Author name: SPW Editor

The Public Procurement Act will have major implications not just for the public sector but also for the private sector supplying goods and services to the state. It may potentially extend into the private sector and impact how organisations buy from their own private suppliers, the African Procurement Law Unit’s Professor Geo Quinot told delegates at the recent 2024 Smart Procurement World Indaba.

This year’s 18th annual Smart Procurement World Indaba, which takes place in Gauteng from 9 to 12 September 2024, is one of the most important ever, according to the organisers. It comes hot on the heels of the signing into law of the Public Procurement Bill by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Around 600 procurement professionals are expected to attend the event to learn, network and explore issues that include this long-awaited legislation.

The development of small businesses can help to fight unemployment in South Africa, which has soared to a record 33.5%, according to data recently released by Statistics South Africa. Recognising this and reflecting the group’s commitment to helping SMMEs (small, medium and micro enterprises) to flourish, Absa will once again host the annual Absa Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Expo and Absa Smart Supplier Conference in Gauteng.