The development of small businesses can help to fight unemployment in South Africa, which has soared to a record 33.5%, according to data recently released by Statistics South Africa. Recognising this and reflecting the group’s commitment to helping SMMEs (small, medium and micro enterprises) to flourish, Absa will once again host the annual Absa Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Expo and Absa Smart Supplier Conference in Gauteng. Taking place on 10 and 11 September 2024 in Midrand, these are South Africa’s largest and longest standing events aimed at connecting local…
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PUBLIC PROCUREMENT ACT, SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES, TENDERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT INDABA
This year’s 18th annual Smart Procurement World Indaba, which takes place in Gauteng from 9 to 12 September 2024, is one of the most important ever, according to the organisers. It comes hot on the heels of the signing into law of the Public Procurement Bill by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Around 600 procurement professionals are expected to attend the event to learn, network and explore issues that include this long-awaited legislation. Still to be gazetted and come into force, the Act is currently the subject of intense debate, with procurement professionals…
Read MoreSuccessful KwaZulu-Natal Supply Chain Conference Charts Path for Future Growth
More than 300 delegates attended eThekwini Municipality’s recent KwaZulu-Natal Supply Chain Conference with Smart Procurement World to address the imperative to enhance KwaZulu-Natal’s infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities in order to ensure the region’s sustainable growth and resilience. KwaZulu-Natal’s largest supply chain and procurement conference was a resounding success, according to the organisers, Smart Procurement World, which partnered with the municipality to host the event for the fifth time. Attendees of the three-day conference at the Durban International Convention Centre included industry leaders, experts and stakeholders from across the supply chain…
Read MoreWESTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT TACKLES PUBLIC PROCUREMENT CHANGES, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Western Cape Government’s 11th Annual Smart Procurement Conference saw 500 provincial and municipal officials and suppliers meet to learn, share knowledge and network. The event’s key focus areas included strategic procurement and public-private partnerships, and the conference explored how these can enhance infrastructure delivery and build strong, sustainable communities. Attendees at this important event included heads of supply chain in the province, engineers, asset managers, chief buyers, local economic development managers, chief financial officers and municipal managers, as well as suppliers. Officials from the national, provincial and municipal spheres…
Read MoreSMALL BUSINESSES CAN GET A BIG BOOST BY APPLYING FOR CITY OF CAPE TOWN’S SMART SUPPLIER PROGRAMME
Applications close on 26th January 2024 The eighth annual Smart Supplier Readiness Programme has been launched by the City of Cape Town. This initiative aims to grow and support small businesses. It will empower them to engage effectively with corporate supply chains and access new and larger contract opportunities in the public and private sector. Applications for the programme are open and all qualifying vendors are invited to apply before the closing date on 26 January 2024. The City of Cape Town has again partnered with Smart Procurement World to offer this…
Read MoreRISK, ESG, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, PUBLIC SECTOR PROCUREMENT ON THE AGENDA AT 2023 SMART PROCUREMENT WORLD INDABA
The 17th annual Smart Procurement World Indaba, South Africa’s largest, longest-standing event for procurement and inbound supply chain professionals, will focus on risk. It takes place from 11 to 14 September 2023 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng. This year’s theme is “Do Risk Right?”, organiser Smart Procurement has announced. Debbie Tagg, Smart Procurement chief operating officer, says that the profession proved its mettle in navigating risk in recent years, but needs to chart a course in an increasingly volatile, unpredictable and challenging environment. “Procurement and supply chain practitioners played…
Read MoreABSA HOSTED MADE IN AFRICA EVENT TO IGNITE AFRICAN BUSINESS BY CONNECTING THE CONTINENT’S BUYERS AND SELLERS
David Mparutsa, head of Enterprise & Supply Chain Development at Absa Africa “It is time for Africa. It is time for Africa to harness its people, its resources, and its resilience for the betterment of all. It is time for large corporates and public sector entities to open up their supply chains for the betterment of local businesses. It is time for financial institutions to support this agenda through providing innovative and non-traditional ways to offer financing to African businesses.” This was the message from David Mparutsa, head of…
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