JOHANNESBURG - Cooperate South Africa has pledged to prioritise locally made products and support homegrown industries.
This as Proudly South African is preparing for its 14th edition of the Buy Local Summit and Expo in Sandton.
Proudly South African CEO, Eustace Mashimbye, said when businesses come together to support local it strengthens supply chains, boosts small businesses and keeps economic value inside the country.
Mashimbye said this year, the two-day will deliver 12 new commitments from corporate South Africa.
“It's money that they were going to spend anyway. And at most times they spend it without giving consideration as to which supply chains and value chains they're supporting. But in this instance, they're saying they're going to support locally made products."
He said the goal is for local retailers to give more shelf space to South African made products and for cooperatives to list more local producers.
“For those who manufacture products, we're saying, where are the raw materials and components coming from? There are opportunities to support other industries beyond your own industry as a business person in the country."