Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Thandi Tobias-Pokolo has called on the private sector to commit itself to buying and using domestically-produced goods so as to contribute to job creation.
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“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,” said the deputy minister.
She said equally 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.
The deputy minister was speaking at the inaugural Buy Local Indaba hosted by Proudly South Africa on Thursday. The indaba brought together leaders in business and government to discuss opportunities and challenges of local procurement.
The perception that locally produced products are of a low quality also needs to be addressed.
“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,” said Tobias-Pokolo.
Additionally suppliers and manufactures should make concerted efforts to understand the dynamics of the domestic market.
Newly appointed Proudly South African CEO Leslie Sedibe said buying local was becoming part of the country’s biggest push in the race for job creation.
“Buying 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. – BuaNews
