Proudly SA' s mandate and commitments to the Local Procurement Accord, involves getting both the public service and consumers to buy local products and support local services. "Through this partnership we would like to stimulate the local manufacturing sector by creating a greater demand for local products, which will in turn contribute to job creation," says Proudly SA CEO, Adv. Leslie Sedibe.

A Proudly South African pledge will be signed by the KZN Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the Provincial arm of COSATU, the province's Growth Coalition business grouping, a community grouping and Proudly SA. The pledge is to prioritise local procurement, support local businesses, buy local goods and make use of local services to create and sustain employment for the people of KZN and South Africa.

"As the provincial government of KwaZulu-Natal we believe that, given the current unfavourable global economic climate, it has become even more critical for everyone in our communities to support this buy local campaign in order to stimulate the economy and create much needed job opportunities," says the KwaZulu MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Michael Mabuyakhulu.

The KZN province will be the first of the nine provinces to partner with Proudly South African. The KZN government's partnership with Proudly SA was approved, following Proudly SA's presentation to the KZN Premier, Dr Zweli Mkhize and his cabinet on 2 November 2011. This partnership will be championed by the MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Mr. Mike Mabuyakhulu and his department.

As part of government's new infrastructure drive, as set out in President Jacob Zuma's State of the Nation Address, the KZN government will give priority to local suppliers. Proudly SA will also roll out an awareness and educational campaign, to get both the private sector and consumers to support and buy local.