What is CIPS Southern Africa?

What is the region covered by CIPS Southern Africa?

It will include not only South Africa but also Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Swaziland. CIPS also has members in many other countries on the continent of Africa and these will continue to be looked after by the CIPS UK office. 

When did IPSA become CIPS Southern Africa?

CIPS and IPSA  enjoyed a working relationship of benefit to members of both professional institutes for five years. In December 2009 IPSA ceased to trade as a professional body and agreed with CIPS to transfer all of its members to become CIPS Southern Africa members. 

What is the purpose of CIPS Southern Africa?

CIPS Southern Africa will be a full service institute which will promote and develop high standards of professional skill, ability and integrity among all those engaged in purchasing and supply chain management. CIPS is the largest professional body of its kind in the world. It is an international organisation offering globally recognised qualifications for purchasing and supply professionals and provides a central reference point on matters relating to purchasing and supply chain management. 

How does CIPS Southern Africa differ from a CIPS branch?

CIPS Southern Africa is a limited company which is 75% owned by CIPS. The other 25% equity is owned by a South African Trust which complies with the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (BBBEE). This trust will award funds to beneficiaries for education development. 

What are the benefits of this for me?

CIPS Southern Africa has been created to provide you with training and professional qualifications from a world recognised independent professional body – The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply. We offer study programmes that are recognised around the world; being a member of CIPS gives you access to courses and professional qualifications that are relevant to your industry and important to you in your procurement career. 

Will there be an office in Southern Africa?

Yes, there is an office at 48 Sovereign Drive, Route 21 Business Park, Irene X30, Centurion, Pretoria South Africa. Tel: 00 71  00 27 12 345 6177. CIPS also has offices in the UK and Australia.

 

CIPS Southern African office will have a small staff supporting members in the region. There will a programme of training and development events and branch and networking activities for members. To raise the profile of procurement in the region, the office will also be advocating professional procurement with government institutions and large employers. 

Will I have the same access to benefits as others around the world?

Yes, you can access professional resources, online business intelligence, online networking and Regus office and meeting venues. To find out more about these benefits go to www.cips.org/memberbenefits 

Will there be any different benefits?

Supply Management, the monthly magazine will have dedicated Southern Africa features and jobs advertising. You can access www.supplymanagement.com and also receive their daily email alerts and newsletters. 

What are the business networking opportunities in Southern Africa?

We will build on the Southern Africa branch network where members can meet up and network at organised events or visits that provide a place for you to meet with other members. You will be automatically be allocated to a branch based on your location. 

Will there be an opportunity to attend training and skills events?

Yes. We will hold training and skills events across Southern Africa. Full details of all events can be found at www.cips.org/trainingevents  

Will there be a Pan-Africa conference?

Please join us at the 3rd annual CIPS Pan African Conference 2012
to address the strategic professional agenda for procurement. The 2012 conference will be held on the 8 - 9 th of May 2012. 

Yes. We plan to hold regular round table events providing a forum for you to hear insights first hand from senior representatives from business and academia.   These events also act as an opportunity for senior business people to network with their peers. Members and non-members are most welcome to attend. We will challenge the way you think and discuss some of the big issues of the day, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and discuss further with your peers.  

What is the cost of CIPS membership?

CIPS has an annual membership fee rate for its members. During the transition period there will be a reduced membership fee of R632 (£55.00) for all members transferring from IPSA to CIPS. From November 2010 this will be reviewed and you will be advised of your annual subscription fee in the following renewal notice.

In which currency can I pay my membership fees?

In South Africa membership fees can be paid in rand or in GB pounds?

You can pay on the telephone in Rand for South Africa 00 27 12 345 6177. Currently if you are paying online via the CIPS website you can only pay in GB pounds.

In seven African countries CIPS has implemented a facility for you to pay your membership fees and examination enrolment fees in local currency by working directly with the British Council. This means that making payments will be more convenient for you and will avoid the cost of currency conversion. The countries are:

Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia. 

What are the benefits of doing a CIPS qualification?

CIPS qualifications are South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) recognised. A CIPS qualification is recognised in 150 countries around the world. Our ‘ladder’ of qualifications provides benchmark education programmes for the purchasing and supply profession throughout the world.

How can I start studying for the qualifications?

The International Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Purchasing and Supply are ideal entry points to our qualification. There is no formal entry criteria at this level, all examinations are in English language. 

Where can I go next?

You can then choose to move onto the next level on the qualifications. Successful completion of our Level 4 Foundation Diploma, Level 5 Advanced Diploma and Level 6 Graduate Diploma provide a progression to degree level which results in full membership of CIPS and the designated letters, MCIPS (providing you also have three years' experience in a purchasing and supply role).

How can I study CIPS qualifications?

There are a number of ways for you to study towards your CIPS qualification. 

For information on part-time classes at a local college check our comprehensive list of study centres that are accredited to deliver the CIPS qualifications in your region. 

For those that do not wish to attend a study centre there are a number of distance learning providers, see our website for a list of accredited providers. Alternatively you may wish to self study at your own pace. You should ensure that you fully understand what you need to learn by consulting the unit content guide for your qualification.

At CIPS we also offer a range of ways to study towards the qualifications for individuals and organisations find out more by visiting our Learning Academy. 

How long does each qualification take to complete?

The time taken to complete each qualification will vary, as the number of units (subjects) you must complete for each qualification may differ, and your prior knowledge and experience in some course subjects might enable you to complete them quickly. Full details are on our website in Qualifications.

What assessment will I have to take in order to achieve the CIPS qualifications?

Assessment is via one exam for each unit (subject). CIPS manages these exams, and you will need to sit each exam at a nominated centre, which will be allocated to you once you register with CIPS, based on your post/zip code. Exams can be taken in May and November.

What kind of support can I expect whilst I’m studying?

We have a wealth of resources designed to assist students with their study. Go to the Study Resources area of the website to find out more.