As we enter the latter half of the year, I am filled with great pride and optimism regarding the progress we are collectively making in advancing local procurement and bolstering our communities. Our joint endeavours vividly exemplify the impact of supporting local businesses in fostering job creation and enhancing South Africa’s economic landscape.

While reflecting on the past seven months and acknowledging any unmet goals, we must now focus on regrouping and seizing the opportunity in the upcoming months. Our objective at Proudly South African is to intensify the procurement of locally produced goods and services over the next six months. Although the task ahead is substantial, it necessitates the active involvement of every South African consumer and business in driving and consistently practicing localization.

To all Proudly South African members, I urge you to amplify the message of buying local across various platforms. Incorporating the #BuyLocalToCreateJobs initiative into your internal and external communications is a pivotal step. We need a united front of individuals who take pride in our local products and champion local businesses. This collective effort involves us, our loved ones, our communities, and our businesses collaborating to combat unemployment, inequality, and poverty.

July signifies a time when many individuals engage in 67 minutes of goodwill. Let us dedicate a moment to contribute towards economic prosperity and effect positive change in our circumstances. At Proudly South African, we have witnessed significant support from major corporations in driving localization efforts and consistently aiding local SMMEs through diverse programs. While these endeavours are commendable, the focus now shifts to consumers who, although showing growing trust in local products, exhibit some resistance. As businesses, it is imperative to provide consumers with credible and appealing offerings to build trust and encourage their patronage. This symbiotic trade relationship will create a ripple effect, transforming the nation’s economy positively.

As businesses striving to attract consumers, I challenge you to reassess your local procurement protocols. When procuring corporate wear, event equipment, stationery, office supplies, cleaning materials, and other essentials, consider the origin of these products. Ask yourself, ‘Are they locally sourced?’ If not, why should consumers support your business if you do not prioritize localization in your operations?

There is no room for further deliberation; the time for action and change is now, as the economic landscape remains unfavourable to our advantage.

A Reflection on Youth Month:

June served as a month of inspiration and introspection as we celebrated Youth Month. Witnessing the zeal, ingenuity, and entrepreneurial drive of our young South Africans was truly heartening. During Youth Month, we collaborated with youth-centric programs such as YFM GRYND to engage and enlist the youth in the buy local movement.

Through webinars, we educated and empowered youth across various sectors about localization efforts, emphasizing the pivotal role each young individual plays in the economy, be it as entrepreneurs or consumers. Proudly South African also participated in the YOBAs, the Youth Owned Brands Awards, collaborating in the Manufacturing category that spotlighted local manufacturers. The category winner, Grace Gras Empire, is a Proudly South African member.

Access to Market offerings stands as a cornerstone for our SMMEs. Thus, we joined forces with some of our member companies at SAITEX Africa to ensure maximum exposure to potential customers for our members.

More to come this July:

Following the successful activation at the Hollywoodbets Durban July on the 6th, where we echoed the ‘Wear Local Everyday’ narrative with an engaging activation featuring Selbeyonce conducting interviews with attendees donning locally made ‘Ride The Wave’ attire, Proudly South African is gearing up for the Local Wine Expo. This event will bring together over 30 local wine brands at the Prison Break Market in Lonehill to offer consumers a taste of exquisite local wines. Register to attend here: https://tickets.tixsa.co.za/event/Proudly-SA-local-wine-expo-2024

Our commitment to promoting local procurement remains resolute. We are continually devising new initiatives to bolster local businesses, generate employment, and drive sustainable economic growth. Your support and active involvement are pivotal to the success of our mission, and we deeply appreciate your steadfast dedication.

Together, we can forge a thriving and inclusive economy that benefits all South Africans. Let us persist in championing our local industries, celebrating our accomplishments, and striving towards a brighter, more prosperous future.

For information on South African products to look forward to, please reach out to our team at [email protected], and 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.

We are also pleased to share with you our CODE OF CONDUCT for your kind perusal and understanding.   

Sincerely,

Eustace Mashimbye

Chief Executive Officer