Website gives SA businesses new reach
SOUTH African small businesses should first test their products with the local market before they expand to other markets.
This is according to Minister of Small Business Development Lindiwe Zulu.
She was the keynote speaker in Cape Town yesterday at the launch of the Cape Craft and Design Institute’s (CCDI) new online platform, geared towards becoming South Africa’s biggest website, dedicated to showcasing craft and design products made in South Africa.
The new Peek website, www.peek.org.za, is a search and connect website that is free to use and will open up access to new markets for the many small craft and design businesses in South Africa. The website has been piloted with small businesses since August last year and has over 100 businesses listed and over 450 products showcased, it has already received over 35 000 views in its pilot phase.
The website is an important addition to the physical market access opportunities on a global platform and facilitates access for small businesses to local markets, key national and international trade and consumers.
Zulu said she is confident the new website will open up products made in the arts and crafts sector to new markets and also be a vehicle for women to use in order to put food on the table or pay for children’s school fees.
She said one of the challenges faced in South Africa, from an arts and craft point of view is that the country needs greater markets, firstly from South Africa itself.
“The local market in my view is also very important. Buying local is something we promote. How are you going to market your products on the outside when your own people don’t appreciate your products. It just doesn’t work that way. We must not only look at it from a small point of view… this is economic development, this is the economy of South Africa.”