THE Durban Business Fair’s (DBF) empowerment seminars started on a high note with the first business engagement held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 20 September.

 

Themed ‘Conducting business with government made easy’, the session aimed to clarify the intricacies of state procurement for small businesses, in particular enterprises owned by women, youth, people with disabilities, and military veterans.

 

The session was attended by over 500 delegates.

 

EThekwini Speaker Councillor Thabani Nyawose delivered the keynote address titled ‘Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme: Transforming and integrating opportunities in townships and rural areas into productive business ventures.’

 

He said the theme is in line with the City’s radical socio-economic transformation programme which states that the Municipality must allocate at least 30 percent of its procurement spend to women, youth, people with disabilities, and military veteran-owned enterprises.

 

“The Municipality has adopted a Mayoral 10 Point Plant to reshape the economic future of the people of eThekwini. At the heart of this bold plan is the establishment of the Enterprise Supplier Development Fund, which was launched in October last year which the Municipality pledged R50 million to capitalise this fund,” said Councillor Nyawose.

 

He said it is important to ensure that small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) that are already doing business with government are paid within 30 days after submitting their invoices to ensure they are sustainable. He said this is why the City established the SMME Helpdesk last year which accelerates suppliers’ invoices.

 

“The failure to pay service providers on time adversely affects their business operations. We encourage suppliers with invoices that have not been paid after 30 days to visit our SMME Helpdesk Centre at 127 Johannes Nkosi Street,” he concluded.

 

A panel comprising of eThekwini Municipality Deputy Head: Policy and Support Services; Zandile Sithole from the Supply Chain Management Unit; Regional Manager of KZN SEFA Thula Mkhwanazi; Black Business Federation President Malusi Zondo; McKenzie Jama founder Carol Jama; and KZN Wholesale and Retail SETA Regional Manager Peter Cleophas led an informative session.

 

The discussion explored the challenges of compliance, the Central Supplier Database and the newly launched Supplier Self Service processes as well as finance opportunities available.

 

The business engagement set the tone for the rest of the five-day DBF programme, which will end on 25 September. This includes the Durban Fashion Fair showcase which starts today, 21 September.

 

Also on the DBF line-up is the Women Economic Empowerment Engagement, DBF Excellence and Gala Dinner, Agri-Zone, Make-Up and Beauty Masterclass, DFF Recognition Awards, Youth Business Connect, and the DBF Street Market.

 

The public is welcome to attend any of the DBF seminars. Entry is free for all sessions apart from the DFF showcases.

 

ENDS

 

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit.