There are ongoing efforts to ensure various economic projects planned for the City of uMhlathuze come to fruition. These include gas-to-power projects, the Richards Bay Airport relocation, port expansion, as well as manufacturing initiatives through the RBIDZ.

This was highlighted by Mayor Xolani Ngwezi, who was addressing a business expo in Richards Bay on Thursday. The two-day event was hosted by uMhlathuze Municipality with the support of local industry. Addressing delegates at the engagement session, Ngwezi emphasised the importance of collaboration and partnerships, particularly in ensuring the growth and sustainability of small businesses within the city.

"Research shows that about 90% of business startups fail in their first year; less than 50% make it to their fifth year, while only 33% make it to the 10year mark. This is for a number of reasons, including a lack of financial support, skills and resources," he said. "Collaboration presents one of the most plausible solutions to driving and improving the sustainability of small businesses.

"This helps to ensure these entities stand the test of time, through skills transfer and exposure to markets presented by collaborative partnerships, which can increase purchasing power and grow business revenues. "When small businesses accept that they exist within an ecosystem, which extends far beyond their localities, only then can they begin to think broadly about growing sustainably to become entities that can significantly contribute towards the GDP of the country."

These sentiments were supported by Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCI) president Hlengiwe Mvubu, who said: "The expo is an opportunity for us to learn from each other, share ideas and identify areas where we can work together through partnerships. "The ZCCI firmly believes that collaboration is key to success. By joining hands as a collective local government, the business sector and communities we can build sustainable businesses and further have a lasting impact to make a real difference." This year, the business expo centred conversations around agriculture, agro-processing and innovation, and featured exhibitions from small and big business.