Proudly South African is a well-known membership-based organization that audits and approves companies that meet the local content threshold for their products and services. The organization is dedicated to eradicating common challenges such as poverty, inequality, and unemployment. Their primary goal is to encourage local investment and consumption of locally made products.
On March 27th and 28th, 2023, the 11th Proudly SA Buy Local Summit and Expo was hosted, featuring a jam-packed program with the highlighted theme of 'Localization'. The conference was comprised of seminars and panel discussions, emphasizing the importance of buying locally made South African products and creating employment opportunities through MAP, CSD, or e-commerce, especially for SMMEs.
The conference highlighted the role of localization in revitalizing industries and supporting SMMEs. It was a platform for sponsors, delegates, and Proudly SA partners to expose versatile ideas, branding, and marketing. The benefits of buying Proudly SA products and services were also highlighted, such as job creation and the promotion of agriculture while using land more productively.
Buying local products promotes the productive use of land, which helps combat environmental issues such as contaminated water run-off, lowered water tables, and reduction of animal habitats. Local merchants are more likely to use land more productively and occupy existing structures, saving land from being torn up for profit. Shopping locally means a vote for the farmers and their land, which creates connections to people and the planet through these local transactions.
Buying local creates a sense of community and accountability. It fosters lasting friendships and a greater connection to the town, as well as a sense of responsibility for the actions of the community. Visiting local farms that grow our food and physically touching the land goes beyond physical health, connecting us with the core of humanity.
Lastly, buying local South African products helps the local economy. When money is spent locally, it stays local, creating more jobs in that particular town, and the community will prosper. Money spent locally also helps businesses in neighbouring cities or provinces.
The Proudly SA Buy Local Summit and Expo was a successful event that highlighted the importance of localization in creating employment opportunities for SMMEs, revitalizing industries, and supporting local businesses. The benefits of buying local products and services were emphasized, such as job creation, the promotion of agriculture, and the creation of a sense of community and accountability.