The membership benefits of Buy Local continue to attract KwaZulu-Natal South Coast businesses to the platform, with the exquisite private guesthouse Villa Doré the latest addition.
Local businesses are encouraged to take advantage of the free Buy Local membership extending until 30 June 2025, which unlocks a number of revenue-generating rewards.
Located in Port Edward, Villa Doré is a private, self-catering guesthouse offering six en-suite rooms, a pool, a braai and an entertainment area with a 180-degree view of the Indian Ocean. Established seven years ago, and nestled on a stunning banana and macadamia nut farm, Villa Doré is also the birthplace of the famous Green Banana Crisps. These are a healthy – and delicious – alternative to potato chips, made using green bananas and macadamia nut oil, and are sold throughout the KZN South Coast.
“Buy Local is an important initiative, as supporting locals allows opportunities for small businesses without access to bigger markets, to showcase and sell unique products,” explains Andrew Doré, owner of Villa Doré. “My personal experience of local support is phenomenal. The community who continues to buy our Green Banana Crisps has helped us expand into national health shops and food retail chains.”
He strongly encourages others to become members “since a greater network of business realises synergies in the collective offering of products and services, improving the overall attractiveness of the region for visitors.”
Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of the South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), welcomes Villa Doré to the Buy Local membership: “It’s so rewarding to see businesses across all our sectors joining the platform and enjoying the support that Buy Local offers. As Andrew Doré says, the more organisations that form part of this network, the better it is both for local businesses and visitors to the area.”
Buy Local membership
Buy Local forms part of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s Buy Back SA initiative that encourages local business support. Companies that qualify for the Buy Local membership include those providing products and services of high quality, with at least 50% of the cost of production of products or services incurred within the KZN South Coast. The business needs to currently create employment opportunities for people within the region, or intend to create such opportunities in future.
Once signed up, Buy Local members enjoy extensive marketing exposure across all of SCTIE’s offline and digital marketing channels; business support and networking opportunities; as well as member credibility and valuable information sharing. Beyond the direct membership benefits, being part of the Buy Local campaign means enjoying a stronger local and national economy, while attracting more investment. This also leads to better community relationships, as local value chains are strengthened.
The Buy Local campaign continues to support the rural sector’s inclusion in the mainstream tourism economy by developing platforms and business connections for small, medium and micro enterprises such as those between crafters, farmers and growers with retailers.
To support the Buy Local campaign, find out more about members, or become a member, visit the KZN South Coast website or click here for a membership form.
