by MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – SOUTH Africa’s small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) have received a major boost after the country’s leading mobile network operator launched a portal to empower them with access new opportunities through a shared and secure directory of tenders and request for quotations (RFQs).
The Vodacom Trade Direct portal has been launched at the SMMEs in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Summit in Johannesburg.
It follows the realisation that small businesses in South Africa have the potential to create jobs even under conditions of weak growth and carry the prospects of leading the way to a more thriving future for the country.
The digital portal seeks to connect business buyers to suppliers and caters for Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) companies and SMMEs.
Takalani Netshitenzhe, Chief Officer for Vodacom Group Corporate Affairs, said the transition towards digitising transformation had seen a steady growth in reliance on networks and connectivity by SMMEs.
Their role has, therefore, been to enable these businesses to connect to these networks, thereby allowing them to tap into new market opportunities for growth.
Netshitenzhe said Vodacom Trade Direct aimed to promote employment and economic development for South Africa.
“The trade direct portal is the perfect tool to efficiently manage procurement needs by simply connecting suppliers and buyers on an online portal,” the executive said.
Vodacom will also offer SMEs access to the Vodacom Ready Business Assessment, which gives advice in the form of immediate insight into how well businesses are positioned to capitalise on opportunities and respond to future threats.
Netshitenzhe pledged her company’s commitment to aiding growth and development to SMMEs.
“We have a significant opportunity to become an effective strategic partner of SMEs and to contribute to this key sector of the economy by providing relevant and cost effective ICT solutions tailored for this segment,” said Netshitenzhe.
– CAJ News
