Mpane stated that in the year ahead, Sapics will continue its drive to advance and standardise supply chain skills and practices across the continent. "The past year was one of foundation building for the professional development body. The SAPICS executive committee took on the management of the project.
"Based on the feedback received from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) it was determined that the focus should now be put on the designation at the top end of the ladder, the Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMPro), and this will be our priority this year."
Outlining the benefits of the professional designation of supply chain professionals, Mpane said: "It will increase supply chain management competence, knowledge and skills, and industry professionals will have prescribed values and ethics to uphold. The ongoing professional development required to maintain designations will ensure that African supply chain management keeps pace with global best practice, so that optimised supply chains can drive the competitiveness and growth of African businesses and economies."
The coming year will see Sapics focusing on developing the supply chain skills of small and medium enterprises, which play a crucial role in the national economy as major sources of employment and drivers of inclusive economic growth.
"We have an energetic task team working with both SMMEs and the large corporates that they supply, as well as our network of authorised education providers, to offer accredited skills development opportunities that will deliver mutual benefits and enable job creation," concluded Mpane.
