The 2025 Proudly South African Buy Local Summit, held at the bustling Sandton Convention Centre, proved to be a resounding success, igniting a powerful wave of support for local businesses. This year, the event held a special significance for ItThynk Gaming, as we proudly exhibited our latest game titles to a captivated audience.
Centered around the crucial theme of “Building a Resilient Economy through Localisation,” the summit showcased the incredible depth and diversity of South African entrepreneurship. Attendees were immersed in a vibrant expo floor, where innovative tech startups, including our team, rubbed shoulders with artisanal food producers and cutting-edge fashion designers, creating a palpable sense of national pride.
For us, the summit was a fantastic opportunity to directly connect with our audience. We were thrilled to see enthusiastic gamers playtesting the Gauteng Tourism Adventure (GTA) game, created for the Gauteng Tourism Association, and providing invaluable feedback that will shape the future of our games and creativity. The experience highlighted the vibrant and growing gaming scene within South Africa and the appetite for locally developed entertainment.
Beyond the product showcases and playtesting sessions, informative workshops and discussions, led by industry experts and government officials, delved into critical topics such as local procurement strategies, SME support, and navigating the current economic landscape.
A particular highlight for us was an insightful radio interview with the renowned Pabi Moloi on Power FM. This opportunity allowed us to share our story, our passion for game development, and our commitment to contributing to the South African economy with a wider audience. We talked about the importance of growing the gaming industry within South Africa, and the talent present within the country.
The 2025 Proudly South African Buy Local summit was a call to action for consumers and corporations alike to prioritize local products and services, and it reinforced the vital role of “buying local” in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and building a stronger, more resilient South Africa.
