About Local First
Let’s keep our money moving locally, where every spend fuels a neighbour’s dream and keeps the South Coast buzzing
We’re not just a website …
We’re a digital shoutout to every coffee shop, corner carwash, roadside bunny chow, barefoot artist, and bold-as-brass local legend across the South Coast.
Local First is here to bring it all together – the food, the fun, the events, the people, into one space where it’s easy to find, easy to share, and impossible to forget.
We believe in the power of our local culture
Not just because it keeps money in the community (though it does), but because it keeps the soul of the Hibiscus Coast alive.
We’re building a platform that works like a community bulletin board and feels like your favourite WhatsApp group , but with better photos, links that work, and no annoying forwards. Share this space with your friends and family and let’s give the South Coast growth – all we’ve got.
What "Local, First" truly Means
What Local First Actually Means
A lot of people think Local First means “locals before everyone else”.
It doesn’t.
It simply means: look Local, First.
Before you look out of town…
R200
means more to a home baker… than a corporate store-chain
That’s the heart of it.
Not hierarchy.
Not ego.
Just community choosing community.
How it started
During COVID…
Local First Challenge
The idea was simple…
Ed's Note (Food & Fun) | by Kirsty Hooper
,
As the holiday season approaches, get ready for sunshine, smiles, and stories to remember.
The KZN South Coast is rolling out the welcome mat, with a sprinkle of sea salt and a whole lot of warm vibes. Go great news to share? Upload your feel-good-file.
feelGoodFiles
Real Stories | Real People | Real Lekker
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK ( + INSTA + TIKTOK)
IT'S ABOUT BEING (EXTRA)ORDINARY
This isn’t luck. it’s Locals. Building, Backing, Believing.
The South Coast’s glow-up?
not by chance – by choice.
You know it – we’re just getting started
Imagine This…
We’re not just a website …
We’re a digital shoutout to every coffee shop, corner carwash, roadside bunny chow, barefoot artist, and bold-as-brass local legend across the South Coast.
Local First is here to bring it all together – the food, the fun, the events, the people, into one space where it’s easy to find, easy to share, and impossible to forget.
We believe in the power of the local hustle.
Not just because it keeps money in the community (though it does), but because it keeps the soul of the Hibiscus Coast alive.
We’re building a platform that works like a community bulletin board and feels like your favourite WhatsApp group , but with better photos, links that work, and no annoying forwards.
Intention
we’re here to keep money where the heart is – home.
Every time you swipe, spend or support a neighbour’s dream, it keeps our little towns growing.
We shine the light on local flavour, culture, stories, and side hustles , so we can all thrive, not just survive.
Mission
To grow the Hibiscus Coast from the inside out.
Owned by locals. driven by passion. Built with purpose.
We’re co-creating a place where support feels like second nature.
Vision
Imagine this:
a Coast that’s buzzing again , where people high five at markets, laugh at street corners, and businesses boom with soul.
A place that’s proud of its roots, full of community jol, and wealthy in smiles, stories, and second chances.
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK ( + INSTA + TIKTOK)
IT'S ABOUT BEING (EXTRA)ORDINARY
,This isn’t luck. it’s Locals. Building, Backing, Believing.
The South Coast’s glow-up?
not by chance – by choice.
You know it – we’re just getting started
Why Local?
when you back local, you ignite purpose.
you fund dreams.
you feed families.
you fuel the heartbeat of a town that refuses to be average.
this is sweat, soul, and second chances.
it’s “i’ve got you” in the form of a flat white.
it’s someone’s rent paid because you said “i’ll take two.”
school fees paid because you booked that table.
big brands? they don’t know your name.
but local? local sees you.
local is you.
this isn’t small.
this is everything.
because every swipe here builds something real.
and we’re just getting started.
#thelocalfirstchallenge is more than a simple hashtag, it’s a commitment to our shared future, it’s about recognizing the power we hold in our hands, the ability to shape our community through our everyday choices. Together, we can create a Hibiscus Coast strengthened by dreams, connections, and shared prosperity.
Are you ready to be part of the transformation?