The Sunday Mail
Dr Michael Musanzikwa
THE procurement profession has taken a new dimension and become more central than ever to an organisation’s overall value chain proposition.
It has also become a problem solver during uncertain times.
Just as we were expecting the world to return to some kind of normalcy, it has become more uncertain than ever because of political, economic and environmental challenges, and Zimbabwe is no exception.
Besides all the odds, Zimbabwe is geared for industrialisation and modernisation, and procurement is the game changer.
In 2017, Zimbabwe enacted the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDPA) Act (Chapter 22:23) and Regulations of 2018 to monitor and supervise procuring entities and the public procurement system, as well as ensure compliance with the law. However, there is need to synchronise the procurement practitioner’s mindset towards adding value, in line with national objectives.
The point is, procurement practitioners in Zimbabwe are strategic team players who contribute to our national objectives.
There is need for continuous positive transformation of the procurement mindset if we are to contribute to the industrialisation and modernisation of Zimbabwe towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
Procurement is an invisible instrument that is used to distribute the national wealth of Zimbabwe.
It triggers economic activity within society.
It has a multiplier effect in the economy and it is part of the strategic tools that drive an organisation or the nation. This is why it is now being considered at policy level by Government and the private sector.
Consequently, the fact that Government acknowledged and recognised the setting up of procurement management units (PMUs), just like any other functional department, means the decision to determine how to commit organisational funds must be based on the correct positive mindset of the procurement practitioner.
This must be in line with the national strategic objective of industrialising and modernising.
From the overall objectives of one’s entity, they must then appreciate this supply chain model, which will finally contribute to the national objectives of Zimbabwe:
Input > Process > Product > Economy
All this is based on the level of patriotism and positive mindset of seeking to industrialise and modernise Zimbabwe.
The basic principles of a Zimbabwean procurement practitioner are as follows:
Have the positive responsibility of applying the procurement tool to the activation of the natural resources by adopting the appropriate public procurement method.
You have the key and you are part of the brains of the country, as well as the brains of the profession, so you are expected to think positively.
Let us not be victims of our own negative thoughts when committing the scarce financial resource.
Adopt a positive mindset of obtaining value by industrialising and modernising Zimbabwe because you activate the economic resources through procurement.
A Zimbabwean procurement professional is expected to think outside the box and be innovative in order to industrialise and modernise. However, some might opine that the function is highly regulated and there is no option to reinvent the wheel.
Subsequently, as empowered and emancipated practitioners, the best practice recommends that you make use of the waivers and exemptions through the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe or seek assistance from the facilitative procurement office in the Office of the President and Cabinet.
The key of the procurement practitioner is based on determining the best procurement method, and this is where your expertise, skill and power are based to propel the Zimbabwean economy.
Ask yourself: Are you exporting jobs through an international tender or you are creating jobs through a domestic tender?
Use your brain power to industrialise and modernise Zimbabwe by creating a conducive supply chain.
Take advantage of the waivers and exemptions in order to promote local companies and create employment.
It is critical to note that there is no country under the sun that can industrialise and modernise without observing issues of confidentiality on its efforts towards innovation.
Consider seriously the issues of confidentiality when you procure because some procurement methods expose our secrets to the world of competition.
We are at war in terms of development, industrialisation and modernisation and can only win if we apply the correct mindset by adopting the most appropriate procurement method.
This is why procurement has become part of the executive to contribute positively to the development of the country because you are the invisible instrument in the allocation of national resources.
As part of the global world, you have the responsibility to ensure Zimbabwe maintains environmental and economic sustainability by considering issues of supply chain mapping and identification.
These are considerations to ensure supply chains at all levels act reasonably, responsibly and ethically. So, be proactive and be a forward thinker.
Consider the following characteristics towards industrialisation:
Communicate with potential stakeholders within the supply chain such as universities.
Invest in good relationships with suppliers so as to create trust and transparency.
Be ready to collaborate on solutions on difficult issues being faced by suppliers.
Be very clear on the return on investment for the supplier when they start to make efforts on industrialisation and modernisation.
Set realistic goals with realistic time frames for achievement.
Maintain a foundation of solidarity-based sound partnership values.
Behave in accordance with ethical principles of the discipline. Act in good faith, intellectual honesty and fairness.
As a matter of fact, local procurement practitioners are being encouraged to be more patriotic and innovative in adopting the best formulae for industrialisation and modernisation.
The procurement discipline is now very strategic in calling for greater collaboration between the Government and private sector for development.
Procurement is the most appropriate tool for industrialisation and modernisation, so think positively as you are the game changers of tomorrow.
Deliver procurement with the purpose of Vision 2030.
* Dr Michael Musanzikwa is the chief director (procurement and disposal of public assets) in the Office of the President and Cabinet.
