ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
24 APRIL 2023
ETHEKWINI HOSTS POP-UP MARKET TO PROVIDE EXPOSURE FOR LOCAL SMMES
Small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) will benefit from the City’s pop-up market taking place from 27 to 30 April at Pick ‘n Pay Hyper by the Sea in Durban North.
The market, organised by the Business Support, Tourism, Markets and Agri-Business Unit in partnership with Pick ‘n Pay Hypermarket, will allow about 50 businesses to exhibit their locally produced products at no cost for four days. The pop-up market is a precursor to the 25th Durban Business Fair jubilee taking place later this year in September.
EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said: “The aim of this exercise is to expose local businesses to new customers to receive exposure, promote growth, and boost their income. The market initiative is also expected to contribute to the ‘Buy local and invest local’ campaign.”
To further support the creative industry, the market will feature the following performances: Hip Hop, Zumba dance, and street dancing. The Durban Book Fair, which provides a free platform for writers, academics, and publishers to launch and market their work to a diverse audience, will also be available at the pop-up market.
Samke Gumbi, founder of Samke’s Boutique, will be exhibiting at the market. She manufactures lamps, chandeliers, wire bowls and different kinds of jewellery. She is excited about the opportunity to showcase her work, meet new clients and increase her profit during the pop-up market. All her products are uniquely made from telephone wire.
Gumbi, who trades at the Bat Centre, conveyed her gratitude to the Municipality for providing empowerment opportunities.
“Last year in July, I was among businesses that were sponsored by eThekwini Municipality to attend and exhibit at the four-day Decorex in Johannesburg. From that exhibition, I made sales of approximately R70 000 and follow-up orders of about R40 000. Being part of the Municipality’s database is beneficial as it provides ample opportunities.”
In order to receive similar opportunities which includes access to industry skills, access to markets, access to finance and ongoing mentorship, register on the eThekwini Municipality’s Arts and Craft database by emailing nondumiso.mhlongo@durban.gov.za or call 031 311 4578.
The media is cordially invited to attend the pop-up market and assist in profiling the businesses.
Details of the event are as follows:
Date: 27 to 30 April 2023
Time: 10am to 5pm
Venue: Pick ‘n Pay Hyper by the Sea, North Beach
RSVP to: nonduduzo.ngcongo@durban.gov.za or 078 131 4618
Caption: Samke Gumbi, founder of Samke’s Boutique, is one of the Pop-up market exhibitors.
ENDS.
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit.