Maphise Holding’s Bongani goes global

The annual global expo of Small Medium and Micro-Enterprise (SMMEs) who joined the KwaZulu Natal convention bureau delegation was held on February 25-27.

Bongani Mlambo, the founder of Maphise Holdings and local resident in Dundee was one of two businessmen in KZN who were invited to be part of this seminar. He excitedly explained that: “Being part of this global expo has really opened my my eyes to a lot of things that I was not exposed to, especially coming from a small town. However, I did not let this mentality stop me from learning more from already established international business people.”

“I am excited as it was my first time going to such an event and it has allowed me to get exposed to buyers from various countries” said Bongani. He was not aware of how much of our own town’s economy lies with the tourism industry and it was during this expo that he got to learn that. Bongani also mentioned that they is still a lot that needs to be done in Dundee, he explained that:

“The Minister of COGTA, Honorable Zweli Mkhize explained to us that we need to work hand-in-hand with our Local Economic Development (LED) officers within our municipalities in order to broaden up our tourism industry. There is a lot of money in the tourism sector especially with all the functions held in our town”.

According to Bongani the department of LED in Endumeni needs to come on board in order for Dundee’s small businesses to put a mark in developing the town. He hopes that the municipality can one day hold seminars and summits for business people where they can share ideas and information on how to expand their businesses, such as talks about buying franchise businesses or opening BnB’s in the area.

Bongani got to meet and mingle with global business people and was able to get sponsors, but since the municipality has not given him land to make use of, he feels like the sponsorship pledges are fruitless at the moment. “With all the information and willing sponsors I have, my only worry now is a plot of land” said Bongani.

“I would also love to conduct those seminars especially for the young and upcoming business people. This way they can be exposed to a whole lot more vital information on different business fields.” He also thanked KwaZulu-Natal tourism for giving him the opportunity to be part of this life changing expo.

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