NRF and TK Global Experts Convene Stakeholder Workshop on Draft Public Procurement Regulations

On 28 May 2026, the National Research Foundation (NRF), in partnership with TK Global Experts, convened a hybrid stakeholder workshop on the draft General Public Procurement Regulations, 2026. The session brought together representatives from public entities, state-owned enterprises, and business organisations to discuss the draft regulations against operational realities and develop practical inputs for submission to the National Treasury.

The workshop formed part of the NRF Supplier Development Programme and supported the objectives of South Africa’s broad-based black economic empowerment framework. TK Global Experts, a 100% black-owned supply chain and enterprise and supplier development advisory company, led the technical program, with the NRF co-hosting and supporting through stakeholder participation.

The engagement was designed to test whether the draft regulations are legally coherent, operationally workable and capable of advancing transparency, accountability, transformation, sustainability and value for money.

Inba Thumbiran, Head of Supply Chain Management at the NRF, and Kamogelo Mampane, CEO of TK Global Experts, formally opened the workshop. They were joined by guest speakers who analysed the draft framework from policy, governance, transformation and infrastructure-delivery perspectives.

Participants were divided into four working groups, each assigned a defined part of the draft Regulations. The structure supported detailed analysis, broader participation and evidence-based report-backs.

The discussions highlighted several areas where greater clarity would reduce inconsistent interpretation, support fair competition and improve the readiness of procuring institutions. The discussions highlighted the need for further clarification in the General Public Procurement Regulations regarding consequence management and reporting arrangements. The framework needs to clearly identify responsibilities, escalation procedures, and consequences for failing to meet procurement duties or contractual obligations. In addition, reporting obligations must be harmonised to avoid duplication, conflicting instructions and uncertainty regarding the appropriate receiving authority.

In closing, Mr Mampane thanked the NRF team and participating stakeholders for their substantive contributions. He confirmed that the workshop inputs would be consolidated into a structured submission to National Treasury before the closing date.

Special appreciation was extended to the Black Business Council, the Construction Industry Development Board, other speakers and attendees. The workshop reinforced the value of structured consultation in raising awareness, sharing sector developments and converting stakeholder experience into practical regulatory recommendations.