PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Attention
14 April 2023
Buy Local membership is now open to KZN South Coast businesses
“The pandemic has both exposed the fragility of global supply chains and revealed the great capacity we have here in South Africa for innovation and adaptation in manufacturing.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa, Proudly SA Buy Local Summit 2022
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.
To become a Buy Local member or find out more, visit the Buy Local tag at www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za or click here for a membership form. Alternatively, get in touch by emailing Londiwe@sctie.co.za or calling 039 6827944.
Keep updated on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. Follow the hashtags #unlimitedopportunities #investkznsouthcoast #investment #kznsouthcoast! And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases.
/ENDS
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(Images: Supplied by SCTIE)
Londiwe Xolo (SCTIE Investment Support Officer) at the Waffle House Deli & Takeaway.
Kirsty Hooper (Local First) at the Waffle House Deli & Takeaway.
The Waffle House Deli & Takeaway.
Mushroom Factory in KwaNositha.
About KZN South Coast
Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing Agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts several permanently managed Blue Flag beaches and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous bird and wildlife, and it holds the title of ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which also plays host to several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu Film Festival and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.
Issued on behalf of:
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)
Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications
For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell: 083 653 1720
Email: media@oliviajones.co.za
