TNPA to host supplier development workshop for women-owned SMMEs

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The workshop will also focus on educating SMMEs on opportunities within Transnet. Participants will include small businesses and organised bodies such as Mossel Bay Business Chamber, SARS, SEDA, FNB and the Department of Labour, among others.

Mossel Bay port manager, Shadrack Tshikalange said TNPA remained committed to Enterprise Supplier Development, with the aim of strengthening current suppliers and growing enterprises. He said it was encouraging to see more women making their mark in previously male-dominated industries such as shipping and exports, manufacturing, transport, freight logistics, maritime, marine and engineering. Supplier development workshops serve to enhance this growth.

Growing sustainable business

"This workshop is an opportunity for professional women to learn key tips to own, manage and grow a sustainable business. We will unpack our Supplier Development Programme and share information on how women-owned businesses can best equip themselves to work with us and work better in their own capacities," he said.

Tshikalange added that as a state-owned company, Transnet remains at the forefront of empowering black-owned and women-owned small, medium and large enterprises.

"TNPA realises that it is critical that we accelerate progress in women’s access to enterprise and supplier development opportunities, because women are central to our economic and business growth, as well as our social impact," said Tshikalange. "The financial inclusion of women has been identified as a critical tool that will result in quicker poverty elimination and reduction of inequality, and will contribute towards achieving the National Development Plan’s set targets of 2030."

The port held several other initiatives in commemoration of Women’s Month including a doek (scarf) themed Women's Day breakfast on 8 August, a women’s personal change management employee workshop on 21 August 2019 and one week’s First Aid training for three women-owned SMME’S from the Mossel Bay women’s business chamber.