Durban – 10 March 2025
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, together with the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), led by MEC Rev. Musa Zondi, presided over the highly anticipated 2025 Umyezane Summit, Conference, and Awards. The two-day event served as a strategic platform for engagement between government, business leaders, and entrepreneurs, focusing on key issues affecting small enterprises in the province.
Strengthening Small Businesses for Economic Growth
In his address, Premier Ntuli emphasized the critical role of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in driving economic transformation and job creation. He highlighted the provincial government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for entrepreneurs by addressing barriers such as crime, access to funding, and market opportunities.
“The growth of SMMEs is central to building a resilient and inclusive economy. Through initiatives like the Umyezane Summit, we aim to empower small businesses, strengthen township and rural economies, and ensure that historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs are given meaningful opportunities to thrive,” said Premier Ntuli.
Key Issues Discussed at the Summit
The conference featured panel discussions, policy dialogues, and networking sessions where stakeholders engaged on:
• Crime and Business Security – Addressing the impact of crime on small businesses and strategies to enhance security.
• Regulatory and Policy Compliance – Simplifying business registration and licensing processes.
• Revitalizing Township and Rural Economies – Exploring innovative approaches to support businesses in historically underserved areas.
• Access to Funding and Market Opportunities – Strengthening financial support mechanisms for SMMEs.
• The Black Industrialists Programme – Accelerating transformation by expanding support for black-owned enterprises in key sectors.
MEC Zondi underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in unlocking economic opportunities for SMMEs, stating, “We must remove red tape, foster innovation, and create sustainable pathways for small businesses to succeed in both local and global markets.”
Recognizing Excellence in Entrepreneurship
The Umyezane Awards celebrated outstanding entrepreneurs who have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and business excellence in KwaZulu-Natal. The awards recognized achievements in various categories, including youth and women-owned businesses, rural enterprises, and emerging industrialists.
Premier Ntuli commended the winners for their dedication and contribution to economic development, reaffirming the government’s ongoing support for the province’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A Commitment to Sustainable Economic Development
The 2025 Umyezane Summit and Awards reinforced the provincial government’s vision of building a thriving, inclusive economy driven by small businesses. Premier Ntuli assured entrepreneurs that KwaZulu-Natal remains committed to policy reforms, financial support, and capacity-building programs that will position SMMEs as key drivers of economic growth.
The summit concluded with a renewed call for collaboration between government, private sector stakeholders, and entrepreneurs to accelerate small business development and ensure long-term economic sustainability.
Issued by the Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal