FMCSA Promotes Equality Through Supplier Development Initiative

3/8/2020

Ford is for transformation and developing small business…Ford South Africa recently broadened its efforts in transformation in the automotive industry by donating two vehicle transport trailers through its supplier development initiative.

One of the key goals highlighted by this initiative is to support the growth of small businesses within Ford’s supply value chain, which also promotes broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE).

Financial support to empower SMEs

Small businesses, especially in South Africa, often lack the resources, skills or experience to meet complex or demanding business needs. Ford addresses this by providing financial support to assist them to enter business with other companies and participate in the economy.

Ford recently donated two trailers, at a cost of R1.2-million per trailer, to Vincent Msiza to empower his company, Vincent Msiza Transport and Projects (VMTP Group), and to provide it with the means to meet service deliverables, as well as create employment opportunities.

Esther Buthelezi, Corporate Transformation Manager at Ford, elaborates on the initiative and its powerful effect on industry transformation: “By assisting small business we stimulate the economy through creating more job opportunities, which our country so desperately needs.

Empowerment – “the right thing to do”

“We further demonstrate that we are committed to making a positive difference in society by empowering greater black economic participation. For us this is not about achieving BBBEE points or obligations, but rather because it is the right thing to do,” Buthelezi explains. “This platform of supplier development plays an important role in becoming industry competitive.”

An automotive family legacy

Vincent Msiza comes from a family where two of his uncles worked for Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (previously SAMCOR) for a combined period of more than 60 years.

Having grown up in Mamelodi near Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant where the Ford Ranger and Everest are produced, Msiza’s 20 years’ working career spans diverse faculties including finance, auditing, supply chain management and various commercial roles.

An evolving business

These qualifications helped Msiza establish the VMTP Group in 2007. In the ensuing years, VMTP’s services have evolved rapidly; from solely operating a taxi-related business to pre-delivery inspection services, sorting and reworking of parts, towing of accident-damaged vehicles, import and export vehicle carrying, and event management services. In 2018, Msiza was awarded a tender for pre-delivery inspections and towing services by Ford.

Creating jobs

The VMTP Group employs 18 staff members with approximately 30 sub-contractors in various businesses. It is also the preferred South African supplier for oversees suppliers such as GKN (USA) and Summit (Thailand) for reworks on components. “Ford has given me the opportunity to grow the business to an extent that I am able to partner with JSE-listed companies,” Msiza explains. “As a black industrialist I now have the platform and muscle to aggressively market and grow my business.”

Ford is for equality in industry

Creating equal opportunities for the previously disadvantaged is a cornerstone of Ford’s democratic values and beliefs that run through every aspect of the business operations. Further initiatives with the same goal of industry transformation are always under consideration.