November 2022

Company’s that invest locally reap the rewards. Increasing spend in the local supply chain, developing regional skills and industries, and moving money through communities brings reductions in unemployment, skilled labour, opportunities for advancement, and an economy which is better off in the long-term. Too often in southern Africa is importing the answer. A robust, local manufacturing sector is essential for long-term economic security, and government knows this.

That is why the introduction of schemes like Proudly SA – an association of companies agreeing to spend at least 50% of their supply chain budget locally – are so beneficial to the country.

SBS Group, a leading manufacturer of water and agricultural tanks, has bought into the idea. CEO Delayne Gray is a proud South African and wants to see nothing more than his country thrive. His company builds local products and communities and exports around the world. The benefit at home in KZN is profound.

Harvey Roofing Products is manufacturing a new tile for African conditions, but it is so strong and durable that there is interest globally in the product, made with local input in Gauteng.

Jotun Paints SA, the local arm of the major international company, is manufacturing paints at its Cape Town facility for applications in the energy and marine space all over southern Africa.

Biotherapeutics, a quality-focused manufacturer of health supplements, works out of Pretoria, investing heavily in a local value chain.

All of these companies are thriving and have avoided major impact from the pandemic and macroeconomic issues present currently. Perhaps it all comes back to localisation and a regional development mindset.

Get in touch and let us know how your business is investing locally and what impact it is having on the bottom line. We’re online, at LinkedIn.