Bridge City Business Fair Empowers Entrepreneurs with Purpose and Practical Tools
Over the weekend of 28-29 March, I had the honour of participating in the Bridge City Durban Business Fair – a powerful showcase of how eThekwini Municipality’s decentralised post-COVID strategy is reshaping access to economic opportunity by taking services and support directly to the people.
Held at the Bridge City Shopping Centre in KwaMashu, the event brought together entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and municipal partners in an accessible, high-impact setting.
On Friday, I was invited to speak to SMMEs in the construction sector, presenting on: “How Construction SMMEs Can Leverage AI.” My aim was to demystify Artificial Intelligence and show how local businesses – even those in hands-on sectors like construction – can apply tools like chatbots, automated admin systems, and data tracking to save time, improve efficiency, and grow their enterprises.
I also participated in the expert panel discussion, which explored broader opportunities for small businesses in the region. A key component of my contribution on both Friday and Saturday was a discussion on Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programmes – how they work, where entrepreneurs can find them, and how to assess which programmes align best with the nature of their businesses. I emphasised the importance of tailoring these opportunities to fit the business’s sector, growth stage, and capacity for partnership or scaling.
My decision to speak in isiZulu deepened the impact of these engagements. The shift in understanding and engagement was immediate. People were comfortable, curious, and connected. For many, hearing complex business concepts explained in their own language made all the difference.
We know from research – and certainly from experience – that learning in one’s mother tongue enhances cognitive ability, improves knowledge retention, and builds confidence. Language does more than communicate – it connects. When we use our own, we unlock understanding, identity, and pride.
On Saturday, I had the privilege of joining the Women in Business panel, where we addressed essential topics like work-life balance, self-esteem in business, developing internal processes, and the power of collaboration and womanhood in the entrepreneurial journey. The session was dynamic, heartfelt, and energising. One of my standout moments was sharing the stage with one of my mentees, the phenomenal Ms Fezile Mdletshe, founder of the renowned Fezile Fashion Skills Academy (FFSA) Fashion School. Seeing her share her insights with clarity, honesty about business challenges, confidence, and passion was a proud moment.
A strong theme on the second day was the critical role of mentorship in business. I shared how mentorship has played a defining role in my journey and in the growth of countless entrepreneurs I have worked with. We discussed how to find the right mentor, how to be a proactive mentee, and how mentorship contributes to business resilience and personal development.
Despite the rainy, muddy conditions, the turnout was high, and the commitment of attendees even higher. The hunger to learn, share, and grow was palpable. There was no hesitation to engage, ask questions, and seek guidance – and I believe that was largely due to the comfort created by the language and cultural familiarity of the space.
This experience aligns with a key project I’ve been working on with Dr Zamanguni Kubheka, Ms Nokulunga Ngcongo, and our student Ms Slindile Mkhize – developing a book and isiZulu entrepreneurship education lexicon. We are currently in the phase of lexicon development, working with language experts to ensure accuracy and relevance. Through this work, we’ve understood that language and culture are not add-ons in commerce or entrepreneurship education – they are essential.
I believe the decentralised model of the Durban Business Fair, which brings municipal offices, funding bodies, business support services, and learning opportunities directly into suburbs, townships and peri-urban spaces, is not just practical – it’s transformational. When people receive services in their own spaces, without the fear of gatekeeping or language barriers, the true potential of community-based development is realised. It is truly a model to replicate across different municipalities with similar demographic challenges.
As an academic and advocate for African entrepreneurship, I see it as my duty to take the knowledge I generate to develop and uplift communities across Africa. We are at a point in our history where we must shape entrepreneurial models that reflect our African realities – and these must start with local relevance and context.
This fair was a perfect example of what happens when access meets authenticity. I am proud to have contributed to this impactful initiative.
Dr Lindiwe (Malindi) Kunene is a Senior Lecturer: Management and Entrepreneurship Discipline, UKZN, UKZN Student Entrepreneurship Committee Member, Entrepreneurship Development and Enterprise Supply Development Consultant and SME Strategy and Governance Expert.
*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Photograph: Supplied
