Bespoke Procurement Bulletin August 2017

Dear Client,

In the August 2017 edition of Bespoke Procurement Bulletin we talk to MCIPS graduate Simba Msonzah about his aspirations in the field of procurement, and the Bespoke Group CEO makes the case for investing in education during economic tough times. We also look at the highlights of our 2017 Strategic Sourcing Summit, and explore the potential of blockchain technology within supply chain. The usual round-up of recent top procurement news and worthwhile upcoming events is included.

Enjoy the read!
Publishing Editor | Andrew C. Hillman | Bespoke Group

In This Edition
Up and coming procurement professional: Simba Msonzah
Beat economic slow-down by skilling up
How blockchain technology can transform global supply chains & logistics
Strategic Sourcing 2017: maximise value, minimise risk
Presentations: First impressions
Features & Opinions
Up and coming procurement professional: Simba Msonzah
Procurement rising star, interview, education, strategic sourcing
Simba Msonzah is a rising star on the local procurement scene. At 31 years old, he already has his MCIPS qualification and 13 years experience under his belt. Simba currently works as a strategic sourcing consultant, and has many career highlights, having worked across the spectrum of supply chain roles, including with organisations such as SABMiller, the University of Johannesburg, Bob Martin, Her Majesty’s Government (UK) and Nkonki Inc. Read More.
Beat economic slow-down by skilling up
Economic downturn, up-skilling, professional development, networking
During an economic slow-down or recession, the cost of attending training or committing to further education may be hard to swallow. Nevertheless, the cost may not be as great as perceived. And the value that good training can deliver is likely more than worth it when it comes to the professional recognition and networking opportunities it provides. Read More.
How blockchain technology can transform global supply chains & logistics
Supply chain, technology trends, blockchain, opportunities, innovation
In exploring the findings of the 2017 Supplychainforesight study, Barloworld Logistics are identifying the key technology trends that are shaping global supply chains. By understanding these, as well as their inherent risks and opportunities, decision makers within the supply chain sphere can begin to use these. Notably, blockchain technology is fast emerging as one of the most transformative trends – and one that can redefine and reshape many of the existing systems and processes within logistics. Read More.
Strategic Sourcing 2017: maximise value, minimise risk
Strategic sourcing event, training, professional development
The fourth annual Strategic Sourcing Summit took place in Sandton, Johannesburg on 26 & 27 July 2017. Drawing a diverse group of attendees from across South Africa and the continent, the event was well-attended and participants gained enormous value from the insights shared. Much of the conversation focussed on how to maximise value for organisations and minimise supply risk, creating win-win scenarios for all parties. Read More.
Presentations: First impressions
Soft skills, presentation skills, first impressions, start strong
The introducer is nearing the end of your introduction. The audience is waiting. Your name is announced. Applause. And you walk on to the podium… There’ll be no greater pressure on you than in the next seven seconds. Why? Those that know you should want you to do well. They’re willing you to succeed. In theory, there may be a handful of people hoping you’ll fail. You’ll be dead keen on disappointing them. That just leaves one group in the audience: Those that don’t know you as a speaker are looking for clues, and they’re impatient. Read More.
SAPICS Regional Conferences

Month in Review
Rand edges up before Moody's rating decision
South Africa's rand strengthened on Friday as escalating geopolitical tension between the United States and North Korea drove up demand for safe-haven assets like gold and platinum, lifting the currencies of commodity exporters. Read More.
SADC working towards boosting mutual trade
Southern African Development Community countries are putting shoulder to the wheel to strengthen the comparative and competitive advantages of the region’s economies to stimulate intra-SADC trade. Read More.
Treasury DG appointed to BRICS bank
The BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) has confirmed the appointment of National Treasury Director General, Dondo Mogajane, to the bank. Read More.
Transnet to recapitalise Zimbabwe rail firm
South African logistics group Transnet has won a bid to recapitalise the government-owned National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) with $400-million, the company's board chairman said on Thursday. Read More.
Tanzania Q1 growth slows to 5.7%
Tanzanian growth slowed to 5.7% in the first quarter of this year, hurt by slower-than-expected performance of construction, transport, agriculture and the financial services sectors, the statistics office said on Thursday. Read More.
Commission initiates probe into B-BBEE violations
The Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Commission has initiated investigations against specific entities for possible violation of the B-BBEE Act. Read More.
Free Trade Agreements an opportunity for Africa
Free Trade Agreements in Africa present an opportunity for African countries to improve intra-regional trade. Read More.
Trade, investment tops BRICS Ministers' meeting
Issues related to trade and investment promotion were discussed at the 7th meeting of the BRICS Ministers of Trade in China. Read More.
May mining output falters on uncertain commodity prices
Mining production data released by Statistics South Africa on Thursday revealed a second consecutive month of production contraction. Read More.
Icasa inquiry plans to slash data prices
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) will hold an inquiry to try and reduce the country's high data costs. Read More.

Purchasing Manager's Index July 2017
Upcoming Events

19 & 20 September 2017
Warehousing & Distribution Summit 2017

3 & 4 October 2017
7th annual Contract Management Summit 2017

24 - 26 October 2017
Total Cost of Ownership & Opportunity Analysis

21 November 2017
Effective Expediting

7th annual Contract Management Summit 2017
Video of the month
The Chief Procurement Officer
Warehousing & Distribution Summit 2017
IACCM Certified Contract Manager
Bespoke Services SETA B-BBEE Level
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Publishing Editor: Andrew C. Hillman | Contributing Editor: Kate Ferreira
Bespoke Sourcing Solutions (Pty) Ltd | PO Box 69042, Bryanston 2021, Gauteng, South Africa
1st Floor, Block A, Crest Junction, Cnr Judges Ave & Beyers Naude Drive, Cresta, Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Telephone: +27 (0)11 066 4400 | Facsimile: +27 (0)86 536 5133 | Mobile: +27 (0)72 698 3200
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