Elevate Procurement Dialogues - with Lerato

Épisodes

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  Why Suppliers Are Rejected During Tender Evaluation, ESD & more 30.07.2026 1h 1min

  In this episode of Procurement Dialogues with Lerato, I speak to Xolani Mnguni from Sun International about why suppliers are often rejected during tender evaluation. We unpack the common mistakes businesses make when submitting bids, from incomplete documents and compliance gaps to weak evidence, poor pricing and misunderstanding evaluation criteria. This is a practical conversation for SMEs and suppliers who want to improve their tender submissions, understand what buyers look for, and beco...
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  Building KHOI Tech: Innovation, Health Watch & Tech That Saves Lives 30.07.2026 1h 7min

  In this episode of Procurement Dialogues with Lerato, I sit down with Thato from KHOI Tech to unpack the journey of building a technology business from the ground up. We speak about entrepreneurship, innovation, resilience and the development of Health Watch — a solution designed to use technology in a practical way that can support health, safety and even save lives. This conversation is for entrepreneurs, innovators and SMEs who are building solutions with purpose, and who understand that t...
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  Building an Events Business After Retrenched | Sbonelo Duma 20.07.2026 41min

  In this episode, I sit down with Sbonelo to talk about how he and his team started an events management company after being laid off. What makes their story powerful is that they later got an opportunity to provide services to the same company they once worked for. We speak about starting over, building from nothing, resilience, business opportunities and what it takes to keep going when life forces you to reinvent yourself. Follow us on all social media platforms, Lerato Sebata email: inf...
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  Funding the Forgotten SME: PO & Invoice Funding with Sourcefin 02.07.2026 1h 5min

  Winning a tender or securing a purchase order is only the beginning. For many SMEs, the real challenge is having the cash flow to deliver. In this episode of Procurement Dialogues with Lerato, I speak to Jedd Harris from Sourcefin about purchase order and invoice funding, and how these funding solutions can support SMEs that are often overlooked by traditional finance. We unpack what makes an SME fundable, how Sourcefin approaches PO and invoice funding, the risks entrepreneurs must understan...
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  Using AI To Win Tenders | Kweku Quansah, Inventor of tenders.bid & AppLab 28.06.2026 55min

  In this episode, I sit down with Kweku Quansah, founder of tenders.bid and AppLab, for an important conversation on how AI can help businesses approach tenders more strategically. Kweku developed tenders.bid to help businesses access tender opportunities more intelligently, and in this discussion we unpack what AI could mean for the future of tendering, supplier readiness and smarter bidding. We talk about how businesses can use AI to improve how they search, prepare and respond to opportunit...
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  Procurement Tips & Realities businesses face when trying to access larger markets 21.06.2026 46min

  In this episode of the Procurement Dialogues Podcast, Lerato Sebata sits down with Obakeng for a practical and insightful conversation on what it really takes for SMEs to grow through procurement opportunities. The discussion unpacks the realities many businesses face when trying to access larger markets, win opportunities, and position themselves more strategically in the supply chain. From readiness and visibility to partnerships and execution, this episode speaks directly to entrepreneurs ...
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  Building Multiple Businesses as a Female Entrepreneur | Bold Woman Award winner by Veuve Clicquot 07.04.2026 1h 6min

  In this episode, I sit down with Refilwe Sebothoma to unpack her journey of building multiple businesses as a female entrepreneur and what it has taken to lead with vision, resilience, and purpose. As a Bold Woman Award winner by Veuve Clicquot, Refilwe shares insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, and the realities of building from the ground up. This is a powerful conversation about ambition, navigating challenges, creating impact, and staying bold in business. If you ar...
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  ESD That Builds Resilient Black-Owned Businesses | Keegan Moodley, CEO of GROW Impact 18.03.2026 55min

  Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programmes are designed to unlock opportunities for SMEs, yet many businesses still struggle to transition from participation to sustainable growth. In this episode, we sit down with Keegan Moodley; Founder & CEO of GROW-Impact to unpack the realities of supplier development, business readiness, and the mindset required for SMEs to scale successfully. Keegan shares valuable insights from working closely with businesses and development programmes, ...
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  Founder of Masa Aqua Water | Entrepreneruship- Tshimega Masa 16.03.2026 42min

  In this episode, we speak with Tshimega, founder of Masa Aqua, a growing water business focused on delivering quality products while creating employment opportunities for young people. Tshimega shares his entrepreneurial journey, from the early idea to building a business that now contributes to local economic development. We discuss: The realities of starting and growing a businessNavigating challenges as a young entrepreneurThe importance of resilience, community support, and visioFollow Le...
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  Building a Technology Company in a Competitive Market - Vincent Ndlovu 16.03.2026 47min

  In this episode of Procurement Dialogues, we sit down with Vincent Ndlovu, founder of Rubus Technology, a company focused on delivering innovative technology solutions in South Africa. Vincent shares his entrepreneurial journey — from identifying opportunities in the digital economy to building a technology-driven business that aims to solve real problems for clients. We explore the realities of starting and scaling a tech venture, the importance of adaptability in a rapidly evolving industry...
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  Women in Mining: Xoli Moagi on Breaking Barriers & Leading in a Tough Industry 05.03.2026 1h

