Proudly SA, dti respond to criticism

This follows recent critical comment in the press.

During a recent meeting between the two parties, Iqbal Meer-Sharma, deputy director general of Trade and Investment SA, re-confirmed that the dti valued the role and important contribution of the Proudly South African Campaign in the national context.

“The campaign is now more relevant than ever. Moreover, its rationale and importance has never been in dispute”, he stated.

Sharma also stated that accounting and financial management of Proudly SA to the satisfaction of Government is also critical and that the dti will be working with Proudly SA to find a mechanism for mutual control and governance at board level to ensure the viability of the campaign over the medium to long term.

Proudly SA CEO Manana Moroka, welcomed the department's positive response. “This will ensure that the campaign can fulfill its mandate – to protect and create jobs through the promotion of locally produced goods and services, which is also aligned to the dti's objectives” she said.

Sharma and Moroka have agreed to a minimum of four meetings annually between the dti and Proudly SA to promote mutual accountability and to ensure that the partnership is optimised in the interest of all stakeholders. In addition, they concurred that both organisations would like to reassure campaign members and potential sponsors that Proudly SA can only grow in strength.