Bizana SMMEs are picture-perfect and audio-visual, loud and clear

The perfect pair of photographer and audio-visual SMMEs for all Wild Coast Sun’s events and requirements

When planning an event, there are two components that go hand in hand that every event organiser, big or small, must think about.

First, how is the event going to sound acoustically and look visually through lighting?   And secondly, once the event has successfully wrapped up, how do we preserve its memory?

With a wide variety and calibre of events hosted at Wild Coast Sun, the South Coast resort has partnered with two local small businesses to ensure every moment is perfectly lit, the sound is crystal clear, and is preserved picture-perfectly.

“Besides ‘Local is Lekker’, when corporates support local, they grow local and put more food on the table for those living on their doorstep,” says Wild Coast Sun’s SED & ESD Manager, Bandile Mdliva.

Collen Mrwabane of Omjiwo Fakazi, audio-visual

Collen Mrwabane is the founder and director of his own audio-visual company, Omjiwo Fakazi. In this capacity, he has provided these components for a range of events at Wild Coast Sun since the end of 2023.

For audio, Mrwabane has to understand what type of set-up is required. “This means we must contact the organiser, who will tell us what they need – how many mics, head piece or cordless, podium mic stands,” he explains. “If there is a band or a DJ, what equipment will they use? Will it easily work with ours? Some bands need amps for instruments, and sometimes DJs request certain CDJs, of which there are different kinds.

“We ensure when they arrive at the event, everything is there. If necessary, we will have to organise or hire what we need.”

In terms of visuals, this includes all types of lighting, for the stage and the room. “We have to make the room look right for what is happening, whether it’s a ceremony, birthday party, or an awards ceremony. We must be certain we light according to brief,” says Mrwabane.

Additional visual components are projections for presentations or images to play as a slide show, and other events such as conferencing and online meetings are covered too.

“Wild Coast Sun has programmes or initiatives where we, as locals, are given chances. For example, if we have companies like mine, we can write proposals and be sponsored,” says Mrwabane, who took advantage of the opportunity, and was selected. His company is still a “baby” and growing.

“I believe I am an artist,” says Mrwabane, and credits his love of music and entertainment for playing a role in his audio visual career. He dreams big though, and envisions being in the spotlight himself one day, perhaps as a standup comedian. He already DJs at events, and is keen to get into producing.

“We have events that run all day from morning until night and sound is blasting early till late. When I clock off, I put on my headphone and continue blasting music in my ears. I never get tired of music,” he says.

Mrwabane loves quite a number of music genres—with orchestra, house and hip-hop standing out. “I can also DJ house, kwaito, hip-hop and RnB,” which he has have been playing locally since 2015.

“I do get to DJ when functions request a DJ but my focus is on growing Omjiwo Fakazi into a entertainment big house production,” he says.

Mrwabane, who grew up with one foot in KZN and the other in the Eastern Cape, and still lives on the border between the two, says his brief is to make sure events at Wild Coast Sun are “wow!”. Molo Lounge is a very sophisticated place for people to have drinks and fun, he adds, and so he sets himself very high standards.

“The sound must be crisp and clear, and that’s what keeps guests and clients happy,” he says.

Siyabonga Mchunu of MC Photography, photography

As the sole owner, director, and employee of MC Photography, Siyabonga Mchunu provides high-quality professional photography services to capture life's most precious moments.

“My services include wedding photography and videography, engagement and couple's sessions, maternity, newborn, and family portraits, headshots and corporate events photography, food photography and real estate photography,” he says.

Mchunu grew up in Bizana, Ebenezer Location, in the Eastern Cape, and later moved to Durban to pursue his high school education at Ohlange Boarding School. After completing matric, he embarked on an LLB degree, but unfortunately, had to drop out after two years due to financial constraints. “I had to prioritise finding work to support myself,” says Mchunu.

It was during this time that he became a photography assistant at Bathathe, with the hope that this career path would eventually enable him to continue his LLB studies. “Life has also presented its challenges, having lost my parents at a young age,” he says. “Despite these obstacles, I've remained determined to forge my own path and build a better future for myself.”

The journey with MC Photography began long before the company was officially established. With five years of experience under his belt as a photographer at Bathathe Photography in Richards Bay, Mchunu saw an opportunity to bring professional photography services to his local community. “This vision led me to found MC Photography in October 2018, with the company being officially registered on 10 October that year.”

As the all-encompassing driving force behind MC Photography, Munchu says he has had the privilege of overseeing every aspect of the business, from capturing special moments to managing operations.

"Word of my exceptional work spread quickly, and before I knew it, referrals started pouring in, fuelling the growth of MC Photography. It's been a labour of love, and my dedication has paid off,” he says.

“A major milestone came in August 2023 when MC Photography secured a significant contract with the prestigious Wild Coast Sun resort, making us its go-to photographer for all events and functions. This partnership has not only boosted our revenue but also cemented our reputation in the industry. Working with esteemed clients like the Wild Coast Sun means MC Photography is thriving, and serving the Bizana local community at the same time.”

The company’s focus on exceptional customer service and commitment to photographic excellence has earned it a loyal client base. Looking ahead, Mchunu is enthusiastic about continuing to deliver top-notch service to its clients while exploring new opportunities for growth, such as online sales and partnerships with corporate clients.

“By offering a wide range of photography services, from captivating portraits to dynamic product photography and event coverage, we're passionate about building lasting relationships and capturing the beauty of our community through our lens,” he says.

Through hard work and perseverance, MC Photography has grown, and Mchunu is excited to see what the future holds.

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