I visited a once busy weekend market. The rich aroma of food and the buzzing ambience that once filled the busy area was now filled with a sombre mood, you could almost hear a pin drop in the market.

Yes, I was saddened by the fact that during the lockdown, many small businesses and informal vendors were now more at risk than ever. This past weekend was a huge reminder that the local industry needs us as consumers to start making small changes to help each other out.

Instead of supporting large industries, we should all try to support one small business when we can, where we can. At the end of the day the lady selling fruit on the corner is there to feed her family, the uncle selling nuts at the market is just trying to pay his child’s school fees.

We need to support each other even when it comes to clothing. Larger stores were forced to keep local made in South Africa products due to the lockdown and this is our time as a consumer to help build industries and create more job.

The ripple starts with us! Next time you shop, check for locally made products. Support the local vendor when you can and together we can make a change after all “Local is Lekker.”