Special shopping periods like Black Friday, the festive season, and Valentine’s Day are typically when shoppers spend more, making it a lucrative period for small businesses. Each transaction has a ripple effect, be it stimulating demand or safeguarding someone’s job, essentially boosting the domestic economy.
We think President Cyril Ramaphosa explains it best: “For the economy to grow and for jobs to be created, it is essential that there is a substantial increase in domestic demand. This means that South African companies, government and consumers must buy local.”
When it comes to spoiling your loved ones, why not give South African small businesses and initiatives a boost by supporting their hard work? Here are a few South African small businesses to choose from – many of them hosted by xneelo.
1. A book in a child’s hands
Local is lekker – particularly when it comes to books. A great way of giving back to the community is to support local literacy initiatives that provide children with books of their own.
One groundbreaking organisation creating quality children’s books is Book Dash, who aim to put 100 books in the hands of every South African child by the age of five. They have already distributed over one million books across the country. All Book Dash books are written and illustrated by volunteer creatives, including some of South Africa’s most acclaimed authors. Book Dash books are free to download, but printed copies are available from many local retailers. You can also make a donation here.
Non-profit literary organisation FundZA was founded with one aim – to inspire a love of reading among children. Their mobisite fundza.mobi offers meaningful new content on a daily basis, and attracts more than 200,000 young readers a month. You can help the FundZA team continue their work to create a reading nation by making a donation here.
2. Must-have local fashion
Whether you’re a fan of long-lasting genuine leather or eco-friendly adventure gear, there is a South African entrepreneur putting the final touches on a locally made item.
Tshepo Jeans is known for its bespoke denim wear, and was highlighted by Vogue as South Africa’s coolest denim line. The brand was founded by entrepreneur Tshepo Mohlala and is proudly hosted by xneelo.
Freedom of Movement was founded by one family with a dream to create a proudly South African lifestyle brand. The brand recently partnered with South African rugby captain Siya Kolisi to create a limited edition range to raise funds for a sports infrastructure project in Siya’s home town of Zwide in the Eastern Cape.
3. Gifts from nature
Show your loved ones you care with a gift inspired by nature.
Online florist Petal&Post is a woman-owned business run by entrepreneur Kim du Plessis. The brand specialises in seasonal flowers and gift sets, and offers same-day delivery in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
Food and Trees For Africa promotes sustainable economic development through food security and community tree and garden planting. You can donate to their project here.
4. Delicious artisan treats
Whether it’s for family or valued customers, you can’t go wrong with edible gifts. Do your part to support local businesses by choosing delicious South African products.
Roastwell provides a range of affordable, healthy and nutritional air-roasted nuts, seeds and more. Their online store accommodates both small and bulk orders, making gifting even more convenient.
The passionate team behind Terbodore Coffee pride themselves on offering premium, artisanal coffee blends. From classic blends like mocha java and French vanilla, to the more adventurous salted caramel cookie and sparkling cold press brews, you’re bound to find the perfect gift for coffee lovers.
Read their customer story here.
5. Skincare treats
Natural, organic, and proudly South African Afrakari produces micro batches of handcrafted skincare, using indigenous ingredients from across the country. The brand was awarded Best Natural Product Line from the Africa Spa Awards in 2020.
Essentially Natural is an online retail store operating out of Cape Town that specialises in a wide range of aromatherapy oils and DIY kits made with natural ingredients and botanicals. The DIY range includes soap-making, bath bomb, and lip balm kits. At xneelo, we’re proud to partner with many South African entrepreneurs.
Read our Customer Stories to discover more local businesses doing interesting things in the digital space.
