As we reflect on the success of the 2023 edition of the Buy Local Summit & Expo which featured more than 200 high-quality home-grown goods and service providers, and simultaneously look toward the Easter Holidays, Proudly SA encourages consumers to show their firm stand and intention in supporting local businesses this long weekend to help tackle the devastating unemployment rate.

Easter is one of the busiest and most lucrative times of the year for both retailers and consumers, but the religious gatherings are not the only reason for its lucrativeness, the holiday often coincides with end of season sales and promotions, as well as students and learners either going on or coming back from school break. This makes this weekend a golden egg for local businesses who are hoping to gain a firm foothold on their existent and new clientele.

Since consumers will be spending more money and, at the same time, consciously pocket watching, local businesses now have added pressure to ensure that they are actively marketing and availing their products and services at reasonable prices to attract consumers. Consumers also have the shared responsibility to ensure the growth and sustainability of the country’s economy by coming together and supporting these local businesses, because buying local means we are creating much-needed jobs.

Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi, CMO of Proudly South African says, “Proudly South African aims to promote the accessibility of South African products whilst providing member companies with access to market opportunities.” However, as South African products become more accessible and actual jobs are created, consumers will now need to actively buy local products to maintain the demand. Buying local has many benefits, one of which is knowing that they have been tailored to your specific tastes and needs, and that the manufacturers and producers are easily accessible to receive your feedback. As the Zulu adage says, “umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”, which means “I am because we are.”

Thus, as we head into the long weekend to gather with friends, family, and brethren, let us remember to #BuyLocalToCreateJobs. Get your orders in for the after-church tea scones from the Bread Box Bakery and Studio, feast on pickled fish from Taste Me Curry Fish during Sunday lunch, indulge on chocolate eggs from The Chocolatiers for dessert and don’t forget the Nestlé ESAR easter eggs for the kiddies’ egg hunt. Make sure to check out our member companies on www.proudlysa.co.za and remember to choose local.