Massmart, SABS boost SMME competitiveness

The main objectives of the partnership are to establish simplified guidelines for product and system certification, which will prepare SMMEs for full quality management audits, thereby encouraging and supporting local enterprises to become credible players in Massmart's value chain.

The initiative will initially focus on conducting SABS process audits of the Massmart SMME supplier base that does not have a certified quality management system.

The SABS will also provide management systems, conformity assessment and training services for all types of enterprises, not limited to SMMES, in order to better perform its role as a third party - a cooperation bridge between consumers, retailers and suppliers.

Thereafter the focus will be on getting Massmart's suppliers to meet the requirements of the ISO 9001:2008 quality management system standard.

The process includes the testing of products by the SABS against the applicable SABS or Massmart specification, the introduction of a SABS process audit scheme to the Massmart supplier base specifically targeting SMMEs, SABS product certification as well as consignment inspections and other relevant certification schemes.

"The Consumer Protection Act that came into effect in April fuelled the initiative as we recognise the opportunity to develop our local supplier base while ensuring safer, higher quality products for our customers," said Pattison.

The partnership will focus, but may not be limited to following industries and fields including: textiles, leather and footwear; agriculture, food and health related products; electronics and building materials.

"We aim to be proactive in providing trusted and independent standardisation services to South African business and industry. Standardisation is pivotal in protecting the integrity of the South African market, throughout the value chain," Mehlomakulu said.