eThekweni Municipality  will once again play host to the province’s premier procurement conference and expo at the Durban ICC between 3 and 5 June 2019. The 4th Annual Smart Procurement World and Enterprise & Supplier Development (ESD) Expo targets government officials; industry experts; procurement executives, oversight authorities and entities; the private sector; entrepreneurial organisations; small business and trade organisations.

The conference, which takes place on 3 and 4 June, will feature thought-provoking panel discussions, informative presentations, relevant industry related case studies and fireside chats. “The conference will produce key resolutions derived from the presentations and we will examine the distinctive nature of KZN’s dynamics in terms of governance, along with the interconnected role that supply chain management, as well as the public and private sectors play as levers to achieve set provincial objectives,” says Debbie Tagg, COO for Commerce Edge.

The theme of the conference is: ‘Governance that transforms: Supply chain management as an enabler to inclusive and sustainable growth’. “It will have a strong focus on actions implemented by key government and corporate departments, and an indication on how to go forward as a province, thus moving the event away from the traditional nature of ‘just another talk show’ to one that embraces action,” Tagg points out.

Attendees will hear from an array of industry experts, government officials and procurement executives from both the private and public sectors. Topics will highlight the KZN transformation strategy, inclusive economic growth, SMME participation into the mainstream economy, key tips from investors, and supply chain management.

“We have tried to be as inclusive and comprehensive as possible in selecting the session topics and some of the highlights that attendees can look forward to include ‘The roadmap to radical provincial transformation – through governance that transforms’, ‘The future of work – How do we recruit the young procurement-aspirant?’, and ‘Developing KwaZulu-Natal through Public-Private Partnerships, with the participation of SMMEs,” says Tagg.

Black-owned SMME expo

Opening on 4 June, the Enterprise & Supplier Development (ESD) Expo will provide KZN-based black-owned SMMEs with the opportunity to showcase their products and services to a captive audience from the public and private sectors. It also allows them to expand their business practice knowledge in order to equip them for a sustainable future.

“We recognise the vital role that SMMEs play in the development of KwaZulu-Natal and therefore we believe it’s important to provide them with a platform of exchange whereby they can launch their unique business ideas and products to reputable companies. The aligned workshop sessions and the Learning Labs being held on 5 June will provide them with a comprehensive development plan and strategy for their strategic growth,” says Tagg.

Endorsed by the Department of Trade & Industry, the expo offers a number of stands that can be either self-funded or sponsored by a corporate or public sector entity. The success of the event is evident in comments received by previous exhibitors. “This was very informative, self-reflective and motivating. I left feeling empowered.” Uraysia Munien, SpunPrint Pty Ltd. “I received all the knowledge and the information I will need to grow my small business.” Musawakhe, Sthejaca Pty Ltd.