Inaugural procurement conference attracts 260 professionals

Cees Bruggemans, Chief Economist of FNB, opened the plenary session and was quietly optimistic about the South African economy maintaining growth going forward into 2011, with fluctuations in formal employment levels being driven by wage levels demands. “The majority of employers will meet wage increase requests, but will adjust the amount of staff to offset the higher wage bills.”

Vusi Pikoli, Forensics Unit Head at Gobodo Incorporated, sent out a strong call for transparent procurement. The widely respected former head of the National Prosecuting Authority, highlighted the importance of Section 217 of the Constitution, which makes direct reference to procurement and in particular prescribes that it must be done in an accountable and fair manner, providing the public with timely, accessible and accurate information on procurement practices.

Pikoli accentuated the importance of Procurement and Supply Chain Management functions that directly affect the bottom line of all business and government departments and the urgent need to root out corruption.

"Government can't [fight corruption] alone; we need partnerships and collaborations with both the private and public sectors."

Internationally recognised leadership and management specialist Morne Mostert stimulated the delegates with very practical insights into the characteristics of effective leadership.

Over the three-day 2010 SmartProcurement World Conference 42 public and private sector speakers presented best-practice scenarios, discussed legislation updates and hosted two technical workshops: Preventing Fraud and Corruption in Supply Chain Management and Cost Managment.

Conference delegates enjoyed six eye-opener sessions, four panel discussions, an exhibition and a networking cocktail session.

The 2nd Annual Public Sector Supply Chain Summit

The 4th Annual SmartSourcing and Cost Management Conference.

SmartProcurement is indebted to the commercial exhibitors who showcased a wide variety of world-class goods and services and provided much needed advice and demonstrations to delegates during the refreshment breaks.

We extend our sincere thanks to the EXPO participants: POINT SA, SAP Africa, Volition, TravelLinck, National Registry, the PSA Group, BITTS, Marshan Technologies, WiL, Lexis Nexis, Sanduka Black Umbrella's, Compex, Welman Consulting, BCD Travel, the Gray Book, Professional Passenger Services, BeeScore, MyMarket and CIPS SA.

Mention must also be made of our Sponsor's for the confidence and support they showed upfront. Our special thanks go to Purchasing Index, Volition Consulting Services, Commerce Edge Academy, Commerce Edge Procurement Training and Quadrem.

It is customary for SmartProcurement to sponsor students from the Logistics Graduates School based in the Vaal Triangle so that these very enthusiastic youngsters get the opportunity to experience the professional development aspects of the Conferences along with the many networking occasions where they can meet potential future colleagues. They are all available for internships and we will welcome any enquiries to send on to them.

SmartProcurement World 2011 will be hosted on October 11-13, 2011 at Gallagher Convention Centre. Organisations that take advantage of our RED SEAT offer will be entitled to two seats and the admission of up to six delegates on an interchangeable basis, all for the price of a single seat.