Debut supplier day exceeds expectations

United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) hosted its first Supplier Day at the Hotazel Recreation Club on 4 July. The event exceeded expectations, with more than one hundred and eighty entrepreneurs and business representatives in attendance.

The day’s purpose was to understand key challenges faced by local SMMEs within John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, underscoring our unwavering commitment to improving “local” inclusive procurement and giving an update related to the SLPIII progress.

UMK’s General Manager, Joe Mosupyoe, expressed the company’s dedication to the cause. “It was a fantastic opportunity to directly engage with local companies to learn about various challenges they face as well as their service offerings,” he said, reaffirming our commitment to establishing constructive stakeholder relationships.

UMK’s debut Supplier Day introduced the purpose of the day, its facilities, operations and socio-economic purpose to delegates. Mosupyoe said that, in turn, companies had the opportunity to understand UMK’s value chain; questions from the floor aided further understanding of the challenges suppliers face, including where we can improve as UMK. “Our takeaway is that further alignment between the company, suppliers and potential vendors can enhance cordial relations between businesses and, of course, enable and empower ‘local” suppliers to work with UMK more easily, with the ultimate goal of establishing a comprehensive workable database of procure-ready “local” suppliers to participate in UMK’s value chain.

UMK chief executive Malcolm Curror echoed Mosupyoe’s sentiment and emphasized that the company’s commitment to localised economic participation is unwavering. “We have first-hand experience of some of our enterprise and supplier development projects in the area that has allowed entrepreneurs and small business to successfully spread their wings. The impact of such collaborative efforts is inspiring,” he said, underlining the integral role of local businesses in UMK’s operations.

The company is committed to keeping its suppliers informed and involved. We will share details of the next instalment as soon as dates are finalised, ensuring that all interested parties can plan and participate in future events.

 

Category: Press