Tourism businesses show support for the newly launched Buy Local campaign
Extensive marketing exposure, business support, networking opportunities, and information sharing are just some of the many benefits of Buy Local membership.
Image supplied by SCTIE
On the KZN South Coast, several local tourism establishments are already enjoying these business-enhancing advantages having signed up for the South Coast Tourism and Investment (SCTIE) campaign, which forms part of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (the DTIC) Buy Back SA initiative.
“We’d like to welcome our new Buy Local members who have recognised the incredible potential that can be uncovered by joining,”
commented Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE).
“For our local tourism businesses that are 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 choosing to buy local wherever they can.”
One of the latest businesses to join the Buy Local membership is Port Shepstone-based 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. This woman-owned business sells a range of quality products, including their bestselling Charcoal and Tea Tree Face Bar for acne.
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.
Commenting on their Buy Local membership, 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 Buy Local campaign continues to support the rural sector’s inclusion in the mainstream tourism economy by developing platforms and business connections for SMMEs such as those between crafters, farmers, and growers with retailers. Be sure to support the #buylocal campaign at the following establishments (the details of which are available under Buy Local on the website);
· Adcan Marine in Park Rynie
· All Sorts Shop in Umdoni
· Bucks Farm Stall in Trafalgar
· Carousel Holiday Resort in Hibberdene
· Country Friends Arts, Crafts & Gift Shop in Scottburgh
· Inqubele Holdings (crafts) in Bhobhoyi
· Kapenta Bay Resort and Conference Hotel in Port Shepstone
· Mac Valley in Oribi Gorge
· MaFuzeh: The House of Cakes in Gamalakhe
· Nemvelo Farm in Izotsha
· Ncayiya Traditional Culture (crafts) in uMtwalume
· Oatlands Oysters Mushrooms in KwaNositha
· Pure Venom (reptile farm) in Izotsha
· Southport Swop Shop (second-hand goods)
· Sugar Beach Resort in Elysium
· Wild Curio Shop at Wild5 Adventures in Oribi Gorge
· Zurri Skin in Umdoni
Buy Local Membership
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.
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. Buy Local membership is free of charge until June 2025, so it’s worth signing up now!
