DUTYWA– Dutywa recently came alive with celebration as Mbhashe Local Municipality hosted a series of lively events in honour of Heritage and Tourism Month on 20 September 2025. The Ilifa loMbhashe Festival and Flea Market highlighted local artistry, showcased the region’s natural attractions and opened doors for economic opportunities.
Mbhashe Local Municipality Mayor Cllr. Samkelo Janda attending the event had this to say, “We want to showcase what we have as Mbhashe so that even those with the financial muscle to invest can come here. In Dutywa, you would have seen we already have the biggest mall and nearby there are nine commercial sites that have already been allocated to businesses,” said Janda.
“Beyond that, we are developing social housing with an investor already on board through a memorandum of understanding,” Cllr. Janda added.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Aspire Chief Executive Officer(CEO) Avuyile Xabadiya said that, “What we are seeing here in Mbashe is a practical demonstration of how local resources when harnessed responsibly can create jobs, build sustainable businesses and preserve our cultural heritage. Our role as an agency is to walk side by side with these entrepreneurs, ensuring that their ideas translate into thriving enterprises that uplift the entire community,” he said.
One of the exhibitor the owner of Zingisa Honey Cooperative, a proudly local enterprise dedicated to the production of natural honey, said that, “Our business is doing very well because the demand for honey is very high. We are determined to open more centers in Willowvale where we will ensure that upcoming farmers also receive boxes from the municipality.”
The Ilifa loMbhashe Festival and Flea Market not only celebrated heritage and tourism but also highlighted the potential for economic growth within the municipality.
