In its efforts to drive economic growth in the KwaZulu Natal South Coast, South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) has launched a new #buylocal campaign.

The initiative encourages communities and stakeholders to support local businesses, grow existing investments and thereby encourage job creation.

This forms part of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s Buy Back SA initiative that encourages local business support as a way to create jobs and improve the self-reliance of the country’s economy.

“We need to shift the mind-set that suppliers beyond our borders are better than our own,” said Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of SCTIE, the official economic development arm of the KZN South Coast.

“The KZN South Coast offers a distinctive local flavour with suppliers manufacturing and providing goods that meet local market needs. There is an incredible amount of talent and skill which, through support, will only flourish and grow,” Mangcu added. 

Mangcu said the purchase of local ingredients and materials could be a potential game-changer for the local and national economy.

“By buying local, we’re strengthening the local economy, building communities, and forming a solid and resilient network that will withstand any future uncertainties. Considering the economic devastation of the recent pandemic, resilience in the local economy is absolutely essential. Be a proud local and buy local!” Mangcu concluded.

SCTIE provides the following top seven reasons why business should buy local:

Top 7 reasons to buy local

1. There is a decrease in fossil fuel use when buying locally as it decreases the transportation needs from manufacturer to buyer.

2. Supporting local businesses creates a greater sense of community as sellers and manufacturers get to know their buyers, and vice versa.

3. Supporting the #buylocal campaign creates many more local jobs and boosts the local economy.

4. Buying locally grown produce is better for the environment and better for you as it is farm-to-table fresh.

5. Local businesses are identifiable, accessible, and more accountable than outside counterparts.

6. Buying local creates a much more resilient local economy, allowing organisations and communities to better withstand times of economic uncertainty.

7. Through the #buylocal campaign, the KZN South Coast is ‘growing its pride’ to attract interest and investment from beyond local borders.