In general – which means in most, though not all cases – you’ll have an easy time finding some local items in big retail stores and an impossible time with others. For details read the relevant entries below and in the rest of the book. But if, like my friend Bernelle, you like the occasional sweeping statement, the following summary is for you.

Red

Kitchen ware: Almost all cooking equipment, crockery, cutlery and glasses sold in big retail is imported.

Electronic and electric goods: There aren’t any local computers,1 TVs, DVD players, music players, microwaves, irons – not even much on the low tech side such as electric kettles, although I have found two which are made here.

Shoes: Although there are fantastic local shoe manufacturers, practically all the shoes for sale at fashion retailers are made in China.

Toys: I couldn’t find a single children’s toy sold in big retail chains that was manufactured in South Africa.

Yellow

Clothing: The local clothes manufacturing industry has shrunk by half in the last 20 years, hence finding local in big retail requires label reading. While there are encouraging signs of revival on the horizon, right now, the one tangible exception in big retail is Foschini, the ladies’ fashion store and, to a much lesser extent,Truworth’s Man. Across the board there are local children’s clothes available.

Long life food goods: Much that is available is local and quite a bit is imported. For example while most shops sell locally grown frozen vegetables, the green peas always seem to be imported. Most importantly – just because you are buying a private or own label product that says Pick ‘n Pay or Woolworths or Ritebrand or Checkers Choice or Spar, it does NOT mean the product is necessarily local.

Green

Fresh food: Dairy products, baked goods and fresh fruit and vegetables are mainly local. Out of season goods will be imported.

1 There are some local 'assemblers' like Mecer, Sahara and Wise Touch.