EXCELLING AND INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURS HONOURED AT 2024 DBF EXCELLENCE AWARDS AND DURBAN FASHION FAIR RECOGNITION AWARDS
Approximately 23 outstanding small, medium and micro enterprises
(SMMEs) were honoured at the 2024 Durban Business Fair’s (DBF)
Excellence Awards at Durban Exhibition Centre on Friday, 27 September.
In his address, City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairperson, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, congratulated all the winners and runners-up for striving for excellence, innovation and quality work in their respective fields. Councillor 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. “This is crucial to encourage excellence and have more competitive businesses as well as stimulate job creation, especially in the fashion and creative sector.”
The night saw the rewarding of Fashion excellence in the Durban
Fashion Fair (DFF) Recognition Awards.
First to be called on stage was Ms. Makhosazana Ntshangase, founder and head designer of the brand Sistas Felas, and Kazadi Wilson Mukeya head designer of Victor Fashion King, who both won R15 000 for producing Best Ladies’ Wear and Best Menswear collections respectively. Makhosazana Ntshangase of Sistas Felas was further named as Durban Designer of the Year, bagging another R15 000.
Designer Martin John of 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.
Muzi Mlambo, designer and founder of the fashion brand 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 off the fashion excellence awards was renowned Durban Designer Sandile “Duke” Mngadi of the brand Duke – Clothe Your Soul, who accepted the DFF Special Recognition Award with a R10 000 cheque.