Youth and women owned businesses highlighted during South Regional Business Fair

THE quality and innovative products offered by youth and women owned businesses was highlighted during the South Regional Durban Business Fair (DBF) that took place at the KwaMnyandu Shopping Centre recently. The business development exhibition attracted approximately 13 500 attendees who came out to support about 120 local businesses that were showcasing over the three days. Asanda Zondi, 21, from uMlazi is the founder of Siqalosisha which manufactures cleaning products such as pine disinfectant and dishwashing liquid among others. The company also offers commercial cleaning services. Zondi said she is grateful for the South Regional DBF as it provided an opportunity for her new business. She was able to forge business linkages which she hopes will grow into partnerships and new working deals. ''On top of being exposed to potential buyers, we also had the opportunity to market our products on radio. It was my first time exhibiting but I will definitely be back!'' she said. Fikile Khuzwayo, 35, founder of 'Fiks the Coffee Queen' opened in 2020 and had a good three days at the exhibition. Her stand was among the busiest at the exhibition with attendees enthralled with the ease which she brews a variety of coffees. ''I worked in restaurants, and I love coffee, so I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a coffee queen,'' she said. Khuzwayo's business is located at 139 Essenwood Road. She made about R6 000 in cash sales. This excludes card sales. ''I cannot describe the exposure my business received from exhibiting at the Fair as well as the other opportunities. Thank you to the Municipality.'' Thandeka Jali was one of the best stand winners and walked away with a one-year Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry membership, a free exhibition stand at the main DBF taking place in September, R3 000 to buy business necessities at Waltons, and marketing airtime, she applauded the Municipality for presenting a platform where she was able to create awareness about her company Lactease. Lactease was founded in late 2020 and manufactures a breastfeeding tonic that enhances breastmilk production. Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thanduxolo Sabelo said the South Regional DBF was a resounding success. He said it was heat-warming to hear from businesses owners how the platform has had such a positive impact on the growth of their businesses. The South Regional DBF featured several empowerment seminars and masterclasses aimed at transferring knowledge and skills to business owners. These included a contractor development indaba, youth and women empowerment indaba, digital marketing masterclass, a beauty and make-up masterclass, and many more. There are still few exhibition stands left for the main Durban Business Fair to take place at Durban Exhibition Centre and Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from 20 to 25 September. To register, request an application form from: zamani.shezi@durban.gov.za or call 031 311 4500.

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Sundry Grant-In-Aid funding extended

APPLICATIONS for the 2022/23 Sundry Grant-In-Aid funding has been extended until 30 July 2022. Registered organisations within early childhood development, social welfare, sports, culture and recreation, economic development, and faith-based organisations are invited to apply. This includes young people, children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Applications can be emailed or hand delivered to the following regional offices by 12pm on 30 July:

• OThongathi Sizakala Centre
• Kingsburgh Sizakala Centre
• KwaMashu Sizakala Centre
• Mega City Sizakala Centre
• Pinetown Sizakala Centre
• Westville Sizakala Centre

Applicants must ensure that all required documentation is attached. This includes an acknowledgement of receipt being attached to the application when it is submitted. Application forms can be obtained from the Municipal website www.durban.gov.za or from ward councillors. For enquiries contact Grant-In-Aid Co-ordinator Sandile Ngwane on 031 311 6195 or Beneficiary Support Officer Susan Towes on 031 311 6171. 

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Make everyday a Mandela day this month

THE month of July has become synonymous with the icon Nelson Mandela as the world celebrates his birthday on 18 July. Sharing with and caring for the less privileges as an act of selflessness is practised on this day the world over. These acts of kindness are usually accompanied by clean-ups - be it clearing a a dumpsite or painting. The Municipality is urging communities take up the challenge to clean up their areas. It is easy. All you need to do is to identify a spot in your area that needs clearing, adopt it and clean it up. Some communities have been doing this for a while now. They have created parks, such as the How Long Park in Umlazi or vegetable gardens which benefit their communities. The Municipality in partnership with Intokozo FM, Ward 76 Councillor Jabulani Maphumulo and the ward's CPF led by Patrick Ngwenya, took up the challenge and ran a massive clean-up campaign which started from the entrance of Umlazi and proceeded to Glebelands, Ezimbuzini and ended at Kwastambu (V section). The clean-up also served as an awareness campaign for residents about how to dispose of their waste. You can also do your bit in your area. Take a before and after picture of the adopted spot and send them to news.desk@durban.gov.za with your name and the area you adopted. Look out for your story and picture in the municipal newspaper, Metro Ezasegagasini and social media platforms.