The idea for this book stems from a conversation with Paul, the father of my godchild, Lila. I had just gifted her a pretty girl’s dress, somewhat guiltily, because there was no occasion for a present. I was really just indulging myself and wanting to spoil the little darling. To make myself appear in a better light, I told her parents that the dress was made in South Africa. Paul looked at me quizzically and asked: ‘Really? Do you shop like that?’ Meaning, did I pay attention if the goods I purchased were ‘Product of South Africa’. I puzzled for a moment, mentally going through my shopping habits and realised, I do. I am a compulsive label reader. And generally if there is a South African product on offer next to one made in China or Europe, I buy the one made in South Africa.