Sandi Richardson | Executive | Human Resources | RCS | mail me |
Nearly 3 million Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) employ more than 13 million South Africans. This Heritage Month, a single shopping choice can help secure those jobs. Every rand spent locally is a vote for jobs. We urge consumers to prioritise local businesses this Heritage Month.
Heritage Month is about more than flying the flag and lighting the braai. It is a celebration of South Africa’s rich diversity. More importantly, it reminds us that our daily choices shape the country’s future. Where we spend our money ultimately impacts the strength of our economy.
Creating jobs preserves culture
From creating jobs to preserving culture, consumer decisions leave a lasting impact on communities and the economy. Just as South Africans proudly cheer on national sports teams, it is equally important to rally behind the entrepreneurs who keep our economy moving during Heritage Month and beyond.
New data emphasises how much local businesses matter. According to the FinScope MSME South Africa 2024 report, about 3 million SMEs employ more than 13 million people. They are the backbone of the economy. SMEs drive employment, particularly in townships and rural communities. However, many of these businesses still struggle to access funding. They also remain vulnerable without strong consumer support.
Supporting local isn’t just patriotic, it’s powerful. Every rand spent with a South African business is an investment in our people, our culture and our resilience as a nation. When you choose a local craft, you are literally keeping someone’s job alive.
The report shows that around 56% of local SMEs operate informally. This reality makes community backing and word-of-mouth crucial to their survival. Encouragingly, more South Africans have started choosing sustainably sourced home-grown products. These range from fresh produce and traditional crafts to innovative township-based brands. Such everyday decisions drive job creation. They also help preserve cultural traditions and build a greener tomorrow.
The picture is not without challenges. While 97% of South Africans say they like to support local brands, a recent report from the Localisation Support Fund (LSF) reveals concerning trends. The rapid rise of international online retailers has potentially displaced over 8,000 jobs in South Africa over the past five years.
Six million lives transformed – one woman at a time
We have seen firsthand, through their support for the Small Enterprise Foundation (SEF), how responsible access to finance and skills development sustains and transforms rural communities across South Africa. SEF is a non-profit organisation established in 1992 to combat extreme poverty. Since its inception, SEF has assisted nearly 6 million women in improving their lives over the long term by providing both financial and non-financial support.
From a financial perspective, loans are granted to help women set up their own small businesses. SEF draws from the experience of the Grameen Bank to provide future female entrepreneurs with a scalable pathway. Group loans serve as an entry point. A cohort of five women from an eligible group applies for a loan that they collectively guarantee as a solidarity group loan. While each woman creates her own business activity, their responsibility is shared. It is Ubuntu in action.
The support for these female entrepreneurs is reinforced by a programme that encourages savings. Non-financial support focuses on both business education and helping women confront vulnerabilities such as HIV and gender-based violence. The results speak for themselves.
Making Heritage Month spending count
Nearly 6 million women have built better lives for themselves and their families. The ripple effect touches every corner of their rural communities.
With a focus on stimulating and supporting the South African economy, this Heritage Month, consumers are encouraged to:
- Buy local first – choose proudly South African products.
- Click local – support home-grown online retailers.
- Talk up entrepreneurs – share their stories on social media.
- Show up – back community events that celebrate local culture and business.
In conclusion
Heritage Month is the perfect reminder that every purchase is a vote for the kind of future we want to build. By choosing to buy local, you not only support livelihoods but also celebrate the unique character of our communities.
South Africans are encouraged to take the Heritage Local Challenge. For the rest of September, choose one local alternative for every purchase you make. If we all did this, we would not just be celebrating our heritage, we would be building it. Thriving local businesses drive innovation, preserve traditions and ensure our heritage remains vibrant for generations to come.
