BUY LOCAL!

Your shopping choices can make a big difference

- by SYLVIA WALKER

Chinese shopping giants such as Temu and Shein put thousands of items at rock-bottom prices in the palm of our hand. While buying imported goods may save you money in the short term, it has a significant long-term impact on the South African economy. Buying locally can improve the lives of millions of South Africans, which benefits us all in one way or another.

LOCAL IS LEKKER

Buying a local product is good for the economy. South Africa has a high unemployment rate, so buying local means you're supporting a small business, which in turn creates jobs. According to advocacy group Proudly South African, SMEs contribute nearly 40% to the country’s GDP and employ nearly 80% of South Africa's workforce. Buying local gives this key industry a lifeline and can create a local support chain if the manufacturer uses local suppliers.

Increased job opportunities lead to higher living standards, which ultimately reduce social ills including crime, gender-based violence and substance abuse. There is also a multiplier effect on the economy: higher production means higher profits, which leads to greater revenue collection by SARS. ‘This can fund infrastructure development, creating a conducive atmosphere for further investments and ensuring that there are additional resources available for social grants,’ says Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi, chief marketing officer of Proudly South African.

ETHICS COUNT

Chinese manufacturers are often accused of poor working conditions, infringement of intellectual property rights, and harmful environmental impact as a result of their fast fashion production. Are South African manufacturers any better?