[ T HO U G H T LE AD ER SHIP ARTIC L E ]
Developing Supplier Support Program By Dr Stan Moloabi
T
he Developing Supplier Support Program (DSSP) is GEMS’ flagship transformation Program. Officially launched on 10 July 2020, the vision of this Program is to encourage growth, empowerment, and sustainability among Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), while driving transformation within the healthcare sector through Enterprise Development and Supplier Development. Since the launch of the Program, twenty beneficiaries have been involved, with representation from various sectors of the economy and including Exempted Micro Enterprises (EMEs) and Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSEs). Eleven of these enterprises are Black women-owned – demonstrating GEMS’ commitment towards impactful transformation. The objective of these partnerships is to scale up the program to expand its reach, while encouraging the sustainability of SMMEs. The beneficiaries selected for this Program are from various industries, including ICT, Catering, Consulting, Marketing, Facilities, HR Services, Healthcare, Skills Development, Media Monitoring, Asset Management, and Auditing. The beneficiaries were chosen after a rigorous selection process with assessment criteria designed for the program. In addition to what the Program offers, a unique website was created where beneficiaries of the Program can access all required information and forms at the click of a button. Beneficiaries are further supported through various non-monetary support initiatives. This includes Website Hosting and Development,
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www.sdawards.co.za
Business Plan Development, and Marketing Material, to name a few. After the launch of the program, the beneficiaries were assessed to determine the areas of support and mentoring they required. Beneficiaries were further trained in the following areas: • Procurement • Project Finance • Contract Management • Financial Assistance • Legal Assistance
can compete with their counterparts. The Scheme has committed and embarked on a process of transformation, and the Board of Trustees has placed this at the centre of its strategic plan. GEMS commitment towards transformation is evident in the provision and support of both core and non-core services”. The Scheme further aims to support beneficiaries through monetary and nonmonetary support initiatives.
Dr Stan Moloabi, Principal GEMS is proud to highlight the Further Ten beneficiaries were Officer, Government Employee impact this Program has had on enrolled on the Program in Medical Scheme the 2021 Financial Year and the beneficiaries, with success the majority are on B-BBEE stories like that of Mrs Lettie Level 1. The group of thirty Marakalala of Ka-Ntle Trading. beneficiaries consists of Eight Black womenMarakalala moved from being a caterer to owned businesses, Twenty five EMEs, and opening a bakery in Pretoria North, despite the Three QSE. challenging economic times we currently face. Through this move, more jobs were created. Three of the beneficiaries were awarded This entity is also exploring the possibility of business contracts with the Scheme as part expanding its business to Mpumalanga, where of the Supplier Development Program. They a great need has been identified. graduated from Enterprise Development to Supplier Development, a move that shows Other success stories include that of Bantusoft GEMS’ commitment to transforming the Technology. The Director, Mr Lehabe Ralekoa, Healthcare Sector. referred to the Program as an “eye opener”. Ralekoa further stated: “The Program has The beneficiaries have been coached and allowed me to be more of a one-stop shop mentored, and each one is given access to and changed me from being a sole owner to sixty hours of support. As GEMS continues to hiring three more assistants. This move has ensure the development and growth of these allowed me as the business owner to focus SMMEs, opportunities are created within GEMS on the strategic areas while paving the way through its supply chain where beneficiaries for continued growth of the business.”
