Proudly South African opens free registrations for consumers to attend the summit & expo

Registration is now open for consumers to attend Proudly South African’s flagship event, the annual Buy Local Summit and Expo. The Sandton Conventional Centre in Johannesburg will host the 12^th iteration on 25 and 26 March 2024.

The event, which is lauded for its ingenuous threading together of manufacturers; buyers; government; policymakers, and business development agencies, will see about 200 local vendors from textiles; manufacturing; construction; healthcare; agriculture and several other sectors and expects to play host to about 2,000 visitors over the two-day period.

“The 2024 Buy Local Summit and Expo will be Proudly South African’s most powerful yet. In its ability to facilitate job creation opportunities in real-time, while also creating the possibilities that enable small, medium, and micro enterprises to develop themselves and their products, the Buy Local Summit and Expo has become a must-attend occasion. We take collective accountability to ensure the prosperity of South Africa and its business entrepreneurs – which cannot take place without a strong localisation effort by all of us. We look forward to receiving you as our guests at this 12^th Summit and Expo,” says Chief Executive Officer of Proudly SA Eustace Mashimbye. 

Under the theme “localisation: an inclusive approach for all sectors of society to contribute to economic growth and job creation”, the summit underscores the necessity of local procurement in job creation and growth in South Africa.

“We encourage everyone present to make the most of the two-day summit. For SMMEs and aspirant entrepreneurs, this is your time to learn from the biggest and the best of corporate South Africa. It also allows larger businesses to raise their esprit de corps further and underscore the importance of buying local products.

The Expo floor will have something for everyone. Consumers can expect access to over 200 local goods and services. From toys and furniture to luxury vehicles and the finest food and drink South Africa has to offer, consumers will be spoilt for homegrown choice.

The Business Solutions Hub, an area carved out specifically for entities that regulate, legislate, and advise SMMEs, will attend to queries and accept applications. These organisations include the dtic, CIPC, CGCSA, CIPS, SEFA, SEFA, SEDA, SARS, the SABS, the NEF, and the BBBEE Commission to mention a few.

An event of this magnitude can only be made possible with the help of friends. This event is proudly supported by the dtic, the Department of Small Business Development, and The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). The BLSE is sponsored by Absa, Sasol, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, naamsa, Telkom, Lactalis, FNB, South 32, Naspers, Takealot group, Southern Sun, SAB, Nestlé ESAR, and Brand SA.

Consumer registration for the 12^th annual Buy Local Summit and Expo is free and visitors can join in any of the sessions. For more, visit www.proudlysa.co.za  or www.buylocalsummit.co.za

ENDS