This has been driven by recognition of the need to accelerate our countries transformation goals. Our institutions of higher education will be under increased pressure to manage scarce resources whilst ensuring that wherever possible the social responsibilities towards supplier development are met. 

In addition, universities will face intensified pressure to procure in a way that is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective. Such pressures have been amplified by the recent #Feesmustfall campaigns and the strong calls for insourcing at universities. 

With the Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education and Training underway and having regard to the submissions received so far, one thing is clear: Universities will have to adopt a new and innovative approach to Supply Chain Management (SCM) that can withstand public scrutiny.

Top of mind issues for the University Executive management teams and Council:

• Are we managing our spending capacity to optimal effect?
• Are we meeting our societal obligations in relation to supplier development as part of the wider B-BBEE imperatives?
• Do our SCM practices deliver fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective results?

KPMG has extensive experience in providing services to our Higher Education sector. We have experience in improving universities’ SCM policy and practices in a manner that helps address the challenges above.