WeeklySA_AdminPLATFORM: Initiative to create opportunities for small-to-medium enterprises to partner with compatible conglomerates for possible inclusion in their supply chains…
By Priscilla Malinga
Proudly SA will host a two-day Summit and Expo at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg next Monday and Tuesday in an effort to intensify local procurement of goods and services.
Due to a high unemployment rate it has become an increasingly urgent issue to intensify the support for small to medium-sized businesses in South Africa to boost job creation. Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the country’s economy while they face imminent challenges posed by potential supply chain disruptions resulting from escalating geopolitical uncertainties.
One programme on Moja Love called Vimba exposed how South African brands are being counterfeited and being sold over Johannesburg at foreign national stores. Counterfeit products by the famous brands AMA Kip Kip and AmaXhosa were among the counterfeits sold at a much cheaper value, which takes away from the designer and therefore strips these businesses of income and an opportunity to create even more jobs.
Mindful of these realities, Proudly SA will renew the clarion call to consumers, the public and private sector to step up procurement of goods and services locally in line with this year’s theme: “Building a resilient economy through localisation.”
Proudly SA says the expo goes beyond reiterating the call to support local enterprises—the event consists of multiple activations that provide exhibitors and the delegates in attendance with practical and tangible outcomes.
The event is expected to attract nearly 200 local exhibitors spanning several industries, more than 1 500 delegates, 450 trade buyers, and 160 stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. It is a premier local procurement campaign that enjoys the support of various government departments, state-owned entities, and leading private sector companies.
To that end, the expo consists of four main activations, namely the exhibition, business matchmaking sessions, interactive panel discussions, and the localisation dinner.
The campaign will offer companies a unique opportunity to significantly enhance their brand visibility and market presence. As the largest local procurement event, it provides exhibitors the opportunity to be part of a distinguished platform that showcases the best of South Africa, from multinational brands operating locally to small artisanal producers. This all-local conference provides a valuable marketing opportunity where companies can sell their products, network with other local businesses, and connect with key decision-makers in procurement.
“The Buy Local Summit and Expo provides exhibitors with enhanced visibility and a captive audience that stretches beyond their geographical confines,” says Eustace Mashimbye, chief executive officer of Proudly South Africa. He said this would be an opportunity for exhibitors to expand their market reach, showcase their offerings to a wider audience, and interact with prospective customers who would have otherwise remained oblivious to their products and services.
The project is supported by our sponsors: ABSA, Department of Small Business Development, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Santam, Transnet, Gauteng Economic Development, GEP, South 32, SAB, AITF, Sasol, Telkom, Standard Bank, IDC, and Nestlé ESAR, whose commitment to local talent and economic growth helps drive a thriving, resilient future for South Africa.
Other opportunities for the small to medium enterprises include matchmaking component where exhibitors are partnered with compatible conglomerates for possible inclusion in the latter’s supply chain.
The localisation dinner will provide a unique platform for meaningful discussions and collaborations aimed at advancing local procurement and strengthening the nation’s economy.
