Empowering Local Suppliers to Go Global: A Chat with Alstom's Nolufefe Gxakushe-Solani

Railways Africa

At the recent Ignite SME Summit 2023, Nolufefe Gxakushe-Solani, the Procurement Director at Alstom, took the stage to discuss the company's active involvement in supplier and enterprise development, especially concerning the four joint venture rail projects that Alstom has in South Africa. We caught up with her offstage for an impromptu Coffee with the Editor session. Alstom, globally renowned for its commitment to innovation in transport solutions, has firmly rooted itself in the South African business landscape. Nolufefe elaborated on Alstom's mission, emphasizing their efforts to not only deliver on mandates and contracts but also to uplift suppliers to compete on the international stage. Through their Supplier Development function, they aim to bolster existing capabilities and enhance efficiencies. This comprehensive approach not only includes training and process implementation but also extends to financial support, such as offering favourable payment terms. A significant challenge faced by local suppliers is the need to meet the international standards set by companies like Alstom. Instead of perceiving this as a hindrance, Alstom views it as a growth opportunity. They have played a pivotal role in aiding suppliers to secure the necessary certifications, even when they initially lacked them. Using the specific welding requirements as an example, Nolufefe illustrated how Alstom ensures that suppliers undergo the required training, which in turn leads to the establishment of sustainable processes compliant with global standards. Alstom's ambition stretches beyond just local projects. They are committed to ensuring that suppliers are trained to meet international rail standards, preparing them not just for local initiatives like the PRASA program, executed by Gibela, but also for global undertakings. "We are qualifying them to produce and supply components that are crafted in South Africa, using South African materials and powered by skilled South Africans, to meet the demands of companies abroad," Nolufefe stated. Nolufefe also underscored the impressive investment figures denoting their commitment. Over the past decade, with a particular focus on the Gibela Programme, Alstom has channelled 96 million Rand, into training, an additional 66 million towards localization, and a further 83 million for supplier development. These numbers are a testament to Alstom's unwavering dedication to fostering a sustainable and empowered local business ecosystem. As our conversation concluded, Nolufefe's fervour for Alstom's vision and the potential of South African suppliers shone brightly. Through her words and deeds, she embodies the relentless drive to ensure today's investments pave the way for a sustainable future. Ps: Thank you to Roche Bobois (https://www.roche-bobois.com/en-ZA/) for the Coffee With the Editor set.