PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN CAMPAIGN UPDATE: ENSURING EDUCATION SPENDING SUPPORTS JOB CREATION

The Department of Education has become the first government department to commit itself to giving preference to Proudly South African members in awarding tenders. This move strengthens a growing trend towards ensuring that procurement decisions are linked to job creation and the Proudly South African campaign.

In a statement released after a meeting with all the Provincial Ministers of Education and the National Department, the Minister of Education, Kader Asmal, said "In adopting the campaign, the Department of Education wishes to encourage companies, especially those with whom we do business, to actively support the campaign and encourage job creation." Asmal added that their adoption of the campaign would represent the economic component of its Values in Education initiative.

Campaign reaches 200-member mark

Proudly South African announced its 200th member at its next board meeting on June 20. Member companies now represent virtually every sector of the economy, including electrical manufacturing, engineering, music, clothing and textiles, food and beverages, education services and media. The campaign expects to have around 400 members by the end of the year.

Schools roadshow to reach 2-million learners in 6-months

Proudly South African, in conjunction with a well-known snack company, has launched a Proudly South African roadshow to more than 1,400 schools around the country. The roadshow will teach learners about the aims of the campaign and the importance of buying South African. Competitions will encourage youngsters to find examples of products with the logo, and tell their parents and teachers about Proudly South African.

Billboards spring up in all provinces to promote campaign

The Proudly South African message will hit more than 50 large-format billboards throughout the country this month. The outdoor ads carry the headline "Appearing Soon on SA's Finest", with the Proudly South African logo appearing on a range of products including fruit, clothing, beverages, leather-ware and food. The ads also say "Buy South African - create jobs - boost our economy" in a campaign designed to heighten awareness of the logo and its link to SA-made products.

SA Music Week and Proudly South African join to promote SA music

SA Music Week and Proudly South African will be joining forces to promote South African music during SA Music Week in August 2002. The annual focus on SA music is co-ordinated by the Music Industry Development Initiative (MIDI) Trust. A major combined R3-million communication drive is planned on TV and in radio and print, to promote South African music. At a recent meeting between Proudly South African, MIDI Trust and South Africa's major record companies, the companies expressed support for the campaign. Already two major companies have become campaign members and the Proudly South African logo will be seen on numerous local releases of SA artists in the months to come.