EVENT WRAP UP: SOUTH AFRICA SESSION FOR WOMEN IN LOGISTICS

(14 July 2016) On numerous occasions at WEConnect International in South Africa events corporate members have made mention of the various opportunities they have for women-owned companies in logistics. The corporates have also mentioned the hardships they have in accessing women-owned logistics businesses, that have adequate capacity to successfully execute the scale of projects they have in their companies.

Jean Chawapiwa, Executive Director of WEConnect International in South Africa, identified this as an opportunity to host a Women in Logistics discussion. On 3 June 2016 more than 50 women business owners attended the event and global corporate members Cummins, Monsanto, P&G and National Empowerment Fund (NEF) presented and shared opportunities. Their presentations were not just confined to logistics opportunities much to the delight of the women business owners.

Corporates advised women business owners to form strategic partnerships in order to be able to acquire some of the large scale contracts, and meet company delivery standards. The corporates also made emphasis on the tendering process, informing the women that they have tailor made processes which must be adhered to in order to access opportunities. Women business owners were also informed that contracts on logistics require the business owner to have business insurance and rigid safety compliance.

The event was a great success leading to corporates enquiring about attendee’s ability to participate in upcoming logistics RFPs.

WEConnect International in South Africa would like to thank Naul Bezuidenhout, Lead Buyer from Monsanto; Ahmed Moola, Senior Purchasing Manager from P&G; Thomani M. Lekhade, Corporate Indirect Purchasing Sourcing Manager from Cummins and Ledile Chuene, Senior Investment Associate from the NEF.