Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) strengthened its engagement with the business community through its 2026 Supplier Development Day, hosted by the Supply Chain Management Department. The event brought together suppliers, business support organisations and industry representatives for a day focused on procurement opportunities, business development, compliance and access to support services.
The engagement provided suppliers with an opportunity to interact directly with SMU representatives and organisations offering financial, business and procurement-related services. It also enabled participating businesses to better understand the requirements, processes and opportunities within the university’s supply chain environment.
Kishore Gobardan, Interim Director of the Supply Chain Management Department, opened the event by emphasising the importance of creating meaningful platforms for SMU and its suppliers to exchange information and strengthen their working relationships. “Supplier development is about more than procurement. It is about creating meaningful opportunities for businesses to understand the environment in which they operate, strengthen their capabilities and position themselves for sustainable growth,” said Gobardan.
The programme featured presentations from organisations providing support to businesses, with discussions aimed at helping suppliers understand available resources and improve their readiness to access business opportunities.
Enough Mmatli provided an overview of the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDA) and the support available to small businesses. The presentation highlighted ways in which suppliers can access assistance to strengthen their enterprises and address challenges that may affect their growth. “Small businesses need more than opportunities; they also need the capacity and support to take advantage of those opportunities. It is important for suppliers to understand what support is available and how they can access it to develop sustainable businesses,” said Mmatli.
Walter Maleyana, Deputy Director: Supply Chain Management at SMU, provided insight into opportunities available through the University and stressed the importance of understanding procurement processes. “SMU has opportunities within its supply chain, but suppliers must ensure that they understand the requirements and position their businesses to participate effectively. Compliance, preparedness and understanding the procurement environment are important,” said Maleyana.
Karabo Setshedi from HuhslCap (Pty) Ltd also presented on the company’s services and how these could support business development. The programme also covered Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) compliance, the i-Tender platform and related services available to businesses seeking procurement opportunities. Representatives from PURCO SA, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and Absa also participated, broadening the range of expertise available to suppliers.
The interactive programme allowed suppliers to raise questions and engage with presenters on procurement, compliance, business support and available services. For SMU, the discussions also provided valuable insight into the needs and challenges facing its supplier community. “The engagement between the University and suppliers is important because it creates an opportunity for both sides to learn from one another. When suppliers understand what is expected of them and the University understands the challenges they face, we can work towards stronger relationships,” said Maleyana.
The 2026 Supplier Development Day reinforced SMU’s commitment to meaningful supplier engagement, information sharing and business development. By creating opportunities for collaboration between the University, suppliers and enterprise-support organisations, SMU is contributing to a more informed and capable supplier base while strengthening relationships that support its broader institutional objectives.
By Dimakatso Modise
