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Programme

The Game Plan

Explore the Conference Lineup

CONFERENCE DAY 1

GAME ON: It’s Time to Step Up!

Policy, People, Process

  • TUESDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2025
  • 08h30 to 17h00

08h30

OPENING REMARKS FROM YOUR MC | Stepping Into the Arena

Welcome to the arena! Enkromelle kicks off this high-energy conference with a powerful call to action.

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08h40

KICKOFF | Let the Game Begin

Bernie sets the tone for the conference, welcoming you to a day of game-changing conversations. As the whistle blows, it’s time to unlock your procurement potential and gear up for innovation, insight, and inspiration.

08h55

OPENING ADDRESS | The Long Game: Procurement’s Role in Driving Enterprise Development (ESD) Success

Two decades into South Africa’s Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) journey, has it delivered on its promise? Join Absa Group to explore the data, reflect on the impact of ESD over the past 20 years, and assess its transformative role in industry and communities. Gain insights into the successes, challenges, and future of ESD in shaping a thriving South African economy.

09h10

SETTING THE SCENE | Global Supply Chains in Flux: What the Year Ahead Holds for De-Globalization, Near-Shoring, Tariffs & Supply Uncertainty

Dive into the complexities of global sourcing in this compelling opening session. With de-globalization, near-shoring, rising tariffs, and persistent supply chain uncertainty reshaping markets, how can South African businesses stay ahead? Join our distinguished economist to explore the trends, risks, and strategies driving procurement in 2025. Equip yourself with insights to build resilient, tariff-smart supply chains.

09h40

OPENING KEYNOTE | Setting the Stage: Game On, Leading Procurement’s New Era of Innovation & Impact

It’s game time for procurement. As global markets evolve and challenges intensify, procurement is no longer just a function—it’s a strategic powerhouse. In this energising keynote, Linda Reddy explores how agility, innovation, and fearless decision-making are reshaping the role of procurement in modern business. Discover how to lead like a champion, foster dynamic teams, and ignite transformation through procurement. This session kicks off the conference with power, purpose, and a winning mindset.

10h20

CO-PRESENTATION | Resilience, Sustainability and Other Supply Chain Challenges: The Role of Finance

This session will explore the critical intersections between the physical and financial supply chains and delve into the transformative power of Supply Chain Finance (SCF) in driving resilience, sustainability, and improved cash flow. Drawing on real-world case studies and emerging trends, the presentation will culminate in a provocative question for all attendees: Do you have
Supply Chain Finance at the heart of your supply chains?

11h00

MID-MORNING BREAK

12h00

CO-PRESENTATION | Woolworths Digital Transformation Journey with Zycus

Navigating funding challenges, implementing innovative strategies, and unlocking key lessons learned along the way. This session will showcase success stories, highlight measurable ROI, and provide valuable insights into the future of digital procurement and operations.

Caroline Lacocque

Regional Vice President of Sales for Benelux, Nordics, Middle East & Africa, Zycus

12h30

FIRESIDE CHAT | Benchmarking the Shift: Redefining Procurement Excellence. How does my organisation compare?

How are top South African Organisations transforming procurement to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world? Drawing on exclusive insights from the Oxalys 4th Annual Benchmarking Survey, this dynamic panel discussion explores the evolution of procurement excellence. From prioritising sustainability and nurturing future-fit talent to driving high-impact performance, discover the strategies that set leaders apart. Benchmark your Organisation’s progress and gain actionable insights to elevate your procurement function to new heights.

Host

Debbie Tagg

CEO – Smart Procurement (formerly COO of Commerce Edge Pty Ltd)

Guests

13h15

PROMO ONE SPONSOR SESSION | From Commodity to Strategy: Elevating Promo Procurement

13h25

LUNCHEON SPONSOR

 

13h30

LUNCH BREAK

PUBLIC SECTOR SUPPLY CHAIN SUMMIT

14h30

PANEL DISCUSSION | Mastering the Game: Thought Leadership In Public Procurement

Public procurement is at a critical crossroads—navigating a shifting legislative framework, the new Act, and the ongoing PPPFA debate, all while meeting pressing service delivery obligations. This session tackles the governance conundrum head-on, exploring how to bring calm, clarity, and direction amid complexity. Through thought leadership, real collaboration, and smarter use of technology, we ask: how do we bring order to the chaos and elevate procurement as a driver of public value?

Moderator
Panelists

David Mahlatji

Director: Supply Chain Management, Governance and Compliance, Limpopo Provincial Treasury

Nadia Ebrahim

Chief Director: Asset Management (Acting), Western Cape Provincial Treasury

15h30

PRESENTATION | Power Play: Unpacking the True Impact of the New Public Procurement Act

South Africa’s Public Procurement Act 28 of 2024, signed into law on 23 July 2024, is set to reshape the procurement landscape, driving economic growth and transparency while tackling corruption. Join Shaun Scott, a leading procurement policy expert, as he unpacks the Act’s transformative potential. This session will help you navigate the unfolding scenarios for the Act and chart a way forward.

