UKZN Partners with SA National Convention Bureau to Strengthen Conference Bidding Capacity

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UKZN’s Corporate Relations Division and the SA National Convention Bureau (SANCB) hosted a workshop on the Bid Support Programme, aimed at equipping academics and departments with knowledge and tools on how to attract international, regional and national conferences to their institutions.

Attending were academics from across disciplines who are exploring opportunities to host large-scale events. They received insights on how to access financial and non-financial assistance to strengthen their bids.

Opening the session, UKZN’s Executive Director of Corporate Relations, Ms Normah Zondo, highlighted the University’s role as a hub for knowledge-sharing and global collaboration.

“At UKZN, we take pride in being a hub for knowledge-sharing and innovation. Each year, we host a variety of regional and international conferences, symposia and workshops that draw academics, researchers and influential leaders from around the globe,” said Zondo.
She added that while such conferences enhanced UKZN’s academic mission, they also made a significant contribution to the local economy, boosting tourism, hospitality and service industries.

Zondo welcomed representatives from SANCB, the Durban ICC, and the Tourism and Film KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau, noting the importance of partnerships in enabling academics to translate their global networks into prestigious conferences hosted in the province.

Presenters from SANCB - Ms Bongiwe Nzeku, Mr Sakhile Ndhlovu, and Ms Marlene Govender - shared insights into the bureau’s support services, which include bid preparation, bid presentations, site inspections, funding and delegate-boosting initiatives.

“We provide a range of financial and non-financial support services to academics, associations, and institutions seeking to bring international conferences to South Africa,” explained Ndlovu. He emphasised SANCB’s current focus on major metros such as Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, noting the significant economic and social impact of hosting international events.

Nzeku added that conferences played a role in upskilling the country, empowering society, and strengthening partnerships with local stakeholders.

Ms Nombuso Njapha of the Tourism and Film KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau outlined the bureau’s strategic objectives, which include positioning KwaZulu-Natal as a premier business events destination, promoting the province’s tourism offerings and converting business travellers into repeat leisure visitors.

Support services offered by the Durban-KZN Convention Bureau include:

• Congress bidding and presentations
• Stakeholder co-ordination
• Site inspections and familiarisation trips
• Pre- and post-tour support
• Marketing and delegate boosting
• Onsite event support

Njapha stressed that the Convention Bureau was committed to leveraging business events for economic growth and small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME) development, while also aligning infrastructure development with demand.

Representing the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), Ms Gugu Mchunu announced the centre’s rebranding as the World Trade Centre Durban, positioning it as a premier gateway for global business.

“World Trade Centre Durban is set to become a premier gateway for global business in KwaZulu-Natal, connecting local enterprises to international markets through the trusted World Trade Centre’s Association network,” she said.

The facility will provide world-class infrastructure, trade services, exhibitions and high-level engagements designed to foster international trade, attract investment and stimulate regional economic growth.

The workshop emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships in securing international conferences, with UKZN academics encouraged to leverage SANCB and KZN Convention Bureau support to advance the province’s position as a world-class business events destination.

Zondo concluded by reaffirming UKZN’s readiness to host and partner: “This is not just about hosting events - it’s about equipping our academics and departments with the tools and partnerships needed to bring the world to KwaZulu-Natal. And indeed, we are ready.”

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini