A joint initiative by the Durban Automotive Cluster (DAC), Toyota South Africa Motors, and eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development Directorate successfully hosted the inaugural Springboard Pitching Competition.

Also read: UKZN secures funding to support postgraduates

Held in Durban, the event brought together 26 small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) who participated in a dynamic pitching competition, competing for a share of R60 000 in prizes. The initiative also created a valuable platform to connect SMMEs with leading industry firms.

eThekwini spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said it formed part of the DACs SMME development programmes aimed at strengthening the local supplier network for leading firms within the automotive and manufacturing sectors.

The deputy head of the City’s Economic Development Directorate, Takalani Rathiyaya, applauded the cluster’s efforts to stimulate economic activity and attract investment. He noted that developing local suppliers and manufacturers within the cluster’s value chain will contribute significantly to expanding the City’s manufacturing sector.

Three SMMEs emerged as winners from the competition. AGP Manufacturing secured the Best Elevator Pitch award worth R20 000, Phumelela Gasinga Engineering Solutions received the Best Booth award of R15 000, and XO Collection won the Best Innovation Award, taking home R25 000. XO Collection founder, Xoliswa Hlongwane, expressed her appreciation to the DAC and the City for their continued support.

“It is such an honour to have come this far with the support of these programmes. Presenting my work to industry leaders and receiving recognition is truly a humbling experience,” said Hlongwane.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.