The eThekwini Municipality recently honoured entrepreneurs and creatives whose businesses contribute to the city’s economy and job creation at the Durban Business Fair (DBF) Excellence Awards. The awards ceremony was held at the Durban Exhibition Centre and brought together the Durban Business Fair, Lions’ Den Business Plan Competition, and Durban Fashion Fair Recognition Awards. This event celebrated enterprise, creativity, and ambition, highlighting the importance of small businesses in the local economy.
The Lions’ Den Business Plan Competition attracted 121 applications, with winners recognised across three stages of business development. Sparkle n’ Glow won the Emerging Business category, while Creative Tech was named runner-up. Super Clean Tekkie Wash won the Established Business category, with Thandimpumelelo Hardware as runner-up. The Msuthukazi Group received the Entrepreneurship Excellence Award, and Waterloo Blocks was named runner-up. These awards not only recognised the winners but also provided them with enterprise development support.
The Durban Business Fair Excellence Awards recognised several businesses, including Plastimed Packaging as the DBF Excellence Award winner, MM Clothing as the Rural and Township Based Business Award winner, and Amazizi Leatherworks as the Women Owned Business Award winner. The Youth Owned Business Award resulted in a tie, with Magaga Media and Communications and Grace Academy High School named joint winners. These awards highlight the diversity and talent within the local business community.
The Durban Fashion Fair Recognition Awards celebrated excellence across the fashion value chain. Zwandy won Best Ladieswear Collection, House of Vyagor Louvre won Best Menswear Collection, and Kireshen Chetty was named Collection of the Week. Sibu Msimang was crowned Durban Designer of the Year, and Martin Bespoke received the Fashion Innovator Award. Nellie D Designs won the Next Generation and Emerging Durban Designer Award.
The eThekwini Mayor, Cyril Xaba, addressed approximately 1 000 guests at the awards ceremony, emphasising the municipality’s commitment to broadening economic participation and creating opportunities for businesses to grow. He stated that the awards reflect the municipality’s dedication to micro, small, and medium enterprises development, economic inclusion, and broader participation in the eThekwini economy. The combined initiative provided more than R800 000 in enterprise development support.
The monetary awards will be used towards enterprise development support, including the purchase of equipment to strengthen business operations and support growth. Businesses and entrepreneurs welcomed eThekwini Municipality’s investment in local enterprises and its practical support to help them strengthen operations, access markets, and pursue sustainable growth. This support is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy.
The eThekwini Municipality’s investment in local enterprises demonstrates its commitment to creating a stronger, more inclusive local economy. The DBF Excellence Awards and the Durban Fashion Fair Recognition Awards are essential initiatives in promoting entrepreneurship and creativity in the region. By providing support to small businesses, the municipality aims to foster economic growth and job creation.
Key points
- eThekwini Municipality provides over R800 000 in enterprise development support to local businesses.
- The Durban Business Fair Excellence Awards recognise businesses across various categories, including entrepreneurship, innovation, and fashion.
- The awards ceremony highlights the municipality’s commitment to broadening economic participation and creating opportunities for businesses to grow.
