We’ve all heard it before:“Support local.” It’s printed on posters, slapped on Facebook posts, and occasionally shouted at us when we dare to shop elsewhere. But in a small town like Standerton, supporting local isn’t a trendy slogan – it’s how the town keeps breathing.

We all know the feeling. December arrives, the bonus or extra wages land, and suddenly the “silly season” lives up to its name. Braais, gifts, trips, takeaways, new clothes, and a few “I deserve it” purchases later, January shows up… with a very long month and a very short wallet.