Access markets, become a member of Proudly SA

Malebo Pebetse Matlala (36) of Tjatane in Ga-Sekhukhune, Limpopo, said associating her business with Proudly South African this year is already yielding positive results. 

Matlala is the founder of Mokatani, a clothing brand that she established in 2019 which designs and manufactures farming and safari clothing for adventure seekers, farmers and outdoor enthusiasts. 

 “I started the business because I saw a huge market in the tourism and farming industry where many people struggled to find durable and fashionable wear,” she explained. 

The business currently employs six permanent employees. It has benefitted from the National Youth Development Agency’s grant funding to buy equipment and further received a R100 000 loan from the then Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (Sedfa) to buy more machines and materials in 2020. 

In March, ahead of the 13th Proudly South African Buy Local Summit and Expo held at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, Matlala registered the business to become a member of Proudly South African (Proudly SA). 

“This move is helping us with access to markets and other business opportunities. A lot of people saw our products when we showcased at this year’s Buy Local Summit and Expo and they loved them. Our clientele is growing,” said Matlala, who is also a qualified mechanical engineer. 

Exhibiting at the Buy Local Summit and Expo offers companies a unique opportunity to significantly enhance their brand visibility and market presence. 

The all-local conference provides a valuable marketing opportunity where companies can sell their products, network with other local businesses, and connect with key decision-makers in procurement. 

Chief Executive Officer of Proudly SA, Eustace Mashimbye, said the summit and expo provides exhibitors with enhanced visibility and a captive audience that stretches beyond their geographical confines. 

“Through this event, the exhibitors can expand their market reach, showcase their offerings to a wider audience, and interact with prospective customers who would have otherwise remained oblivious to their products and services,” he explained. 

He added that the Buy Local Summit and Expo has unearthed many home-grown businesses and enabled them to scale up at a faster pace than they would have been able to through the exhibitions.   

Approximately 200 local exhibitors spanning several industries, over 1 500 delegates, 450 trade buyers, and 160 stakeholders from the public and private sectors attended the summit and 
expo.

Mokatani can be reached on WhatsApp on 0826310394 Instagram: Mokatani_2020 Tiktok: Mokatani082 X: Mokatani Facebook: Mokatani 

For more information about Proudly SA visit www.proudlysa.co.za