16h00

PRESENTATION | Level Up: Strategic Public Procurement to Unlock Private Sector Investment in Infrastructure – Are We Game?

Infrastructure is the backbone of economic development and a key catalyst for intra- and cross-border trade. To accelerate delivery and unlock value, the state must adopt strategic, forward-thinking procurement approaches that go beyond compliance. This session explores how innovative regulatory strategies can attract private sector investment into critical infrastructure – from roads and rail to ports, energy, and trade-enabling assets.

16h30

CLOSING PRESENTATION | Let’s Get Our Hands into Sustainable Procurement: From Policy to Practice

Sustainable procurement is no longer just a policy statement — it’s a mandate. This session dives into ISO 20400, tender evaluation, and crafting the right specifications, offering practical implementation strategies to move beyond theory and embed sustainability in everyday procurement decisions.

CORPORATE SOURCING AND SUPPLY MANAGEMENT

14h30

PANEL DISCUSSION | Strategy in Action: Reimagining Procurement Through a Strategic Lens

Procurement has entered a new playing field. With the golden decade of easy value wins behind us, leaders now face a more complex and volatile landscape shaped by global disruptions, evolving ecosystems, and emerging digital technologies.

In this high-impact panel, top procurement trailblazers reveal the game-changing strategies that redefined their business models, unlocked hidden value, and elevated procurement from a back-office function to a strategic powerhouse.

Moderator
Panelists

Vusi Matsebula

Chief Executive Officer, Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency

15h30

PRESENTATION | Levelling Up the Supply Chain: Tackling Third Party Risk & ESG in Banking Procurement or Procurement

This session unpacks how South African banks/Institutions are stepping up to build sustainable, future-fit supply chains—by integrating ESG into sourcing strategies, reverse logistics, and carbon footprint reduction. Explore how leading institutions are managing Third Party Risk while driving measurable impact across the value chain.

16h00

PRESENTATION | Procurement Cost Transformation in the Era of AI

Leveraging AI for a step change in efficiency and cost optimisation across key procurement capabilities.

16h30

CLOSING PRESENTATION | Game On: Redefining Africa’s Trade Playbook in a Shifting Global Landscape

In an era of rising trade tensions and shifting global alliances, African nations must step up with bold, strategic trade moves. This session explores how the diversification of trade partnerships, enhanced intra-African trade through AfCFTA, and targeted diplomatic engagement can shield the continent from external shocks like tariffs and sanctions.

We’ll also examine the power of value addition — turning raw materials into high-value exports — as a critical lever to build resilience and global competitiveness.

Game On means it’s time to rewrite the rules and take control of Africa’s trade destiny.

17h00

Cocktail

Conference Day 2

GAME ON: It’s Time to Step Up!

LEADERS FORUM (Invite Only)

  • WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2025
  • 07h00 to 08h15

07h00

Welcome

Debbie Tagg

CEO – Smart Procurement (formerly COO of Commerce Edge Pty Ltd)

07h05

OPENING | Welcome by Breakfast Sponsor

Nicholas Stonuary

Regional Director for Corporate Solutions, Partnerships & Analytics EEMEA, Mastercard

07h15

FIRESIDE CHAT | Winning Tactics: How Leaders are Navigating Economic Challenges

Host
Guests

Nicholas Stonuary

Regional Director for Corporate Solutions, Partnerships & Analytics EEMEA, Mastercard

Edward Robinson

Vice President, Procurement for Asia Pacific & South Africa, McCain Foods

07h55

ROUNDTABLES

Roundtable One

Playing to Win: Embedding Sustainability into Procurement for Long-Term Impact

Rountable Two

From Push to Partnership: Rethinking How We Engage Suppliers

Roundtable Three

AfCFTA - Shifting the Goalposts: Procurement’s Role in Africa’s Trade Transformation

Roundtable Four

The Difference that Makes the Difference. How to Create a High Performing World Class Organisation

Roundtable Five

Procurement Cost Transformation in the Era of AI

Roundtable Six

Empowering procurement decisions through advanced payment solutions

Nicholas Stonuary

Regional Director for Corporate Solutions, Partnerships & Analytics EEMEA, Mastercard

Roundtable Seven

Why Every CPO Should Know What Supply Chain Finance (SCF) is and the Importance of SCF in Overall Organisational Strategic Goals

Roundtable Eight

Supply Chain Transformation: Procurement Reimagined

Roundtable Nine

Closing the Loop: From Sourcing to Margin Multiplication

Yashodh Singh

Senior Principle, Source to Pay & Supply Chain Technology Solutions Advisory,
Coupa Software

Roundtable Ten

Leveraging Supply Chain Finance to Cut Costs and Negotiate Better Payment Terms

08h25

Closing

Conference Day 2

GAME ON: It’s Time to Step Up!

