Developing Supplier Support Program

By Dr Stan Moloabi

The 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, 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

Further Ten beneficiaries were enrolled in the Program in the 2021 Financial Year and the majority are on B-BBEE Level 1. The group of thirty beneficiaries consists of Eight Black women-owned businesses, Twenty five EMEs, and Three QSE.

Three of the beneficiaries were awarded business contracts with the Scheme as part of the Supplier Development Program. They graduated from Enterprise Development to Supplier Development, a move that shows GEMS’ commitment to transforming the Healthcare Sector.

The beneficiaries have been coached and mentored, and each one is given access to sixty hours of support. As GEMS continues to ensure the development and growth of these SMMEs, opportunities are created within GEMS through its supply chain where beneficiaries 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.

GEMS is proud to highlight the impact this Program has had on the beneficiaries, with success stories like that of Mrs. Lettie Marakalala of Ka-Ntle Trading. Marakalala moved from being a caterer to opening a bakery in Pretoria North, despite the challenging economic times we currently face. Through this move, more jobs were created. This entity is also exploring the possibility of expanding its business to Mpumalanga, where a great need has been identified.

Other success stories include that of Bantusoft Technology. The Director, Mr. Lehabe Ralekoa, referred to the Program as an “eye-opener”. Ralekoa further stated: “The Program has allowed me to be more of a one-stop-shop and changed me from being a sole owner to hiring three more assistants. This move has allowed me as the business owner to focus on the strategic areas while paving the way for the continued growth of the business.”