Drakenstein committed to local producers

29 September 2024
PIET MARAIS, Editor GSTBlog - "Fair trade has the power to transform lives, communities and economies," said Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality. "Obtaining Fair Trade City status has been a significant milestone in Drakenstein Municipality’s growth and development. It marks our commitment to promoting fair trade practices and supporting local producers in Drakenstein, and ensuring that our community benefits from equitable trade relationships."

He was delivering the opening address at the 17th Fair Trade Cities and Towns International Conference in Paarl on Friday, 20 September 2024. Held for the first time on African soil, the conference is taking place at the Nederburg Wine Estate from 20 to 22 September 2024. Leaders and decision makers in the fair trade movement and sustainability sector are gathering to discuss, workshop and network around the theme of "Cultivating Equitable Economies".

Welcoming delegates to the conference, Councillor Korabie said: "We acknowledge the tireless efforts of Fair Trade advocates, producers and consumers who drive this movement forward. We look forward to continuing our journey together as we catalyse future growth and development for the benefit of all our citizens."

He said the Fair Trade Cities and Towns International Conference aimed to articulate the benefits of adopting the sustainability agenda; promote the positive impact of ethical, fair and sustainable processes; foster engagement between key societal pillars and sustainability pillars; share best practices; and create synergies between cities and countries for local economic development."

According to the Executive Mayor, Drakenstein Municipality’s own journey as a Fair Trade City began in 2020. It is the first town in Southern Africa to self-declare as a Fair Trade City and the fourth on the continent. It boasts the largest economy in the Cape Winelands, with a GDP contribution of 32.7%.

"Our Fair Trade City campaign focuses on creating sustainable social enterprises; encouraging sustainable, ethical and fair trade practices in businesses; promoting sustainability and fair trade education; encouraging consumer sustainability practices; and promoting triple bottom-line enterprises (profit, environmental and social impact)," he said.

"As we move forward, we envision a city that is vibrant, inclusive and sustainable, and that leaves no one behind. We believe that sustainability is part of our DNA. As a city we offer opportunities for all, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and we are a hub for economic growth and development," the Executive Mayor concluded.