Date: 2025-10-30 08:10:24

Public-Private Partnership Builds Sustainable Businesses

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP BUILDS SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES

THE public-private partnership between eThekwini Municipality and Newbridge Graduate Institute is bearing fruit. 

The partnership commenced from the North Regional Durban Business Fair empowerment sessions held earlier this year, where 15 emerging businesses were awarded Business Administration bursaries. 

The successful applicants had to pitch their business ideas to a panel.

Fifteen young entrepreneurs are currently enrolled for a Higher Certificate in Business Administration, NQF Level 5 at Newbridge Graduate Institute. 

The18-month course commenced in August and will be completed in February 2027. 

Learners attend classes three times a week at the Highway Campus in Pinetown, with practical lessons conducted at their own businesses.

For Lungelo Gwala, 24, founder of Miss Elle Bakery in KwaMashu, the course has been transformative. “This programme is teaching me how to be unique and successful in the competitive bakery industry,” she shared.

Similarly, Thobani Gumede, 23, of Thumu Dane Deliveries, said: “I’m already implementing marketing strategies that I’ve learnt, and I’m exploring funding to expand my business by acquiring another motorbike. Attending the North Regional Durban Business Fair and participating in the business pitch changed my business journey completely.”

Nathi Ndlovu, Stakeholder Relations Manager at Newbridge Graduate Institute, emphasised the significance of public-private partnerships in business development. 

“This programme equips learners with the knowledge and skills to run sustainable, profitable businesses.”

Chairperson of the City’s 

Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli said: “By implementing their newly acquired skills and knowledge, these emerging business owners are well on their way to success. This is precisely why we forge such partnerships in order to drive business development that ultimately leads to job creation and inclusive economic growth.”

ENDS

Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.