THE Coega Development Corporation (CDC) recently launched an inaugural Supplier Development Day at the Vulindlela Accommodation and Conference Centre.
The event, which is a first by a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), saw captains of industry together with emerging businesses under one roof discussing topics like access to finance, procurement opportunities and regulatory compliance, said Dr Ayanda Vilakazi, the corporation’s Head of Marketing, Brand and Corporate Communications.
CDC SMME Programme Manager Unathi Maholwana said the event had emerged from their interaction with emerging businesses.
“We decided to create the Supplier Development Day so that SMMEs can receive first-hand information from various public and private institutions. It is pleasing to see the warm reception the inaugural [event]… has received and the level of interaction from the audience,” Maholwana said.
Keynote speaker Zibu Ndikinda (pictured), the Managing Director of Phila Environmental, Health and Safety, highlighted the importance of diversifying one’s business abilities and creating opportunities rather than waiting for opportunities.
The 350 SMMEs attending the event also received advice from SEDA, SARS, National Treasury, SBFS, Eskom, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and the B-BBEE Commission, among other public institutions.
Speakers from the private sector included representatives of ABSA, Standard Bank, Shanduka Black Umbrellas and Chemin Incubator who highlighted the importance of a bankable product in order to receive financial banking.
“As the CDC, we are optimistic that this initiative is a first of many to come annually and we have plans to broaden the scope of the event to other areas where the organisation has a footprint,” Maholwana said.