19 October 2012
The Proudly South African national “buy local” campaign is calling on consumers nationwide to buy locally made products in the run up to, and during, this year’s festive season.
Stores are already beginning to stock their shelves with Christmas products. We would like to encourage shoppers to buy products and gifts made in South Africa,” said Proudly South African CEO Leslie Sedibe.
“When we ‘buy local’ we help to stimulate our own economy and create jobs locally. As we head into the season of ‘goodwill’, let’s do our part for the good of the economy.”
The call forms part of Proudly SA’s nationwide “Buy Local” campaign, which runs under the theme “Be Proudly South African – Buy Local to create jobs”.
A team from Proudly SA is currently in the Eastern Cape to host high-level business forums, mall activations and school visits. The aim is to create awareness around buying local, supporting local service providers and the positive spin offs of buying products “Made in South Africa”.
As part of the awareness campaign, Proudly SA is hosting a business forum in East London on Friday morning, in conjunction with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Industrial Development Corporation.
“The nationwide Proudly South African business forums are a golden opportunity for the business community to network and forge partnerships that have the potential to contribute towards job creation,” said Sedibe.
“Delegates are also equipped with information on how businesses can benefit from the Local Procurement Accord, DTI programmes and government funding for small businesses.”
Proudly South African member companies will also showcase top-quality homegrown products and services at the Hemmingways Mall in East London this weekend. Shoppers will have the opportunity to see what South Africa has to offer and buy local products. There will also be competitions and giveaways throughout the weekend.
Sapa