It comes hot on the heels of the signing into law of the Public Procurement Bill by President Cyril Ramaphosa . Around 600 procurement professionals were expected to attend the event to learn , network and explore issues that include this longawaited legislation .

Still to be gazetted and come into force , the Act is currently the subject of intense debate , with procurement professionals and legal experts questioning whether it represents a groundbreaking step forward for public procurement and an end to state capture or a looming catastrophe and more corruption . The constitutionality of the Public Procurement Act is currently the subject of a challenge by the City of Cape Town .

Professor Geo Quinot , founding director of the African Procurement Law Unit and Professor of Law at Stellenbosch University , contends that the promulgation of the Public Procurement Act is “ a momentous occasion in South African procurement law , despite the fact that there are still a number of outstanding questions that must be resolved , and a lot of work still to be done before the act can be fully implemented , not the least of which is the creation of extensive

regulations to give content to the system ”. “ Our unit has facilitated extensive and intense debate on the draft Bill and then on the Bill and now the Act at a series of national workshops since February last year , so we ' ve been very active in our critical engagement with the important law reform ,” he says . Quinot was one of the esteemed speakers on the programme for this year ’ s Smart Procurement World Indaba and in a not to be missed session , he shared his insights and discussed the impact of the Public Procurement Act . Quinot explored how procurement can adapt to changes in the supply chain management environment and the new legislation ' s effects on public sector operations . He also explained how public procurement institutions should prepare to implement this new legislative framework .

The Smart Procurement World Indaba is South Africa ’ s largest , longest-standing event for procurement and inbound supply chain professionals . Its theme this year was ‘ The DNA of Procurement ’. Smart Procurement chief operating officer Debbie Tagg elaborates : that the Indaba uncovered the intricacies that define procurement ’ s genetic makeup at the 2024 indaba . It explored the interconnected strands that shape every procurement decision , transaction and relationship . “ Just as the DNA carries the genetic information that shapes living organisms , the DNA of procurement intricately weaves through every aspect of

the supply chain , determining its structure , resilience and ultimate success .”

The Sustainability Summit Africa is an important co-located event at this year ’ s indaba . It took place on 10 September 2024 . “ With an increasingly intense worldwide focus on sustainable procurement , we recognise the importance of having this crucial topic up front and centre at our industry ’ s premier gathering ,” Tagg states . The summit featured local and international experts who address the critical role played by supply chain and procurement professionals not just in achieving environmental goals , but also in ensuring the longevity of small businesses and the economic stability of organisations , communities and regions . Sustainable procurement examines how procurement affects the environment , society and the economy .

A new feature at this year ’ s fourth Sustainability Summit Africa was ‘ The Green Zone ’, which featured a range of solutions across alternative energy sources , eco-friendly products and waste reduction strategies . “ It provided attendees with valuable insights into the latest sustainable practices . Solutions providers had the opportunity to showcase their companies ’ products and services to a highly targeted audience of purchasing managers who are actively seeking sustainable procurement solutions for their organisations ,” Tagg explains .

Image supplied by Stellenbosch University

Professor Geo Quinot , founding director of the African Procurement Law Unit and Professor of Law at Stellenbosch University .

The annual APMP ( Association of Proposal Management Professionals ) SA Conference is a guest conference at the 2024 Smart Procurement World Indaba . Taking place on 10 September 2024 , APMP SA is Africa ’ s largest in-person education and networking event for bid , proposal , tender , capture , business development and graphics professionals . CLA

SOURCE :

Smart Procurement World Indaba .