  In this episode, I sit with Xoli Moagi, Founder of NMG Women in Mining, a powerhouse voice reshaping what women’s leadership looks like in South Africa’s mining sector. I this episode is deep, brave, and incredibly relevant for women in business, suppliers in mining, and young entrepreneurs looking for inspiration with substance. Follow Lerato Sebata: Stay connected with Lerato Sebata on all social media platforms: LinkedIn: Lerato SebataYouTube: Lerato Sebata on YouTubeInstagram: @lerato_pr...
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  Entrepreneurship Is for Crazy People: TJ Malamule on Resilience & Building Legacy 27.11.2025 54min

  n this episode, I sit down with TJ Malamule, CEO of TTI Group, to unpack what it really takes to build a lasting business from the ground up. From growing up in poverty to training over 7,000 learners through his skills development programmes, TJ shares the real, raw truth about entrepreneurship and why he believes it’s “for crazy people.” We talk about: • The courage to start with nothing and still show up • Lessons from building a people-first enterprise • How skills devel...
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  Tax Mistakes That Kill Small Businesses - Compliance and Governance 31.10.2025 50min

  In this episode, I sit down with Kabelo Moutloatse, a tax and compliance expert who helps entrepreneurs and SMEs stay financially disciplined, tax-ready and fit for procurement opportunities. We unpack practical lessons every business owner needs to hear, from tax mistakes that quietly destroy businesses to the compliance blind-spots that can cost you contracts, credibility and investor confidence. Kabelo breaks down: The biggest tax errors SMEs make VAT, PAYE & SARS compliance...
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  Building a Multi-Million Property Business from scratch | Teboho’s Lessons in Growth 17.10.2025 53min

  In this episode, I sit down with Teboho Nthoana, a property entrepreneur whose journey proves that success doesn’t need a perfect start, just courage, strategy, and hard lessons learned along the way. From dropping out of high school to building a multi-million-rand property business, Teboho opens up about the challenges that nearly broke him and the mindset shifts that helped him rebuild stronger. We talk about: Entering the property game with no formal background The business mistakes that ...
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  Hard Business Lessons: Velly Bosega on Scaling, Failing, and Restarting 04.09.2025 50min

  In this episode, I sat down with Velly Bosega, founder of SME South Africa and other businesses, who shared one of the most honest and practical conversations about entrepreneurship I’ve had yet. He spoke openly about building a 6-figure business, losing it all, scaling down, and finding the courage to restart. More than just inspiration, this episode is full of hard business lessons that every entrepreneur needs to hear. We unpack: Why early success can sometimes blind youThe pitfalls of sca...
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  Pricing Correctly To Scale My business, Highs & Lows on Entrepreneurship - Atlehang 22.08.2025 42min

  In this episode, I sit down with Atlehang Ramathesele, a powerhouse whose journey is marked by courage, resilience, and a realness that many of us can relate to. She opens up about the highs that fueled her passion, and the lows that tested her resolve—reminding us that growth isn’t a straight line, but a mix of lessons, setbacks, and breakthroughs. Her story isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about practical wisdom: how to show up even when life feels heavy, how to embrace vulnerability as st...
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  Submitting Over 500 Bids Before Final Win: Female Entrepreneur- Nomfezeko Mvelu 12.08.2025 1h 13min

  This one is special. Nomfezeko’s story moved me deeply. After submitting over 500 tenders with no luck, she finally had her breakthrough moment, her first win. Imagine that level of perseverance, courage, and tenacity. She lost everything, but she didn’t give up. Her journey is a powerful reminder that your breakthrough might just be one “yes” away. 🎙 Hosted by yours truly, Lerato Sebata Don’t forget to subscribe and share with someone who needs hope today. Follow me on Instagram: &nb...
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  How Annah Built a Transport Business in Mining | Women Breaking Barriers 30.06.2025 1h

  Meet Annah Magoza, founder of Mamoja Trading, a woman making bold moves in the mining transport sector. From her early hustle to building a platinum concentrate transport business, she shares real lessons on pricing mistakes, contract wins, and breaking into a male-dominated space. 🎙️ Hosted by: Lerato Sebata 📧 Want to be part of the show? Email us at engage@procurementdialogues.com Follow me: Instagram: @lerato_sebata TikTok: @leratosebata YouTube: Lerato Sebata Like, Share & Su...
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  Why Your Tender Got Disqualified – Insights from a Bid Evaluation Expert 25.06.2025 1h 6min

  In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Thandy Pino, a seasoned Bid Evaluation Expert, to unpack what truly happens behind closed doors when tenders are assessed. From the most common mistakes that lead to disqualification, to what evaluators actually look for in your documentation, Thandi shares powerful insights to help you position your business for success. Whether you're an SME navigating the tender maze or a corporate player aiming to sharpen your submission game, this conversatio...
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  Empowering Youth Entrepreneurship: Insights from Pat Mahlangu | Digital Marketing Strategies 18.07.2024 45min

  Discover practical tips and strategies for digital marketing, brand management, and fostering youth entrepreneurship with Pat Mahlangu on our latest podcast episode. Gain actionable advice from Pat's extensive experience in the marketing industry and how Youth businesses can pivot in their respective areas. Follow Lerato Sebata: Stay connected with Lerato Sebata on all social media platforms: LinkedIn: Lerato SebataYouTube: Lerato Sebata on YouTubeInstagram: @lerato_procurement_geniusThank yo...