KUGOMPO CITY- Eskom has launched its first Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) Business Connect Supplier Development Convention in the Eastern Cape, bringing together entrepreneurs, contractors and industry stakeholders to explore procurement opportunities and strengthen local business participation in the economy.
The two-day convention, organised by the Eskom Development Foundation, commenced on Tuesday, 09 June at Abbottsford Christian Centre in KuGompo City.
The event forms part of Eskom’s broader Business Connect programme, which aims to connect small businesses with government institutions and large corporations across South Africa.
Addressing delegates, the Acting Chief Executive Officer at Eskom Development Foundation, Mologadi Motshele said the convention marked the beginning of a national rollout that would be extended to all provinces.
“We know that small businesses often face challenges such as limited market access, funding constraints and a lack of skills development opportunities,” she said.
“This event is designed to equip SMMEs with practical information on accessing funding through agencies such as the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA). We are also providing guidance on Eskom’s procurement processes, including how businesses can register and participate in tender opportunities. Even businesses that do not intend to supply Eskom can apply the knowledge gained here when engaging with other companies.”
Among the attendees was KuGompo-based Wezzeuro Energy Solutions, a Level 1 B-BBEE supplier operating in the electrical and renewable energy sectors. The company recently expanded its services to include fuel supply.
Director Wendell van dere Westhuize said the convention presented an opportunity to better understand Eskom’s supplier requirements and identify potential growth opportunities.”We are here to learn more about Eskom’s expectations of SMMEs and to explore opportunities that could help us expand our operations in the future,” he said.
Eastern Cape manufacturer Inkosi Holdings, which produces cleaning detergents and road-blocking gates, also attended the convention. The company has been operating since 2019 and currently oversees a network of 198 contractors.
Owner and communications officer Bhuti Esona said he attended the convention not only for the benefit of his business but also to gather information that could assist contractors operating under the company’s umbrella.”I chose to attend first and then take the information back to the contractors,” said Esona.
“This opportunity will not only benefit me as the owner but will also benefit the SMMEs back home that rely on us for guidance and support.”
In addition Sectoral Trading Construction, in partnership with security company Recovery, was also represented at the event. Representative Chuma Dodo said the collaboration hoped to work with Eskom on projects that would create employment opportunities for young people.
“Eskom offers stable work opportunities, and partnering with them would enable us to employ more young people and graduates who are currently struggling to find employment,” Dodo said. “Our objective is to create sustainable opportunities both within our companies and on construction projects associated with Eskom.”
The convention continued on Wednesday, 10 June with additional sessions focusing on supplier development, procurement processes and strategies to improve market access for SMMEs across the Eastern Cape.
Photograph: Supplied/Eskom
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