The exhibition space for Regional Business Fairs in all regions is officially sold out. The Fairs will take place in three regions of eThekwini and have drawn huge interest from the public and business sector, whilst impacting positively in boosting the economy in the previously marginalised areas.

Mayor Cllr James Nxumalo says the Municipality is excited to revive Regional Business Fairs as it is looking at increasing the local economic development and investment in townships and rural areas.

“This initiative will assist the Municipality to address the triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality which are rife in previously marginalised areas. For this reason, the Municipality has formed a partnership between the private and public sector to develop shopping malls and upgrade infrastructure in these areas. This will act as a catalyst to create business opportunities for SMMEs and to improve convenience to all citizens of eThekwini, resulting in job creation and economic growth," said Nxumalo.

He said the Fairs are a build up to the main Durban Business Fair which takes place every year in September.

“The Municipality recently launched the Economic Development strategy which seeks to provide direction with regards to the strategic economic issues and identify where large-scale investments are required to enhance the economy."

The strategy includes encouraging partnerships with various sectors.

Regional Business exhibitions will go concurrently with a two day Business Indaba where small businesses will engage in a dialogue with experienced business people in improving their business skills and overcoming barriers to growth.

Philip Sithole, Head of Business Support, Tourism and Markets Unit says we decided to bring business experts to the Regional Fairs to help SMMEs to be better equipped, to exploit opportunities out there and to acquire necessary information.

“The Municipality has invested millions of rand towards building capacity for our SMME sector, through training and incubation programmes for small business owners on a number of economic development sectors," said Sithole.

This year’s Regional Fairs will have very exciting features such as the live music concerts, sport clinics, workshops, comedy shows and many more.

Inner / Outer West Region will be held on 28-30 March 2014 at Hammersdale Junction/Mall

South Region will be on 4-6 April 2014 at King Zwelithini Stadium.

North Region will be held on 11-13 April 2014 at Bridge City Mall

Members of the public are all welcome and entrance is free!!!

Ends

For more information please contact Thabo Mofokeng on 031 311 4820/ 0827317456 or email: Thabo1.Mofokeng@durban.gov.za.

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communication Unit: Contact Sane Shandu on 031 311 4806/072 572 8658 or email: sanelisiwe.shandu@durban.gov.za