These four words are always a trigger. Heavy with uncertainty and angst leaving one second guessing themselves, trying to figure out what they could’ve done or said wrong. The reception is often met with a soft gasp from the unexpecting receiver, a loud ringing in the ear and the rising of internal anxiety.
Truth be told, there isn’t a reason why these four words should carry so much heaviness in this passage of life because as we flow through the rivers of life, we will eventually need to talk: to a friend, a parent, a partner, or a colleague on matters concerning the heart, life, or work.
So, let’s take a deep breath and without any anxiousness, open our minds and hearts to listen and start a conversation.
Beloved, South Africans…we need to talk. The month of love has rolled around again, and the conversations are heavy with what we’re hoping to receive from our significant others, the plans for Galentine’s and whether our outfits will be red, pink, white or a mix of these colours. But the conversation is quiet when it comes to the issue of supporting local businesses in the various sectors which benefit from this much celebrated holiday.
As much as we look forward to receiving, we need to be honest with ourselves and the role each individual citizen plays in ensuring the growth of the local economy. It might not seem like much but spending your rands in favour of locally manufactured goods and services does stimulate the local economy. And the more we stimulate our economy and circulate the rand, the higher the demand of these products. In turn businesses can hire more people and combat the rampant rate of unemployment. This then leads to a decrease of inequality and poverty.
So, as you plan dinner, the outfit, roses and chocolates, make a conscious effort in buying local. Let’s each hold ourselves and each other accountable to grow the economy, one local purchase at a time.
Because our beautiful country and its various entrepreneurial communities deserves to be shown love for all the jobs they create and families they support.
Proudly South African spreads Valentine’s cheer at Rosebank Mall
Shoppers at Rosebank Mall were met with an unexpected moment of kindness last week as the marketing team from Proudly South African accompanied by the organisation’s mascot, LoLo spread some love by handing out red roses and chocolates to celebrate the Valentine’s weekend spirit.
The gifts, all sourced from local producers in line with Proudly South African’s ethos of supporting locally produced goods and services that are Loved Here, Made Here.
The activation brought smiles to families and shoppers moving through the bustling shopping centre, turning an ordinary day into something memorable. From quick chats to shared laughs and spontaneous selfies, the team brought the Valentine’s vibe, while highlighting the value of supporting local businesses.
“Valentine’s Day is one of those calendar events where consumer spending spikes as people splurge on gifts to celebrate their love, rekindle connections and express their affection. As we descend on retail stores to buy gifts for our loved in the month of love or load our carts on online stores, we should always be mindful that these purchasing decisions can either help to sustain existing jobs and create more employment opportunities or can mean the closure of local enterprises owing to lack of support.
“Valentine’s Day is about appreciation and connection. Through our buy local campaign that is underpinned by the mantra of Loved Here. Made Here, we wanted to celebrate local businesses while spreading a bit of joy in a space where thousands of people pass through every day in our local community. Our Valentines Day activation at Rosebank served to remind consumers that as we celebrate this month of love, we should also show some love to our locally made products by making them an integral part -of our celebrations. By so doing, we will be giving them a leg up and a fighting chance to not only survive, but to thrive and create jobs,” says Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi, Chief Marketing Officer at Proudly South African.
Ngidi added that the activation also served as a reminder to people that love for community and country can be expressed through small, meaningful actions. By sharing locally made treats, the team aimed to encourage shoppers to think local during this Valentine’s weekend.
The initiative forms part of Proudly South African’s ongoing work to champion local producers and inspire South Africans to support what is loved here and made here.
Happy month of love, Mzansi.
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Author: Shernese De Freitas from Proudly SA on behalf of Proudly SA.
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