KwaZulu-Natal supply chain management information seminar
Today, in Zululand District, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Treasury engaged one of the most robust and promising sectors of our economy in a bid of empowering and educating all those who do business with government, particularly suppliers/service providers, and contractors, with tips and tools for success.
Under the auspices of the KZN MEC for Finance, Ms Belinda Scott, Provincial Treasury had an information seminar at Ulundi in partnership with Zululand District Municipality after realising that suppliers/service providers and contractors in this district face problems and challenges some of which are part of the business landscape including legal issues, and government regulations.
In light of these challenges the KZN Provincial Treasury has identified an information gap that exists between both the local and provincial spheres of government and the business community.
By bringing together a multitude of voices, opening up the conversation on topics such as: CIDB regulations and requirements; SARS; empowerment of emerging contractors/suppliers (EDTEA); Registration on the Provincial Database; Operation Pay on Time; and Municipal Bid Appeals Tribunal, government is empowering suppliers/service providers, and contractors, which is absolutely essential to transform and grow our provincial economy.
KZN Provincial Treasury (SCM)
As part of a programme to build capacity amongst SMME’s and Cooperatives in the province, Mr Ntando Sangweni from the KZN Provincial Treasury presented on supplier compliance with SCM Legislation and processes.
Also on the cards was the Provincial Treasury’s programme of ensuring that suppliers are paid within a 30 day period from the submission of invoices. Suppliers were also informed about the Municipal Bid Appeals Tribunal which deals with complaints, objections and or appeals regarding the award of municipal bids.
Sangweni also sent out a strong message to government officials that are doing business with government that they are no longer allowed to do business with the state.
“Government officials with private interest have to declare all their interest and obtain the relevant authority from their respective accounting officers/authorities to conduct business with other private sector organisations.”
Department of Trade and Industry (dti)
Dr Tebogo Makube from the dti presented on local procurement, in particular local content as the requirement of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA). The dti has powers to designate sectors/products for local production when government procures/buys certain goods like rail rolling stock, busses, valves, clothing & textiles, processed vegetables, power pylons, electricity meters and others.
Eleven products have been designated for local production so far. This is to support industrialisation and development of emerging suppliers in South Africa. These products are being bought by different government departments and state owned companies in South Africa.
SARS
Mr Nivesh Laljith from the Education department at SARS, enlightened the attendees on Small businesses tax compliance requirements, benefits and how to qualify for reduced tax rates.
Focus was also placed on the purpose of Tax Clearances, how to apply and also how maintain valid tax clearances. Emphasis was also highlighted on the repercussions of non-compliant taxpayers/entities.
KZN Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs
Mr Jabulani Maphanga from Economic Development dealt with B-BBEE compliance in a bid of assisting Zululand business people to participate meaningfully within the provincial economy.
He informed and encouraged them to participate on various programs in the department like Youth Economic Empowerment, Women Economic Empowerment, Monitoring and Evaluation, Training and Information Dissemination, and Complaints Handling.
Construction Industry Development Board
Nonkululeko Mkhize from CIDB informed service providers on contractor’s registration and development, naming the documents being identified by different grading as well as the class of work registered for. A strong warning was sent out to those contractors submitting fraudulent documents, tax clearance, annual financial statements as well as track record.
Emakhosini Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Speaking on behalf of local business fraternity, Emakhosini Chamber Secretary, Mr Sbonakaliso Makhaye who is also a local business person said that “We appreciate the informative opportunity presented to us by our government, especially as we are rural based organisation and business people.
This seminar played an important role in capacitating us and paving a clear route to our members on what action they need to take. It has always been our concern that we see and hear about these juicy policies in newspapers and radio, with no follow up or monitoring that is done for our people on the ground, but today we are grateful to see our government coming to us to put these policies into perspective.
We would appreciate if the government can also look very closely at this issue of B-BBEE verification as it poses a lot of challenges for rural business people”.
This fruitful engagement between government and business will continue in other districts as the Provincial Treasury plans to drive engagements with suppliers from all districts in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Enquiries:
Musa Cebisa
Cell: 071 687 8777
Ntokozo Maphisa
Media Liaison Desk
Cell: 0827730937
Tel: 033 846 6986
Fax: 033 846 6801/2
E-mail: kzntreasurynews@gmail.com
