MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MINISTER STELLA NDABENI TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE 28th ANNUAL DURBAN BUSINESS FAIR
The eThekwini Municipality, in partnership with the National Department of Small Business Development, is honoured to announce that the Minister of Small Business Development, Ms. Stella Ndabeni, will deliver the keynote address at the 28th Durban Business Fair (DBF).
The Minister’s address will highlight national strategies for MSME integration into the mainstream economy, coinciding with the fair’s 2026 theme: "28 Years of Connecting MSMEs to Markets and Opportunities." This flagship event, running from 30 April to 2 May 2026 at the Durban Exhibition Centre, serves as the primary gateway for local entrepreneurs to access global markets and corporate supply chains.
Members of the media are invited to cover the Ministerial keynote and will also get insight into national funding, digital innovation, and sustainable growth for the small business sector.
Additionally, there will be high-level engagements with Illovo Sugar, SARS, and Proudly South African to bridge the gap between MSMEs and large-scale industries.
Furthermore, there will be a series of Masterclasses, including the W&RSETA session on 1 May, designed to equip local businesses with competitive edge tools in order to improve their capacity.
Event Details for Durban Business Fair Official Opening and Walkabout:
• Dates: 30 April 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM
• Venue: Durban Exhibition Centre (DEC), 11 Walnut Road, Durban
Note to Editors:
Media representatives are invited to cover the Minister’s address and the subsequent exhibition tour. Interviews with the Minister, municipal leadership, and pioneering SMMEs can be facilitated upon request.
For Media Enquiries & Interview Coordination:
Contact: Noko Manyelo (Department of Small Business Development)
Email: nmanyelo@dsbd.gov.za
Mobile: 071 265 8611
Website: www.dsbd.gov.za
X: @DSBD_SA
Facebook: Department Of Small Business Development
Contact: Nonduduzo Ngcongo
Phone: 078 131 4618.
Email: nonduduzo.ngcongo@durban.gov.za
Issued by the Department of Small Business and Durban Business Fair
