Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has invited black-owned suppliers to participate in its first ever black-owned suppliers’ day.
The event will take place at the VWSA PeoplePavilion in Uitenhage, in the Eastern Cape, on Thursday, May 5.
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to display their products and services to VWSA, the company’s suppliers and other automotive manufacturers, with a possibility of securing contracts.
Companies that supply manufactured components or services and non-automotive related products and services, including organisations in the defence/military, agricultural, mining, information technology, services and other related manufacturing industries that would benefit from diversification, have been invited to apply.
While VWSA is seeking primarily component manufacturers, non-manufacturing suppliers are also welcome to apply, notes the company.
“This process stems from our determination to expand our business with black-owned suppliers so that we continue to support economic transformation in South Africa,” says VWSA MD and chairperson Thomas Schaefer.
“VWSA views the issue of procurement from black-owned suppliers as a priority from both a moral and legislative compliance perspective”.
Organisations must have a minimum of 51% black, coloured or Indian ownership, and/or a minimum of 30% black female ownership.
VWSA is also looking for companies that are owned or managed by disabled persons or war veterans.