"South Africa is an industrious nation and we continue to identify small and medium local suppliers and facilitate their access to opportunities within the supply chain," says Massmart Supplier Development Operations Lead, Sherry-Lee Singh.
The three-year partnership agreement will enable Massmart to identify and assist smallholder farmers and manufacturing SMMEs within Tshwane with financial support, education, mentorship and market access.
"Our overall focus is on assisting small and medium enterprises who are producing products that can be sold in Massmart's formats. Preference, but not exclusivity, is given to women-owned and black-owned enterprises," adds Singh.
Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, Councillor Kgosientso Ramokgopa says, "We have committed to creating employment opportunities as a core component of cementing social cohesion within our society, we also made a commitment to facilitate the creation of employment opportunities by attracting investment to Tshwane and embarking upon initiatives that seek to address job creation.
"This partnership, like many other public-private partnerships the City is cultivating, is true testimony of our desire to restore human dignity by defeating the triple social challenges in our midst, we will continue to provide these platforms for Tshwane based entrepreneurs with the aim to equip them to thrive."
The exhibition's programme included advice from a team of experienced Massmart buyers, who educated and informed potential suppliers on how to do business with the company and what buyers look for. In addition, attendees gained technical insight on business-specific issues such as rebates and logistics management that will enable them to run their businesses sustainably and ensure they are in a position to successfully do business with Massmart or approach other retailers.
"During the exhibition, our business community benefited from direct engagement with the group's buying team and its supplier development programme. We are of the view that this will go a long way in growing their business to the next level. TEDA aims to grow the footprint of Tshwane companies by creating market opportunities and this tripartite partnership is geared towards growing Tshwane economy through creation of employment opportunities for our communities. This partnership is an example of taking opportunities to the doorstep of our business community," concludes Solly Mogaladi, CEO, TEDA.
