South African Supplier Diversity Council | Tel: 0111001025 | www.sasdc.org.za  

PRESS RELEASE | 25 April 2014  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Barloworld Limited’s Announcement of its Supplier Diversity Development Policy Signals the First for South African Corporations

“It is Barloworld’s policy that diverse, under-represented businesses shall have equal opportunity to compete for procurement opportunities held by the Group and its operating businesses.  Purchases of goods and services shall be maximised from diverse suppliers covered by the scope of this policy, while supporting the efficient performance of our operations.  In support of sustaining new and existing relationships with diverse suppliers, Barloworld will assist in developing and strengthening our diverse suppliers, enhancing our competitive advantage and driving sustainable growth of mutual benefit to us and diverse suppliers alike.” –on Barloworld’s commitment to Supplier Diversity Development 

Sandton, Gauteng - In today’s globalized environment, embracing change, partnerships and collaboration are key for business success. In recognition of this, Barloworld embarked upon a “Change Makes a World of Difference” corporate campaign to further align their corporate strategy with changing global realities. In doing so, Barloworld seeks to innovate and emerge as a leader, both in the marketplace and as global citizens.

Barloworld recently hosted a Supplier SMME Workshop aimed to educate and empower current and potential Barloworld suppliers on embracing change. Barloworld’s Siyakhula Initiative was established to foster sustainable B-BBEE in South Africa by providing both financial and non-financial support to small and medium suppliers, contractors and enterprises within the Barloworld value chain.

In his Keynote Address Clive Thomson, Chief Executive for Barloworld Limited recognized the South African Supplier Diversity Council (SASDC) as a supporting partner in achieving Transformation and Empowerment targets - key focus area in their overall strategic framework. Thomson further announced the recent approval and adoption of Barloworld’s policy and commitment towards Supplier Diversity Development. This positioned Barloworld as the first South African company to formally recognise supplier diversity development as a strategic component that supports its overall corporate strategy in a challenging global business environment.

“Making a world of a difference and making a difference in the lives of our stakeholders is embedded in the values of Barloworld,” Thomson says. “And it is embedded in the way we do business.”

The SASDC played a critical support role in assisting Matthew Govender, Barloworld Executive for Transformation and Empowerment and recently appointed SASDC Board Chairman, in drafting the policy statement.  This outcome reflects supplier diversity best practice and aligns with the core principles advocated by the SASDC.

In support of its objectives to create the best circumstances possible for corporate members to conduct business with bona fide black owned businesses, Barloworld’s adoption of a supplier diversity development policy is a step in the right direction for corporate South Africa. This collaboration between the SASDC and Barloworld is the first of many more capacity building and support interventions that the SASDC will be rolling out with its corporate members.  The SASDC is currently comprised of 25 members and has successfully certified over 255 bona fide black suppliers, leading to a total value procurement spend of over R99.9 million.

For more information about Barloworld’s “Change Makes a World of Difference” corporate initiative visit www.barloworldsiyakhula.co.za or search live tweets from the event #BarloworldSDW.  

Contact details:

Shalane Yuen, SASDC Communications & Business Strategy Adviser

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.