projects

Executives from the provincial Department of Public Works and the municipality’s Economic Development and Investment Promotion Unit presented projects in the pipeline which are aimed at uplifting the township economy.

It was also announced that the city’s light industrial park incubator would be constructed at the KwaMnyandu Shopping Centre and would house the area’s small, medium and micro-sized enterprises.

Businesspeople in the social entrepreneurship industry encouraged attendees at the indaba to explore ideas that would not only generate an income, but bring about developmental transformation in society.

Social entrepreneur Nonhlanhla Joye, of Umgibe Farming Organics, said she started her businesses with the idea of financially supporting her family. Her innovative planting method of constructing umgibe – a system which allows for gardens to be elevated from the ground – is now globally recognised.

Futhi Mkhize, the founder of Ubuhle and Lillybelle, said there had been a noticeable growth in the local beauty industry. “The beauty industry in eThekwini is growing due to the flourishing TV industry within the city. Make-up artists have to be on set for shoots,” she said.

Mkhize cited local television shows such as Uzalo and Imbewu as contributors to the increased demand for beauty services.

The film masterclass, which attracted mostly tertiary drama students, was also a success. It was addressed by Leleti Khumalo – of Sarafina! fame and of new e.tv drama, Imbewu – who, along with other Imbewu executives, unpacked everything that goes into a film production. The masterclass, which was preceded by a visit to the studios of

Imbewu, provided practical experience for trainees and also presented funding opportunities.