Sandton’s usually fast-paced streets slowed to a halt on March 16, as hundreds of protesters gathered in what is often called Africa’s richest square mile. The peaceful march, led by Proudly South African, drew attention to the growing impact of illicit trade and unfair trading practices on the country’s economy.

The demonstration formed part of the 14th Buy Local Summit and Expo, where conversations around supporting local industries were matched by visible action on the ground. Protesters from sectors including tobacco, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, fuel, food, and wildlife joined organised labour in a unified call for change. At the centre of their concerns is the scale and reach of illicit trade, which they argue is no longer a fringe issue but one that cuts across multiple industries. From counterfeit goods and smuggling to dumping and under-invoicing, these practices continue to erode the competitiveness of local businesses, while placing jobs and consumer safety at risk.

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The marchers handed over a memorandum of demands to Makhukhu Mampuru at The National Economic Development and Labour Council outlining both the scale of the problem and proposed solutions. Among the key demands were the Illicit Economy Disruption Programme and the strengthening of the council’s Illicit Economy Task Team. There was also a strong call for increased capacity across enforcement bodies. Protesters urged the government to invest in skills, resources, and coordination across agencies, from border control to law enforcement and prosecution. The message was clear: without consistent enforcement, policy alone will not shift the needle.

Speaking at the event, Proudly South African CEO Eustace Mashimbye warned that illicit trade continues to fuel criminal networks while weakening already strained economic structures. He pointed to its broader impact, noting that beyond lost revenue, illicit trade contributes to unemployment, deepens inequality, and disrupts fair market conditions. In parallel, unfair trade practices such as dumping further tilt the playing field, leaving local producers struggling to compete.

The memorandum also pushed for practical interventions, including stronger border monitoring by the Border Management Authority and the South African Revenue Service, increased visibility of law enforcement along key transport routes, and improved investigative capacity within the South African Police Service. Technology was highlighted as part of the solution, with calls to adopt tools like the GS1 Discovery app to improve product traceability and supply chain transparency. Protesters also encouraged wider use of the illicit trade hotline to enable the public to report suspicious activity anonymously.

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The urgency of the issue is underscored by recent developments in the private sector. Several companies, including British American Tobacco, have announced plans to scale down local operations, citing the impact of illicit trade. Others, such as South African Breweries, along with players in the pharmaceutical sector, continue to raise concerns about the rapid growth of illegal alcohol and counterfeit medication. While the march remained peaceful, its message was firm. For many involved, the fight against illicit trade is no longer just about protecting businesses, but about safeguarding jobs, restoring fairness in the market, and stabilising an economy already under pressure.

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