Mncane Mthunzi

Massmart announces senior appointment to head up R100 million Supplier Development Programme

JOBS NEWS

Jul 15th 2011, 10:01

In line with Massmart and Walmart’s commitment to develop local suppliers, Massmart announced the appointment of Mncane Mthunzi, current CEO of the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA), as Supplier Development Executive.  

In this role, Mthunzi will be responsible for leading the R100 million Supplier Development Programme first proposed by the merging parties as a voluntary condition during the Competition Tribunal hearings. It is also consistent with Walmart’s approach to local supplier development in the markets in which it operates.

According to Massmart CEO Grant Pattison, Mthunzi had a profoundly positive impact on the CGCSA during his two years at the helm of the organisation.

“We are delighted that someone of Mncane Mthunzi’s stature has agreed to take on this exciting challenge. Mncane’s key focus will be on the development of local manufacturers, emerging farmers and SME suppliers to the Group and he will have R100 million fund to facilitate achievement of this mandate,” said Pattison.

“During his time at the CGCSA, he has developed good insights into some of the challenges that emerging FMCG suppliers experience in accessing retail markets, making him a good choice for this supplier development role,” he added.

Whilst the specific activities of the fund still have to be finalised initial interventions are likely to involve developing 1500 emerging farmers to supply Massmart’s evolving fresh produce business, hosting local manufacturer fairs to promote potential Walmart facilitated exports and identifying SMEs that can be scaled to enable reliable supply to stores in the Group. These are also activities in which Walmart has significant expertise, based on experience in markets in Central America, India and China.

Mthunzi will serve on the Massmart Executive Committee. The appointment comes into effect on 1 September 2011.