The global pandemic lead to the president of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa declaring a national lockdown to further curb the spread of the coronavirus. During this time, South African businesses, who weren’t considered ‘essential services’ have been drastically affected.
Even though the government has proposed Debt Relief Funds to help businesses through this difficult time, it sadly may take time for many business owners to survive the next few months. If there was ever a good time for us, as consumers to start supporting local businesses, it’s now!
Women’s Health caught up with a few local business owners, to find out why ‘Local is Lekker’ means so much to South African businesses during this time.
1/ Gemma Dawn Combrinck
“Supporting local and supporting small, where you can keep a real dream alive, each sale directly puts food on the table for those using their skills to bring you proudly handmade Southafrican goods. It directly uplifts those personally working on your order and shows positively on hard worker’s paychecks on a monthly basis. Support small and support someone’s dream.” — Gemma Dawn Combrinck
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2/ Nadia du Plessis
“It is especially important to support local businesses in this time as it will help grow our economy in the long run. By supporting local businesses you are helping to feed, clothe, and house your fellow South Africans! Small business owners are becoming more and more aware of the footprint they leave behind. Now more than ever we are seeking innovative solutions to revamp our products and minimize waste. So, by buying from a small local business you are helping in a massive way! Local is indeed lekker!” — Nadia du Plessis
READ MORE: What To Do If Your Lockdown Housemate Starts Showing Symptoms Of COVID-19
3/ Huenu Solsona
“I’d say that because by supporting local, the money stays in the country which means that taxes stay in the country which means that our country won’t go bankrupt which would be a disaster for all of us. We’re already in major trouble having borrowed billions of Rands which need to be repaid. The more we spend local, the quicker that can be repaid. Also, obviously South Africans need jobs. More jobs mean more money in the hands of people that need it desperately and as a result, less looting and crime for all of us.” — Huenu Solsona
READ MORE: COVID-19: How This Doctor Is Playing Her Part In The Frontline
4/ Siki Msuseni
“There is a sense of pride in seeing your positive impact as a result of supporting a local business, We’re all part of an ecosystem and supporting local contributes to a healthy economy and favorable communal living conditions. We need each other more than before. The time of Covid19 has made us appreciate human connections and when you put your money in supporting local you build meaningful connections that last long.” —
Siki Msuseni
5/ Gabriella Brondani
Owner and Managing Director of Urban Esspresso
“Small businesses across industries in SA have been impacted by this pandemic — with some having to already close their doors. This is incredibly sad as this has a domino effect on the livelihoods of so many people down the supply chain. With so much uncertainty during this crisis, we could and should all be playing a part (in any way big or small) to help and support small businesses in our network and community in whatever way we can. If you can’t afford to financially assist/support them, maybe you or your business has a particular skill or service that may be able to help them to generate a bit more business — so you can support them with a bit of your time and expertise.” —
Gabriella Brondani6/ Portia Makoma
“Buying local is purchasing a unique item developed by an exceptional mind. Creators produce from personal experiences, honed skills, and pour their souls into their work/company. There’s no big brand or corporation that can emulate that.” —
Portia Makoma
