by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG – SOUTH Africans have been encouraged to shift focus to locally-made stationery and school wear as the wave of back-to-school spending ramps up.

Proudly South African believes this would enhance economic recovery.

“Job losses and pandemic-induced economic shocks have placed enormous financial strain on businesses and households over the past two years,” said Proudly South African Chief Marketing Officer, Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi.

“But the silver lining is that ongoing supply chain disruptions and rising shipping costs have forced top retailers to accelerate the move to local procurement to maintain their competitive advantage.”

The official said this in turn has exposed buyers to a wide range of high quality, great value local alternatives available at bargain prices, helping families stretch their hard-earned money a little further.

The Foschini Group (TFG) now sources 72 percent of its clothing apparel locally, and further plans to invest another R575 million towards expanding its South African manufacturing capacity with the aim of producing 30 million local garments a year within the next four years.

Some 35 percent of clothing chain, Mr Price’s merchandise is sourced locally, up from 31 percent in 2015.

Proudly South African has launched a social media competition offering children the chance to win a locally-made school bag, lunch box and selection of stationery by designing a poster that shows consumers why they should by locally made goods.

“As Proudly South African, we are therefore calling on all South African consumers to make buying local your New Year’s resolution, and join together to turn the tide on unemployment,” Ngidi said.

Proudly South African was established in 2001, born out of the 1998 Presidential Job Summit which was convened by the late former President Nelson Mandela.

– CAJ News