Tag: procurement

Cyber risk is no longer a peripheral IT issue in African supply chains. Instead, it is becoming a core operational threat. According to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), 70% of organisations report experiencing fraud or economic crime. Cyber-enabled fraud ranks among the fastest-growing categories globally, according to the ACCA Global Economic Crime and Fraud Survey.

There’s a disconnect in many businesses right now. IT teams face pressure to deliver refresh cycles, upgrades and infrastructure rollouts on schedule. At the same time, CFOs must control costs and protect cash flow. On paper, both groups are doing exactly what they should do. However, the numbers they work with no longer reflect reality. Most IT budgets today rely on assumptions that no longer hold.

South African companies are stepping up as global procurement increasingly pivots toward environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities. Procurement goes green as several firms set the pace for eco-conscious sourcing and operations.

Mining, until now, has been the sector in South Africa where social and labour plans are a legal requirement. These plans are designed to ensure that while companies take value out of the ground, as is the case for miners, they also leave something of value behind.

South Africa is transitioning from fossil fuels toward renewable energy. The government aims to add at least 19 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. By 2050, the country targets as much as 190 GW. These targets are critical for climate resilience and energy security. Yet, the social design of this transition is dangerously overlooked.

Supporting female entrepreneurs isn’t just a moral imperative, it’s also a business opportunity. Numerous studies show that women-led businesses are often more capital-efficient, demonstrate higher returns on investment and foster inclusive team cultures.

With the outsourcing space becoming increasingly cutthroat, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies find themselves trapped in a relentless race to the bottom. Aggressive pricing demands from clients and undercutting by low-cost competitors leave local operators with no choice but to sacrifice margins just to stay in the game.

In fleet management, determining the optimal vehicle replacement cycle is critical for operational efficiency, safety and costs. A poor decision impacts maintenance costs and cash flow. Advancements in telematics and leasing models are shifting practices.

The 2025 Budget Speech outlines significant opportunities for South Africa’s private renewable energy sector. These opportunities include streamlined public-private partnership (PPP) regulations, expanded infrastructure investment and greater clarity around grid upgrades. However, it also raises important concerns for private developers and investors.

The public understandably believes the construction mafia operates within the traditional construction and built environment sector. However, its influence extends far beyond construction, creating highly negative effects. Criminal elements exploit any industry where they can extort third parties.