On the KZN South Coast, several local tourism establishments are already receiving business-enhancing advantages after signing up for the South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) Buy Local campaign.

The campaign aims to support the rural sector’s inclusion in the mainstream tourism economy by developing platforms and business connections for SMMEs such as crafters, farmers, and growers with retailers.

Extensive marketing exposure, business support, networking opportunities and information sharing are some benefits of Buy Local membership.

“We’d like to welcome our new Buy Local members who have recognised the incredible potential that can be uncovered by joining. For our local tourism businesses still deciding, we encourage you to get in touch and find out why signing up for the membership, free of charge until 2025, is the right decision. We’d also like to thank those who have shown support by buying locally wherever they can,” said Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of SCTIE.

One of the latest businesses to join the Buy Local membership is Port Shepstone-based, woman-owned Obendalo Organics – creators of 100% organic skin and hair care products, which are handmade using plant-based oils like tea tree oil, neem oil, and activated charcoal.

Louise Dlungwana, Director of Obendalo Organics, said the company joined Buy Local in March this year: “I would really encourage other companies to join Buy Local as there are a lot of opportunities available locally.”

They are joined by Mpenjati Coffee, a Munster-based coffee farm, café, and farm stall that provides customers with a free crop-to-cup tour and some quality-grade coffee.

Owner Leigh Wichmann said: “We are hoping that, through our Buy Local membership, the local community will be encouraged to visit, and local businesses come and sell their goods at our farm stall. This is an important way for our local community to find out about each other, and support local businesses.”

The campaign forms part of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC)’s Buy Back SA initiative.

MasterCard and SCTIE have also signed an MoU to offer business-related benefits to informal traders and SMEs within the KZN South Coast.