The movers and shakers in the fashion business were honoured at the 2024 Durban Business Fair (DBF) at the Durban Exhibition Centre last Friday, September 27.

Twenty-three small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) were honoured at the event. The ceremony also included awarding winners of the Lions’ Den Business Plan Competition and the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) Recognition Awards.

The City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee chairperson, Thembo Ntuli congratulated all the winners and runners-up for striving for excellence, innovation and quality work in their respective fields.

“The winners will each receive a share of the municipality’s investment, which is a total of R500 000 including essential equipment and enterprise development support to the value of their cheque. This re-affirms our commitments to continue supporting SMMEs as they are economic drivers and creators of employment opportunities.”

Mr Ntuli said such initiatives are important because they celebrate the successful efforts and entrepreneurial ventures of local SMMEs that have over the years achieved remarkable milestones in various sectors of operation. He said it is crucial to encourage excellence and have more competitive businesses as well as stimulate job creation.

There were four categories for the DBF Excellence Awards where each winner took home a R50 000 cheque.

The SMME Excellence Award was awarded to Mthuqasikababa Enterprise while Ceno Tech (Pty) Ltd won under the Youth Owned Business category. June D Cakes took honours under the Rural/Township Based business and Takkie Wash SA won the Women Owned Business Award.

In the Lions’ Den segment, there were three categories with winners and runners-up going home with prizes. The winner for the Emerging Business category was Luhnyezi Farming getting R20 000 and runner-up Isipheko Cakes receiving R10 000. KK Refrigerator Rentals was named a winner in the Established Business Category going home with R30 000 while runner-up Litklean got R20 000. XTLS Dreadlocks took home the Entrepreneurship Excellence Award with a R40 000 prize, and Insika Interiors got R30 000 on the second spot.

Fashion excellence was also rewarded on the night in the DFF Recognition Awards. First to be called on stage was Sista Felas and Victor Fashion King who both won R15 000 for producing Best Ladies’ Wear and Best Menswear collections, respectively. Sista Felas was further named as Durban Designer of the Year, bagging another R15 000.

Martin John Bespoke took the Fashion Innovation Award for the fifth time. He emphasised the importance of creativity as it distinguishes one’s brand and style.

Mita N Dezynz scooped R15 000 for winning the Collection of the Week.

Meanwhile, Zola Ndlovu was awarded R15 000 for being named Durban designer of the year.

In the DFF Rising Star category Bonisiwe Ndlovu took first place receiving R15 000 while Zandile Myeza took second position getting R10 000 and Nelisiwe Dlamini came in third with a R5 000 cheque.

For the DFF New Faces (models), Owethu Okwami Khuzwayo won in the standard size female while the plus size female went to Lungile Kowa. The male category went to Nqobizitha Sibisi. All models received R5 000 cheques. Closing it off was Duke Clothe Your Soul who accepted the DFF Special Recognition Award with a R10 000 cheque.

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