By: Angela Buthelezi (NRF-SAIAB SCM Manager)
NRF-SAIAB hosted its first Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) workshop on June 27, 2024, for Makhanda and Eastern Cape Province SMMEs. The workshop was conducted by the NRF-SAIAB SCM team, Ms Angela Buthelezi (SCM Manager) and Mr Nkosi Khuzwayo (SCM Specialist), supported by Mr Motau Maloma from the NRF Corporate SCM. The objectives of the ESD workshop were to increase the participation of local black-owned SMMEs and to involve suppliers in entrepreneurial empowerment. This was achieved by educating attendees on how to access various government entities’ tender opportunities and by presenting a section on common errors that tenderers make during tender process. Attendees responded positively, raising concerns about the low number of successful tender opportunities and the lack of communication regarding tender outcomes by SCM practitioners in government entities.
NRF-SAIAB offered assistance to SMMEs with registration on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database and the Construction Industry Development Board. In addition, NRF-SAIAB offered an opportunity for three companies based in Makhanda to use office space in the NRF-SAIAB building and access to Wi-Fi connectivity as a pilot activity towards a fully-fledged and fit-for-purpose ESD programme. The companies will be granted one working day per week to use the NRF-SAIAB offices.
The workshop was attended by SMMEs currently conducting or aspiring to conduct business in the construction industry. Attendees highlighted challenges such as lack of access to capital, resulting in contract delays and sometimes cancellations. NRF-SAIAB committed to continuously offer assistance to the SMMEs and to invite stakeholders from the financial sector and other government entities in future ESD initiatives.
