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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE. HONOURING IMPACT.

20 years ago, Smart Procurement was just an idea — a vision to create a platform that would unite, educate, and empower procurement and supply chain professionals.

Today, Smart Procurement is the industry’s backbone. It is the space where thought leaders are made, partnerships are born, and transformation takes root.

Smart Procurement World Indaba has become more than a conference; it’s a movement. It has connected buyers, suppliers, innovators, and policymakers who together shape economies, create opportunity, and redefine value chains.

As we celebrate this 20-year milestone, it is time to recognise the Leaders who have made this happen through their personal growth, their enduring careers, and their empowered teams at the Smart Procurement Leaders Awards.

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Recognising leadership, impact, and excellence

Awards Categories

Each category recognises a distinct area of excellence — from transformation and digital innovation to sustainability, people leadership, and lifetime contribution — honouring leaders who continue to raise the standard for the profession across South Africa and the African continent.

The Transformation

For leaders driving non-digital organisational transformation (strategy, operating model, talent, and culture).

Finalists

For the innovators driving impactful digital transformation and technology adoption.

Finalists

For leadership in ESG, social responsibility, and sustainable business practices.

Finalists
The People Architect white

For leaders who excel at building strong, inclusive cultures and high-performing teams.

Finalists

For excellence in unlocking value through optimized cash flow, liquidity management, and financial strategy.

Finalists

The top honour for vision, measurable impact, and influence across the continent.

Finalists

Recognising enduring contributions and service to the profession over a distinguished career.

Finalists

Recognising an up-and-coming procurement professional making an early but significant impact.

Smart Procurement Awards 2026

Meet our Judges

Bernie van Niekerk

Bernie van Niekerk

Chief Executive Officer, Commerce Edge

Dalton Datechong 

Dalton Datechong 

Head of Procurement, Old Mutual Insure

Dr. Faith Mashele

Dr. Faith Mashele

Faculty, GIBS Business School

Emuel Schoeman

Emuel Schoeman

Managing Director, Addendum

Lee Swan

Lee Swan

Head of Sustainability at Alexforbes

Liesl De Wet

Liesl De Wet

Head Accelerated Organisational Sustainability, Unitrans

Lorraine Jenks

Lorraine Jenks

Founder and CEO, Hotelstuff

Msawenkosi Hlanti 2

Msawenkosi Hlanti

Executive Head: Trade Sales, Standard Bank

Niron Rampersad

Niron Rampersad

Divisional Executive of Trade, Nedbank CIB

Ronald-Mlalazi

Ronald Mlalazi

Managing Director, Commerce Edge International

Sanusha Reddy

Sanusha Reddy

Sustainability Manager at Sun International

Thandy Pino

Thandy Pino

Public Procurement Expert, Ntakha Consult

Tom Raftery

Tom Raftery

Sustainability and Technology Executive

Put forward the leaders shaping the future

Nominations & Entries

Nominate an exceptional leader or submit an entry to recognise excellence and impact in procurement and supply chain.

Attend the Smart Procurement Leaders Gala

Be part of a historic night as we celebrate two decades of Procurement transformation.

Align Your Brand with Excellence

Become a Partner in
Our 20-Year Legacy

Don’t miss the opportunity to support the next generation of trailblazers. Contact our team today to explore sponsorship packages for the Gala Dinner and Award categories.

Connect with our team

Discuss your specific requirements for the Awards Gala

Our team is ready to provide the detailed information and pricing you need to secure your involvement.

Our Distinguished Awards Partners

Supported by Industry Leaders

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Join us as we celebrate two decades of excellence by crowning the leaders of the future!

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