The success stories of 25 years of the Durban Business Fair assisting SMMEs was lauded during an event recently. The new logo for the fair to commemorate 25 years was also launched.

THE TANGIBLE difference the Durban Business Fair (DBF) has made to assist small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the City over the past 25 years was highlighted during a celebration on 24 August. The 2023 DBF will be held under the theme: ‘25 Years of building sustainable businesses’ taking place from 22 to 24 September at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

Deputy Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Phili Ndlovu said: “What started in 1998 as an Arts and Craft exhibition with less than 100 exhibitors has grown to become South Africa’s premiere business exhibition platform.” She said more than 100 000 people have participated in the DBF over the years with over 20 000 sustainable jobs created. Business owners shared their stories of success. Sthembiso Ngubo of Afromed Medical Services said: “We started exhibiting at the Durban Business Fair in 2014. The platform has been our pillar of strength as we have gained exposure and established partnerships and clients which has helped to take our business to new levels.” 

Ngubo said their business has grown to include 11 ambulances and they employ more than 40 permanent staff and around 80 part-time staff. “The company has now expanded its base to different areas and we have completed building our Afromed Medical School where we aim to educate the youth about lifesaving skills. We will forever be grateful to eThekwini for such growth opportunities,” added Ngubo. Nkazimulo Ngidi, founder of Amabheshu Innovators, manufactures traditional attire. She said through this platform she is supplying products on a large scale and has gone international. “I have clients from the United States of America that I built relations with through the DBF International Pavilion.” To receive updates and more information on #DBF25 follow @Durban Business Fair on Facebook.