INTRODUCTION

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Oliver Wendel Holmes

Like-minded people with purpose, a proud heritage, burning ambition, working together to bring about a new economic order in South Africa. These are the people of Centre for Supplier Development (CFSD); a dynamic South African company which embodies the true spirit and commitment of the new South Africa. As we celebrate our new democracy we are struck by the realization and appreciation of the magnitude of work to be done to enable our country to achieve its full potential through sustained economic growth and development. Like a butterfly out of a cocoon, this reality is slowly unfolding and revealing a panorama of opportunities and challenges. The most notable challenge is the difficulties experienced by black suppliers in accessing procurement opportunities in the new South Africa.

To us this heralds unprecedented opportunity and presents us with a platform to provide our skills and commitment to South African business. Like the proverbial butterfly, CFSD has evolved since its formation in 2007 to become a fully-integrated supplier development solutions company. Our service pedigree and expertise puts us firmly on track to achieve our vision ”to be a catalyst and conduit of Supplier Development in South Africa.‘

The CFSD Service Pedigree is best understood by an appreciation of the principles upon which the company was founded:

• Honesty, Respect and Equity in our dealings with our clients.
• Development and Reward for the integrity, commitment and loyalty of our team.
• Ethics and Transparency in our dealings with our alliances.
• Loyalty and Compliance with the statutory obligations of all citizens and corporations in South Africa.

CFSD is a supplier development solutions company with a solid understanding of global business, the challenges of the South African regulatory environment, and the importance of performance management standards. We are committed “to providing guidance, tools, systems, implementation models and support aimed at promoting and improving supplier development across all industry sectors in South Africa.”

BACKGROUND

Following an assessment of the National BBBEE Scorecard produced by the DTI, Centre for Supplier Development was established in 2007 to produce a comprehensive Guide for Supplier Development in South Africa aimed at facilitating preferential procurement and enterprise development in line with the BBBEE framework and Codes of Good Practice. The company has, however, changed with time to meet the challenges and requirements of both business and industry sectors by evolving into a multi-disciplinary professional services group which provides customised and integrated supplier development solutions to our customers.

Like the fortuitous falling of an apple that led Newton to formulate the law of gravity, the evolution of CFSD was born out of a concern for South Africa in general and specifically in regard to the low level or lack of compliance by South African industry with the Preferential Procurement and Enterprise Development elements of the BBBEE framework, and our desire to participate in meaningful programmes to ensure that the 21^st century belongs to Africa. Intensive planning, consultation, backed by thorough market research and analysis led us to consolidate and package our knowledge, competencies, and identify the areas where we can add exponential value and growth to the 21^st century.

Our mandate is to act as trustees and custodia of the Company for the benefit of the next generation, for CFSD belongs to them. However, in our pursuit and execution of this mandate we shall endeavour to create a climate of fun, fellowship, personal growth, achievement and rewards commensurate with the level of commitment and diligence of everyone involved with CFSD.