KITE 2025: mission accomplished

The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) 2025 confirmed its place as the province’s must-attend industrial event, drawing thousands of industry professionals to the Durban Exhibition Centre from 22 to 24 July 2025.

The show once again delivered on its promise – providing a focused, energetic platform where exhibitors connected directly with their ideal customers, and visitors discovered the tools and insights needed to take their operations to the next level.

“Bringing together suppliers, solution providers, engineers, and decision-makers, KITE 2025 served as a dynamic platform to showcase technologies that power progress. From AI-enabled software to smart energy systems, automation tools, and manufacturing upgrades, the exhibition was packed with live demonstrations and product launches tailored to help businesses improve performance, efficiency, and safety,” says Charlene Hefer, portfolio director at Specialised Exhibitions – a division of the Montgomery Group.

For exhibitors, KITE 2025 delivered access to a highly targeted audience that was ready to engage, ask questions, and make decisions. Exhibitors reported strong lead generation, valuable conversations, and meaningful brand exposure, all within a concentrated three-day format. For many, the show also offered a chance to reconnect with existing clients, build partnerships, and gather valuable market feedback.

“KITE is great for networking. It is exciting and provides growth for our company. It is our second time at KITE, and we believe we have grown bigger and have now established a footprint in the province,” says Supplywise’s Kamahelo Mohapi.

From a visitor’s perspective, KITE 2025 was all about relevance, value, and connection. Whether their aim was to source a specific product, scout new suppliers, or stay informed on industry shifts, attendees left the show equipped with new ideas, fresh contacts, and a better understanding of the technologies shaping their future.

“The show is brilliant. One comes here to look for something specific, but finds more than expected,” says Brian Mzila from Mzila TL Projects. “The show has shown a lot of growth – there were a lot more machines and agents, and the layout was great,” adds Pierre van Rensburg from Sonta Tools.

“A key drawcard was the free-to-attend SAIMechE Seminar Theatre, which offered valuable insight into forces transforming industry today,” says Hefer. “A range of interesting topics gave visitors the chance to deepen their understanding of digital transformation, regulatory requirements, and future-focused technologies.”

Highlights included sessions on the application of industrial-scale monitoring, data analytics, and AI to commercial data centres; leading in Industry 4.0 with IoT and AI; technology-driven transformation for design and engineering; exploring how various sectors are leveraging AI to boost productivity; smart connected motor-starting solutions; and how to transform traditional manufacturing into dynamic, data-driven ecosystems.

Beyond sessions and stands, visitor highlights included the Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of South Africa (LEEASA) Lifting Conference, and the exciting LEEASA Forklift Driver Competition, both of which spotlighted technical lifting skill and industry expertise.

Innovation was celebrated during the New Products and Innovations Awards, co-hosted by the South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC). Standout entries demonstrated the incredible potential of local and international technologies (winners are listed on our website at https://sheqmanagement.com/awards-hit-the-show-floor/).

“KITE clearly continues to grow in both influence and impact – proving once again that KwaZulu-Natal’s industrial sector is not just keeping pace, but confidently forging ahead,” emphasises Hefer.