State-owned Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) launched a flagship enterprise development initiative – Singakwenza Kwenzeke – a phrase that means ‘we can make it happen’, last month.

Singakwenza Kwenzeke is a two-year capacity building programme that focuses on increased participation by black-women-owned businesses in the engineering sector.

The owners of 20 small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs) across South Africa will be upskilled to enhance their efficacy to compete in the bidding process for business opportunities.

During the first year, SMME owners will receive training on meeting standard requirements that companies look for in the qualifying stages, such as adherence to regulations, labour laws, safety and environmental requirements. These include meeting the requirements of statutory bodies, as well as having the systems and equipment to run the business efficiently, which will subsequently entail an emphasis on marketing and financial management.

The second year will entail the improvement of owners’ abilities to manage projects and grow their business.

“TPT wants to contribute towards the nation-wide efforts to address the shortage of skills in black-women-owned engineering firms and boost the number of female companies within TPT’s supply chain.

“It is an extremely ambitious goal, but, with dedicated purpose, it is not one that is outside our reach. TPT has a history of promoting female leadership, diversity and inclusion, and we are confident that, with this partnership, we can make great strides forward,” says TPT GM of procurement Ntombeziningi Shezi.

These SMMEs would then be empowered to operate in disciplines previously not associated with women-owned businesses, such as repairs, maintenance, plumbing repairs, equipment rental and supply. With operations in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape, TPT has targeted SMMEs in these regions, thereby creating a varied database for TPT when opportunities arise within the company.

The owners of the 20 SMMEs will be mentored and visited every month throughout the two years and, where required, incubator facilities will be made available.

“The programme will ensure that these SMMEs do not fall into the trap of failing when the business grows, as the staff members they employ are of utmost importance and will serve the country better when they grow,” says Shezi.