What a month we’ve had here at the Proudly South African homestead! From the beginning of the month, right until the end and what a joy it has been, even though we’re only starting to catch our breath now. We celebrate busyness here at Proudly South African, because as a buy local campaign, that means, our members are busy and that the buy local mandate and message is being spread far and wide. On the first of the month, we launched our very own e-commerce platform, which only houses local products, that are loved and made right here in Mzansi. This passion project has been in the works for some time, and we are elated to share it with you and the world. So, when you’re looking for anything local, head over to https://shop.proudlysa.co.za/ !

The team also celebrated Mama Abigail Kubheka, at the Van Toeka Tribute by adorning here in a beautiful dressed made Proudly SA member brand Rubicon. True to Proudly South African fashion, we asked the Hollywoodbets Durban July attendees to Swenka Nge Local! As part of our activation for the much-anticipated event which gets bigger and better every year. Proudly South African erected the home of local at the venue which was a temporary house structure that was draped and furnished in old school adornments, and paraphernalia to evoke fond memories of the days gone by, as well as a very modern local look and feel to add that local is lekker vibe. One of the winners of the fashion awards also walked away with a whopping R 20 000 worth of local fashion from Otiz Seflo, one of the Local Fashion Police designers in partnership with Proudly South African.

I was honoured to be a part of a pertinent panel discussion at the Manufacturing Indaba were the discussion centred around sustainable manufacturing and green energy. As a country that is battling a lot of energy security issues, we've encouraged our members to take advantage of the renewable space to ensure that local production keeps going.

Furthermore, in remembrance and celebration of the late great Tata Madiba, who started the buy local campaign, we put in our 67 minutes at various member companies, as a means of giving back and showing true support for local businesses. Every department in the campaign got to experience the daily ins and outs of local business, in various industries, such as out of home advertising at Adreach, running a restaurant at Sakhumzi, manufacturing light fixtures at Lesco and manufacturing branding material at Sanath Trading.

We showed love to the local décor and design sector by exhibiting at the Johannesburg leg of Decorex with Koopfurn, Amet furnishings and Sixtwenty, three amazing Proudly South African members who showcased their handcrafted furniture and home décor pieces. In addition to our jam-packed scheduled, Lolo Warona, our beloved mascot was out in full force at the 702 Walk the Talk, cheering on every step and spreading local love. Because every step forward is a step towards job creation, when we buy local, we build local. Amid all this activity I had the pleasure of joining the Kasi Business Podcast, unpacking the power of local content, what South Africa is producing and how we can build a stronger economy by buying local. You are welcome to watch the full episode here https://youtu.be/WFrHoKGavGM?si=Ia_QBnSMvAjz3P1k.

We wrapped the month with our flagship Local Wine Expo, which is a four-day local wine tasting extravaganza showcasing the finest wines from emerging winemakers who are carving a niche for their beverages in a fiercely competitive wine making industry in South Africa, as well as established brands that have garnered a following and a fan base among wine lovers. Food Bev SETA, WR SETA, Power FM, and Prison Break were strategic partners for this much-loved calendar event that has grown to become the premier local wine tasting event in Johannesburg.

As we clink to the end of a successful sensory experience from 28 local vintages at the Local Wine expo, we look forward to everything, the month of August has to bring. The Local Fashion Police campaign turns five this year! Which is why we’ve been feeling a little nostalgic here at Proudly South African because the R-CTFL sector campaign we hold so dear to our hearts is growing in leaps and bounds. For the first time since its inception, we will have 7 brands and 9 judges, yes that is almost twice the amount of the most stylish design minds we’ve had since 2021. Another first we celebrated is the Local Fashion Police 2025 Media Launch on the majestic Blue Train - yes, we first had a fashion show on a plane and now we launch on a train! But it isn’t just any train, it’s better known as the window to the soul of Africa. It is one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world and what better way to exhibit some of the best local fashion and design Mzansi has to offer than on a locomotive which represents, the culture and luxury of our beloved country. Our media guest and stakeholders were spoilt for choice from the luxurious five-star “hotel-on-wheels”, the drinks from Brutal Fruit, and the amazing threads on display from some of our bespoke designers.

To all local fashion lovers, The Proudly South African Local Fashion police have issued a warrant of arrest for everyone who have NOT been found wearing & supporting locally designed and manufactured clothing! And for those who do wear local, they stand a chance to win R50 000 worth in local fashion and the chance to walk the runway in an original design from one of the 7 local brands who are part of the campaign. To enter the competition consumers are encouraged to post a picture or video of themselves wearing their favourite local fashion piece. Entrants must display the origin of the garment to confirm that it is indeed locally made. Use the hashtags: #LocalFashionPolice2025 #fashionablebanking and #LovedHereMadeHere and tag Proudly SA and African Bank to qualify.

And the judges for the 2025 edition of the Local Fashion Police are Tshepo Mohlala founder of Tshepo Jeans, Asanda Madyibi, The Khosi Nkosi fashion house co-founded by Nobukhosi "Khosi" Mukwevho and Thabo Mukwevho, Londeka Buthelezi Ndaba founder of Malondie, Stephen Van Eeden of Stephen Van Eeden Atelier, Thandazani Nofingxana of ABANTU in AFRICA and Prince & Warren Meko, also known as the Meko twins, they are the founders of the brand MADONSELA.

Let’s celebrate local fashion in style, show us and our judges how you rock local.

Join the conversation and show your support for local fashion! Follow Proudly South African on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tik Tok and YouTube using the hashtags #LocalFashionPolice2025 #fashionablebanking and #LovedHereMadeHere.

For information on South African products to look forward to, please contact our team at [email protected]. We will gladly share insights from our trusted member stakeholders.
Remember to check out Proudly SA’s latest CI document to see the various ways in which you as a member of Proudly SA can use our logo on all your qualifying products, websites, and other marketing material.

Should you have any questions or suggestions, or would like to collaborate on future initiatives, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Should you wish to share with the newsletter team any milestones, events, awards, or sales, please send your email to [email protected]. We value your feedback and involvement in shaping the course of our movement.