Innovation, Influence, Impact

  • WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2025
  • 08h30 to 15h40

08h45

Welcome From MC

Enkromelle Andrew, Leadership Speaker, The Master of Ceremonies

08h50

OPENING KEYNOTE | Reinventing the Future of Healthcare: A C-Suite View on How Technology is Reshaping Procurement for Strategic Advantage

Netcare is redefining procurement as a strategic driver of innovation, efficiency, and long-term value. This keynote reveals how cutting-edge technologies are empowering smarter decisions, agile sourcing, and resilient, transparent supply chains — all while delivering measurable impact on cost, care quality, and ESG goals.

A must-attend session for CPOs, CFOs, CIOs, and Supply Chain Leaders ready to lead the digital healthcare transformation.
Level Up. Lead the Change.

09h20

KEYNOTE | Negotiation 2030: AI, Agility & the New Rules of the Game

In an AI-powered world, negotiation is no longer just a soft skill, it’s infrastructure. As supply chains become more volatile and data more abundant, the winners will be those who combine the ability to influence human behavior with the ability to scale decisions through systems. This keynote unpacks why the procurement leaders of tomorrow must master both emotionally intelligent deal-making and AI-ready negotiation infrastructure. Get ready to rethink what it means to “step up” in an era where every interaction is strategic.

09h45

KEYNOTE | Gamify to Amplify: Transforming Procurement Through Digital Engagement

Unlock engagement, drive performance, and reshape procurement behavior through game mechanics.

Yashodh Singh

Senior Principle, Source to Pay & Supply Chain Technology Solutions Advisory,
Coupa Software

10h10

PRESENTATION | Beyond Automation: Architecting the Organisation of the Future

In this moment-critical keynote, Amy explores how to move beyond asking whether AI will replace jobs, and instead focus on building human+machine engines that amplify connection while leveraging technology. Drawing on powerful stories from industries like mining, sport, finance and retail, Amy shows that true transformation doesn’t start with technology: it starts with agency. Audiences will gain practical strategies to build adaptable, emotionally intelligent, and technically-fluent teams who are equipped for the next economy. In a world where everything can be automated, this talk is a powerful reminder that the future remains profoundly human.

Following Amy’s thought provoking talk, we will host a panel discussion with Kevin Lomax, Pascalle Albrecht and Amy where they will discuss how the travel industry and financial services are managing the ambiguity of incorporating AI, whilst maintaining the highly important human touch.

Kevin Lomax

Senior Vice President and Managing Director, South Africa, Wings

10h45

PANEL DISCUSSION | Game Changers for Growth: Unlocking the Missing Middle Through Industry Collaboration

In the high-stakes arena of economic transformation, the “missing middle” — high-growth SMEs with turnovers between R50 million and R500 million — face unique challenges. Too big for traditional ESD support and too lean for bank financing, these businesses face real barriers despite solid track records and strong growth potential. This session explores how bold, cross-industry collaboration and innovative funding models can step up to bridge the gap, drive scale, and unlock a new tier of inclusive growth.

Moderator

Jan de Kock

Principal/ Director – Head of CFM Origination, ABSA Group

Panelists

11h45

MID-MORNING BREAK

PUBLIC SECTOR SUPPLY CHAIN SUMMIT

12h30

PANEL DISCUSSION: Treasury Tight Five: Building a Winning Pack to Tackle Regulation Head-On

In the high-stakes game of public finance, Heads of Treasury are the forwards in the scrum — driving compliance, holding the line, and executing the play for fiscal stability and regulatory execution.

This power huddle unpacks:

How to ensure a seamless handoff from the Act to the regulations — like a well-timed pass under pressure.
Whether Treasuries are truly playing their custodian role, or if the ball is being dropped.
The challenges that test even the most seasoned players on the field.
What guidance, strategies, and roadmaps can strengthen the implementation playbook.
And most importantly — how to formalise a high-performance team across all Treasuries, united in purpose, execution, and resilience.

Like in rugby, winning requires discipline, strategy, and teamwork.
Game On – let’s lead from the front.

 

Moderator
Panelists

Isac Smith

Deputy Director General: Governance and Asset Management, Western Cape Provincial Treasury

Phale Naake

Director Strategic Procurement, Government Travel Services, National Treasury

CORPORATE SOURCING AND SUPPLY MANAGEMENT

12h30

PANEL | Power Play: The Winning Formula of Attitude and Aptitude in Tech Leadership

This engaging session explores how the right mindset, combined with technical expertise, can keep procurement professionals ahead of the tech curve. Learn how to embrace continuous learning, adapt to emerging innovations, and lead with confidence in the evolving digital landscape.

Moderator
Panelists

Craig Vaughan

Head of Procurement, Information and Technology Office, Absa Group

13h20

PRESENTATION The Procurement Olympics – Competitiveness, Collaboration, and Leadership

Collaborate with your stakeholders – A way to increase value and reduce costs

13h50

LUNCH BREAK

CLOSING CPO PANEL DISCUSSION

14h40

CLOSING PANEL DISCUSSION | The End Game: Future-Proofing Procurement

Moderator: 

Moderator
Panelists

Nawaaz Kalick

Nawaaz Abdul Kalick (MCIPS) (FCIPS) (MBA),
Group Procurement & Supply Chain Executive, Berry Astrapak

15h40

GAME OVER

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