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
Founder of Ecogemgem
2/ Nadia du Plessis
Founder of Bvbblegvm Illustrations
“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
Director of The Galileo Open Air Cinema
“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