PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN CAMPAIGN SPARKS
INTEREST
23 July 2001
Even before the Proudly South African campaign has been
launched, Nedlac's offices have been inundated with calls from
companies interested in joining.
The campaign, which is a joint Government, Business, Labour and
Community initiative arising out of a Presidential Jobs Summit
Agreement in 1998, is aimed at increasing demand for South African
goods and services, thereby stimulating growth and helping to
create jobs.
Since the announcement was made three weeks ago of the appointment
of a board, CEO and Chairperson to head up the Proudly South
African campaign, companies interested in becoming members,
supporting the campaign and using the logo on their products have
been enquiring about what they should do to join.
Companies across the spectrum have shown their interest, from
small one-person businesses, to some of South Africa's biggest
companies. Sectors from which companies have shown interest include
stationery, mine safety, arts & crafts, cosmetics, furniture
manufacturers, broadcasting, sanitaryware, and even medical
services.
CEO of Proudly South African, Martin Feinstein said he was
excited that companies were already starting to ask how to join the
campaign even before it had been launched. "It shows the value of
the planned campaign. Proudly SA will be more than a logo
identifying SA-made products. It will be a marketing campaign with
many dimensions, from retail point of sale promotions in South
Africa to overseas trade shows and this is what will benefit member
companies."
Feinstein said that being a Proudly SA member would give a
company a competitive advantage. "Over time consumers will be
educated to choose SA-made products, not just because they are
South African products made by SA workers, but because they are of
world-class quality."
The campaign is expected to launch in September, after which
companies will be able to apply for membership. In the meantime,
however, according to Feinstein, companies should notify the
project office of their interest so that their application can be
given priority status after the launch.
Companies or organisations who want to be contacted when the
campaign is launched should contact Nedlac on 011 482 2511, fax 482
4650 or e-mail
proudlysa@nedlac.org.za
Contact
Jennifer Wilson
Communications Coordinator
Nedlac
(011) 482-2511
fax: 482 4650
082 495 1341