Transnet has long established a track record as the leader in the space of enterprise and supplier development. Transnet believes that SMMEs are the driver of the economy and hence it is part of their strategic agenda to ensure that SMMEs thrive and become successful. 

Transnet has long established a track record as the leader in the space of enterprise and supplier development. Transnet believes that SMMEs are the driver of the economy and hence it is part of their strategic agenda to ensure that SMMEs thrive and become successful. “It is important that we create an enabling environment for meaningful participation in the economy; the support and empowerment of black suppliers” – Khosi remarked as she delivered a speech at the 4th Annual Africa Enterprise Development & Entrepreneurship Investment Agenda held in Sandton on the 21st and 22nd of June.

Transnet’s Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) strategic objective is to increase the competitiveness, capacity and capability of Black Owned Suppliers through financial and non-financial support services. “With the revised Preferential Procurement Regulation coming to effect on the 1st April 2017, Transnet intends to integrate i.e. making a database of ESD beneficiaries available for contracts that are larger than R30 million  for participation in the 30% subcontracting opportunity.”  Khosi Makhosazana Masilela was one of the key speakers at the event and joined other renowned speakers including Teresiah Simelane – the General Manager at The Innovation Hub, Thozamile Gwanya – The CEO of ECRDA, Sifiso Ndwandwe – CEO of Catalyst for Growth, Dionne Kerr – CEO of Siyakha Implementation Partners and Jayshree Naidoo the Head of Standard Bank Business Incubator. “Transnet is committed to Enterprise and Supplier Development initiatives as outlined in the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act” – Makhosazana Masilela (Khosi)– Acting Executive Manager – TransnetTo date R84m has been spent on Enterprise and Supplier Development. R38m on Enterprise Development and R46m on Supplier Development for the financial year 2016/17 has been spent.

Transnet has invested in numerous ED initiatives including the Transnet ED Hub, GODISA Fund, Transnet   Incubation Programme, Transnet- Shanduka Black Umbrellas Business Incubation, Transnet Bebold Programme, Productivity SA, Transnet Innovation and Research Centre (TIRC), GIBS Academy, Rapid Improvement Process, Bakery Project, Furniture Manufacturing Incubation, Transnet SMME Business Toolkits.“Transnet remains commited to nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship and focus in science, technology and engineering in youth” - said Calisto Kondowe, the Senior Research Analyst at Global Invest Group – an advisory company that focusses on economic growth and development. “Over the years, Global Invest Group’s forums have become largest gathering of decision-makers, investors, stakeholders, and policy makers.

“We are grateful of the support from Transnet as the leading sponsor of the 4th Annual Africa Enterprise Development & Entrepreneurship Investment Agenda. Transnet has been supporting thjis event since its launch. As a leading sponsor of the 2017 event Transnet has shown its commitment to economic transformation through its initiatives.” Calisto KondoweOver the years, Global Invest Group’s Annual Enterprise Development & Entrepreneurship Investment Agenda has become largest gathering of decision-makers, investors, stakeholders, and policy makers to discuss regarding furthering the agenda of economic growth.