ZIPS PRESIDENT IMPLORES ORGANISATIONS TO ALLOW PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY CHAIN PROFESSIONS TO EXECUTE THEIR MANDATE WITHOUT INTERFERENCE
Zambia Institute of Purchasing Supply president Mr Chibwe reminded all organisations in Zambia to allow the procurement and supply professionals execute their mandate without interference from any one, Mr Mwelwa said ZIPS has come a long way and the current ZIPS executive has embarked on one of the most ambitious, transformative agenda in redefining the critical role of procurement and supply in the economic management and dispensation within both private and public organisations. He further, warned any government wing or private entities that unduly interfere with the procurement process or allow the procurement function to be undertaken by unlicensed personnel, that they will be taken to task in line with the provisions and dictates of ZIPS Act.
Mr Mwelwa said ZIPS was doing everything possible to ensure that organisation adhere to the law. Commenting on the just ended compliance inspection which targeted the mines in Copperbelt and North Western provinces, Mr Mwelwa said the Institute has a huge challenge in most of the Mining companies in Zambia, most of the senior members of supply chain are not Procurement and Supply Professionals. He said that the Institute will not rest and until this trend is reversed. He added that the blatant violation by some Mining Houses of the Zambian laws particularly as it relates to the employment of trained professionals in line with the ZIPS Act No. 15 of 2003, leaves a lot to de desired.
Mr Mwelwa said that this aspect is very critical for the development of the Zambian economy, “the mine still contributes heavily to architecture of Zambian GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and if their supply chain activities, which accounts to almost 70% of the cost of sales of copper is run by unqualified personnel, then we have a mammoth challenge in the attainment of economic independence” he said
The Institute takes this opportunity to warn and advise the mining companies and other privately owned companies on the Copperbelt, who are breaking the law with impunity to immediately stop and replace all individuals working in the in purchasing and supply function with people who qualified and certified by ZIPS”.
He mentioned that the Institute has given a deadline of 31st March, 2018 to ensure the dictates of the provisions of the ZIPS Act are adhered to. “We trust that this is enough time to manage the transition and the ZIPS is ready to work with any mining firms in managing this process.
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