Latest news with #ThemboNtuli
The Citizen
29-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Last chance to enter Durban Fashion Fair
THE eThekwini Municipality is inviting fashion designers from across South Africa to apply for the opportunity to showcase their designs at the 14th annual Durban Fashion Fair (DFF). The DFF, one of Africa's influential fashion events, will take place from September 17 to 19, at The Station Urban Event Space. Applications close on Thursday July 31, 2025. Chairperson of the eThekwini economic development and planning committee, councillor Thembo Ntuli, reaffirmed the city's investment in the programme. ALSO read: Durban Fashion Fair model search kicks off this June He said the showcase is part of the city's broader commitment to developing the creative industry and empowering entrepreneurs in the fashion sector. 'As eThekwini Municipality, we invest in fashion because it drives inclusive economic development and job creation. The programme supports radical economic transformation by empowering emerging creatives. This year, 24 emerging designers have received training and mentorship since March, covering both creative and business aspects. These mentees will have the opportunity to showcase at the DFF in September,' added Ntuli. With the theme, 'The Awakening', the DFF 2025 promises to shine the spotlight on bold creativity, while celebrating local talent and amplifying both new and established voices in the fashion space. Over the past decade, the DFF has grown into a vital platform, not only showcasing fashion, but shaping careers. Many past participants have gained access to buyers, business partnerships, and international opportunities. Makhosi Ntshangase of Sista Fellas, a 2019 DFF mentee and Rising Star winner, credits the showcase for successfully launching her career. 'Apart from the equipment I received, DFF was my key to unlocking doors of opportunity. I learnt the business of fashion, networked, and eventually signed a consignment deal with Edgars. I encourage both emerging and established designers to seize this opportunity as it can elevate your brand.' To apply online, visit the website: For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
The South African
30-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
uShaka Marine World gets R14 million cash lifeline
The eThekwini Municipality has approved a R14 million financial injection for uShaka Marine World, in a bid to keep the iconic Durban theme park operational amid ongoing financial distress. The majority of councillors voted in favour of the funding, which will go to Durban Marine Theme Park (DMTP), the municipal entity that manages uShaka's operations. The park, once a crown jewel of Durban tourism, has been plagued by cash flow constraints linked to its current business model and institutional structure. Officials say that during low trading periods, the park fails to generate enough income to cover mandatory expenses – causing it to rely heavily on peak-season surpluses. Historical debt has further weakened the park's ability to remain solvent throughout the year. Thembo Ntuli, ANC councillor and Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, defended the move, calling it a 'strategic investment' rather than a bailout. 'Without this funding, the park may be forced to scale down or suspend operations, putting jobs, tourism revenue, and the city's reputation at risk,' Ntuli said. The funding aims to stabilise uShaka Marine World as a 'going concern', warding off the risk of job losses and a potential decline in domestic and international tourism revenue for the city and province. The DMTP has committed to finalising a turnaround strategy by July 2025, which will outline measures to resolve the theme park's operational inefficiencies and improve long-term sustainability. A new credit agreement is also being explored to help restructure and settle the park's existing debt burden, with a view to enhancing liquidity and operational capacity. uShaka Marine World remains a key tourism anchor for both Durban and KwaZulu-Natal. The facility, which includes a water park, aquarium, and entertainment complex, draws thousands of visitors annually and contributes significantly to local economic activity. Operations at the park are overseen by the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), a non-profit organisation focused on marine education and conservation, while the municipality continues to fund the park's broader operations. With the approved funding, the city hopes to preserve one of its most recognisable attractions and secure its role as a driver of economic growth, employment, and tourism in the region. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
