Tourism businesses show support for the newly launched Buy Local campaign
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Attention
02 June 2023
Tourism businesses show support for the newly launched Buy Local campaign
Extensive marketing exposure, business support, networking opportunities, and information sharing are just some of the many benefits of Buy Local membership. On the KZN South Coast, several local tourism establishments are already enjoying these business-enhancing advantages having signed up for the South Coast Tourism and Investment (SCTIE) campaign, which forms part of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (the DTIC) Buy Back SA initiative.
“We’d like to welcome our new Buy Local members who have recognised the incredible potential that can be uncovered by joining,” commented Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “For our local tourism businesses that are still deciding, we encourage you to get in touch and find out why signing up for the membership, free of charge until 2025, is the right decision. We’d also like to thank those who have shown support by choosing to buy local wherever they can.”
One of the latest businesses to join the Buy Local membership is Port Shepstone-based Obendalo Organics, creators of 100% organic skin and hair care products which are handmade using plant-based oils like tea tree oil, neem oil, and activated charcoal. This woman-owned business sells a range of quality products, including their bestselling Charcoal and Tea Tree Face Bar for acne.
Louise Dlungwana, Director of Obendalo Organics, said the company joined Buy Local in March this year: “I would really encourage other companies to join Buy Local as there are a lot of opportunities available locally.”
They are joined by Mpenjati Coffee, a Munster-based coffee farm, café, and farm stall that provides customers with a free crop-to-cup tour and some quality-grade coffee. Commenting on their Buy Local membership, Owner Leigh Wichmann said: “We are hoping that, through our Buy Local membership, the local community will be encouraged to visit, and local businesses come and sell their goods at our farm stall. This is an important way for our local community to find out about each other, and support local businesses.”
The Buy Local campaign continues to support the rural sector’s inclusion in the mainstream tourism economy by developing platforms and business connections for SMMEs such as those between crafters, farmers, and growers with retailers. Be sure to support the #buylocal campaign at the following establishments (the details of which are available under Buy Local on the www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za website);
· Adcan Marine in Park Rynie
· All Sorts Shop in Umdoni
· Bucks Farm Stall in Trafalgar
· Carousel Holiday Resort in Hibberdene
· Country Friends Arts, Crafts & Gift Shop in Scottburgh
· Inqubele Holdings (crafts) in Bhobhoyi
· Kapenta Bay Resort and Conference Hotel in Port Shepstone
· Mac Valley in Oribi Gorge
· MaFuzeh: The House of Cakes in Gamalakhe
· Nemvelo Farm in Izotsha
· Ncayiya Traditional Culture (crafts) in uMtwalume
· Oatlands Oysters Mushrooms in KwaNositha
· Pure Venom (reptile farm) in Izotsha
· Southport Swop Shop (second-hand goods)
· Sugar Beach Resort in Elysium
· Wild Curio Shop at Wild5 Adventures in Oribi Gorge
· Zurri Skin in Umdoni
Buy Local Membership
Companies that qualify for the Buy Local membership include those providing products and services of high quality, with at least 50% of the cost of production of products or services incurred within KZN South Coast. The business needs to currently create employment opportunities for people within the region, or intend to create such opportunities in future.
Beyond the direct membership benefits, being part of the Buy Local campaign means enjoying a stronger local and national economy, while attracting more investment. This also leads to better community relationships as local value chains are strengthened. Buy Local membership is free of charge until June 2025, so it’s worth signing up now!
To become a Buy Local member or find out more, visit the Buy Local tab at www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za or click here for a membership form. Alternatively, get in touch by emailing Londiwe@sctie.co.za or calling 039 6827944.
To find out more about the KZN South Coast’s tourism offerings, download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores; visit the South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn; the SCTIE website to check out the Events Calendar, the KZN South Coast Meeting Planner Guide and more! And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Follow the hashtags #greatestshoalonearth #sardinerun #sardinerun2023 #kznsouthcoast #extendyourstay #seakznsouthcoast
/ENDS
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(Images: Supplied by SCTIE)
Ncayiya Traditional Culture (crafts) in uMtwalume.
Nemvelo Farm in Izotsha.
MaFuzeh: The House of Cakes in Gamalakhe.
Mpenjati Coffee, a Munster-based coffee farm, café.
Inqubele Holdings (crafts) in Bhobhoyi.
About KZN South Coast
Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing Agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts several permanently managed Blue Flag beaches and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous bird and wildlife, and it holds the title of ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which also plays host to several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu Film Festival and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.
Issued on behalf of:
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)
Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications
For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell: 083 653 1720
Email: media@oliviajones.co.za