ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

23 MARCH 2022

The eThekwini Municipality’s Lions’ Den Business plan competition aimed at advancing small and micro enterprises continues to be fundamental in kick-starting and strengthening local enterprises. 

This was evident yesterday, 22 March, at the Durban Botanical Gardens when the Municipality awarded a sum of R120 000 to six businesses who wowed a panel of judges with their economically viable business ideas. 

The six winners outdid eight other contestants who presented their ideas, seeking financial and non-financial support to advance their businesses. 

Above the cash prizes, the Municipality will further capacitate the six businesses with training and mentorship to ensure their sustainability. 

The entrepreneurial excellence business category was awarded to Sika Creative Agency and BPSC Carpenters. Both businesses walked away with R30 000 cheques.

In the established business category, which looks for businesses in need of expansion, SG Bakery and Essentially Essential were named as winners of the R20 000 cheque prize. 

Brew Brothers Café and Mthuqasi KaBaba companies were both winners in the emerging business category which funds viable business ideas. They were awarded R10 000 cheques each. 

Sthombe Madida, founder of Essentially Essential which manufactures natural skin care products, said she is over the moon for scoring this financial support. “My journey with the Municipality started in 2020 during a 12-month training to ensure I am industry ready.”

Madida said her love for the skin care industry started years ago. However, she had no idea where to start. “I am grateful to the Municipality for supporting my dream,” she said. 

Wandile Kunene of Brew Brothers Café said they will use the money and other support to pay for membership fees and skills development for staff. 

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said: “The Lions’ Den programme is one of many programmes in which the Municipality partners with stakeholders to develop and mentor young entrepreneurs in order to produce job creators that will assist in hiring job seekers and boost local economy.” 

Kaunda said he is pleased that past beneficiaries of the programme are thriving and playing their role in addressing the challenge of high unemployment. 

ENDS

Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit. For media enquiries, contact the Municipal Spokesman, Msawakhe Mayisela on 060 966 4220.