Buy Local Membership Is Now Open To KZN South Coast Businesses
Buy Local Membership Is Now Open To KZN South Coast Businesses. The drive to support local businesses doesn’t just make sound economic sense, it has far-reaching social and environmental benefits that strengthen South Africa. But it’s not enough to encourage local business support, government needs to create an environment that is supportive of local businesses. On the KZN South Coast, this is being achieved through South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise’s (SCTIE) Buy Local campaign which is offering free membership to businesses until 30 June 2025.
Buy Local forms part of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (the DTIC) Buy Back SA initiative that encourages local business support. “We’ve seen a lot of positive momentum in the Buy Local membership since the launch of the campaign earlier this year, and we’re encouraging local businesses to take advantage of the membership sign-up while it’s free of charge,” explained Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of SCTIE. “With the #greatestshoalonearth – the annual Sardine Run – about to hit our shores, we’re also calling for everyone to support our #buylocal campaign by purchasing from local seine netters. This is a really great example of how the campaign can directly empower our local communities.”
Companies that qualify for the Buy Local membership include those providing products and services of high quality, with at least 50% of the cost of production of products or services incurred within KZN South Coast. The business needs to currently create employment opportunities for people within the region, or intend to create such opportunities in future. Once signed up, Buy Local members will enjoy extensive marketing exposure across all of SCTIE’s offline and digital marketing channels; business support and networking opportunities; as well as member credibility and valuable information sharing.
Beyond the direct membership benefits, being part of the Buy Local campaign means enjoying a stronger local and national economy, while attracting more investment. This also leads to better community relationships as local value chains are strengthened. With every new Buy Local member, the chain becomes one link stronger and the region becomes that much more resilient.
