Different Ways to Support Local South Africans

Supporting South Africans was made, first and foremost, to support local charities and entrepreneurs within South Africa as a whole. It’s in the very name of the platform, but there are so many more ways you can give back to the community that aren’t directly apparent, per se, but infinitely useful for those that take part in it.

I will be ranking these items in no particular order other than what’s estimated to be the easiest to do, all the way to the more complex and more fulfilling tasks. A total of three major ways are listed below

1: Make Use of Local Businesses And Stores

It’s one of the most obvious choices, yes, but it deserves to be mentioned. We’re not talking about your local store chain, either. To truly support the local economy, you have to find cafes or superstores typically situated in small shopping centers. These stores typically host very interesting people with interesting backgrounds.

This stretches to other processes, as well. Give a quick peek at your local industrial and business zones, and you’d be surprised by the kind of businesses that exist outside of the regular consumer’s eye. Carpenters, tailors, restaurants on the side of the road. All these businesses are just people trying to make a mark and support themselves and their families in today’s economy. They may not be as glossy and polished as your local franchise, but they’ve got a lot of heart.

2: Donate And Tip More Often

Money was tight before the current strife of the pandemic, and a global disease certainly hasn’t helped with it, but to give is to spread love to your fellow man. The obvious options are charities, such as the ones the list below. There are so many initiatives, both country-wide and local, that rely on the kindness of others to operate. These organizations try to better the lives of those less fortunate, and your contribution, however little you can afford to give, will still be used to better South Africa as a whole.

Follow these links to a phew amazing organisations. They truly impact the community around them.

https://afrikaansetoekomstrust.org/wie-is-ons/ : Afrikaanse Community Support

https://bravetolove.org/bravestories/ : Fighting human trafficking

https://unchainourchildren.org.za/get-involved/ : Combats prostitution of minors, human trafficking and human rights violations

Having a giving heart will make a positive difference to local workers, as well, such as petrol jockeys, waiters and car guards, among others. It’s important to remember that, just like anyone else, these people have families, lives, and expenses. To shun them for trying to make a living is to deny them the ability to do so. You don’t have to give everything, but whatever you can spare is an infinitely larger amount when compared to nothing.

3: Take Part In The Community

To be part of a community is to accept a family, and family, more often than not, sticks together and helps each other. Taking part in various public functions, community initiatives, or just helping the odd old lady across the road, find homes for stray animals, all contribute to bettering South Africa, no matter how small a thing it may be. Giving to the community around you is one of the best ways to improve your immediate environment, even if it is just cleaning up a dirty bus bench. You can’t expect too much from this, but you’d be surprised how meaningful it is.

- J.L.H Carelse

02/02/2022