The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Thandi Tobias-Pokolo has called on the private sector to commit itself to buying and utilising domestically-produced goods and services in order to contribute in creating employment and eradicating poverty. Tobias-Pokolo was speaking at the inaugural Buy Local Indaba that was hosted by Proudly South African at the Sandton Convention Centre Johannesburg today.
“The importance and role of buying local commodities as part of an intervention to create jobs can never be overemphasised. The South African government has already committed itself to giving preference to local production in its procurement strategies. Equally, the South African business must also support this initiative of government by procuring locally manufactured goods. Business needs to match this support as this is an important imperative for economic growth,” said Tobias-Pokolo.
She added that the call for people to buy local products and services need to be accompanied by concerted efforts by suppliers and manufacturers to understand the dynamics of the domestic market.
“We need to address consumer perception that makes people have low regard for locally-manufactured products. We need to work hard in making South Africans have confidence in and love for the local commodities. And we must bear in mind that we are facing a stiff competition from imports,” concluded Tobias-Pokolo.
In his maiden public appearance since he was appointed Proudly South African Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Leslie Sedibe said “buying local” was becoming part of South Africa’s biggest push in the race for job creation .
“’Buy Local’ is defined by an uplifting vision, a deep-seated commitment to development, job creation and economic growth, and the will to succeed. Just like the way the desire and need for political freedom had benefitted from collective action then, ‘Buy Local’ remains a powerful measure to help eradicate poverty and build a better life for all. It is important to bring together all stakeholders in a collaborative effort to promote the ’Buy Local’ mandate,” said Sedibe.
The Indaba brought together top leaders in business and government to discuss opportunities and challenges of local procurement in South Africa with the aim of achieving a better understanding of the role and positive impact that “Buying Local” could have on the South African economy.
The President and CEO of Toyota South Africa, Dr Van Zyl, the National Deputy General-Secretary of COSATU, Mr Tony Ehrenreich, and the Chairperson of the Proudly South African board, Advocate Dali Mpofu, also attended the event.
Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele
Tel: 012 394 1643
Cell: 074 299 8512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedti.gov.za
Deputy Minister Tobias-Pokolo encourages private sector To “Buy Local”
