At the Buy Local Summit and Expo in March 2024, Proudly South African engaged various private sector organisations to adopt Localisation Commitments. These commitments represent Proudly SA’s efforts to hold the sector accountable in advancing and implementing localisation within their procurement practices.

Through these Localisation Commitments, Proudly SA aims to foster an industry culture that prioritises locally manufactured goods and services, thereby uplifting communities and creating essential jobs.

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in private sector businesses leading the charge to enhance their local procurement initiatives. While significant progress has been made by many companies who pledged to support local, there is still much work to be done.

In October 2024, Proudly SA had the privilege of visiting PG Bison’s cutting-edge plant in the Mkhondo district, Mpumalanga, where their commitment to localising production and creating jobs was vividly on display. This site’s recent expansion to include a new SupaWood medium density fireboard (MDF) line is more than an investment, it’s a life-changing development for the community and an economic boost for the country.

This journey began at the 2020 South African Presidential Investment Conference, where PG Bison made a bold commitment to localisation. Today, they have created 150 permanent jobs and 1,000 temporary positions, with each job directly impacting a family and strengthening the local economy. As a Proudly SA Diamond member, PG Bison is not only a leading producer of wood-based decorative panels in Africa, but a powerful example of how prioritising local production builds a foundation for future growth throughout South Africa’s forestry and furniture value chains.

The efforts of companies committed to supporting local production not only enhance their own financial performance but also transforms lives through job creation. PG Bison exemplifies this commitment.

It’s clear that the furniture and forestry sectors play a vital role in the South African economy. According to Forestry South Africa, the forestry sector contributes 9.8% to the country’s agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 4.9% to the manufacturing GDP, providing 149,000 direct jobs.

We take great pride in having one of our Diamond members at the forefront of improving livelihoods. PG Bison invested an impressive R1.1 billion of the R1.979 billion project budget on local content, showcasing the company’s dedication to addressing the growing issue of unemployment in the country.

The call to action for all businesses operating in South Africa to bolster their localisation efforts is not far-fetched; it is a mission we are resolutely committed to advancing. As we look towards the future, it is essential for more companies to follow the example set by PG Bison. By prioritising local resources and talent, businesses not only contribute to the nation’s economic growth but also foster a sense of community resilience and pride. The ripple effect of such initiatives reaches beyond immediate job creation, sparking innovation, enhancing skills, and ultimately elevating the standard of living for many.

Proudly South African’s endeavours serve as a beacon, encouraging collaboration and shared responsibility among all stakeholders. As we continue to advocate for local procurement, we envision a thriving, self-sustaining economy where opportunities abound for all South Africans. Every effort counts, and together, we can shape a future marked by prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainability.