It is exciting to announce the launch of a new platform to facilitate economic development and create a vibrant lifestyle and tourism product, which will be unveiled through the staging of the inaugural Umlazi Festival & Expo at the King Zwelithini Stadium, Umlazi on 04 â€" 06 April 2014.

The Umlazi Festival & Expo will feature various informative and exciting components such as an Exhibition, Empowerment Workshops, Sports Clinics, Music Festival and other social events. The exhibition will offer a platform to SMMEs, Corporates, Government Departments, Government Entities and Education Institutions to showcase their products and services as well as an opportunity to interact with their consumers.

The KZN MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Michael Mabuyakhulu said “It is important to have a vibrant economy starting from the grassroots level in order to strengthen and grow the economy of KwaZulu-Natal. We strongly believe that the Umlazi Festival & Expo is an essential vehicle in driving economic development at grassroots level.”

“We are excited to be part of this vibrant Umlazi Festival & Expo, which is one of the innovative interventions aimed at broadening economic participation and increasing tourism products through the development of township tourism,” Mabuyakhulu said.

The Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Cllr James Nxumalo said “The Umlazi Festival & Expo is a perfect platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services. This will also afford local communities with an opportunity to access business opportunities.”

“We would like to encourage local entrepreneurs to take full advantage of Umlazi Festival & Expo because it is created for their empowerment as businesses within local communities thus contribute towards economic development,” Nxumalo said.

Another key component of Umlazi Festival & Expo is the Empowerment Workshops, which will educate, empower and inspire entrepreneurs and young people with the latest business information. It will also be an opportunity to access valuable business information and business opportunities.

Sports Clinics will expose youngsters to expert sport development and training methods offered by reputable trainers and professional athletes in different sporting codes. This will assist youngsters to nurture their skills and expose them to other sports opportunities.

In order to create excitement and infuse vibrancy, Umlazi Festival & Expo will feature loads of entertainment through the grand Music Festival and other social events, which will feature performances from leading artists and DJs.

Businesses and the youth are encouraged to participate in this unique event in order to access empowerment opportunities presented by the Umlazi Festival & Expo. Businesses and the youth are also encouraged to register early for the Exhibition and Empowerment Workshops as stands and seats are limited.

To book for the Exhibition and Empowerment Workshops please contact: 031 279 2360 or email: nqobo@splendidmarketing.co.za

ENDS

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality, for more information contact Thabo Mofokeng on 031 311 4820/ 0827317456 or email: Thabo1.mofokeng@durban.gov.za

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