South Africa celebrates procurement professionals achieving MCIPS designation
Over 160 South Africans in procurement and supply management were celebrated in Sandton for earning the internationally respected MCIPS designation, placing them among the best in their field.
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More than 160 procurement and supply professionals who have achieved the prestigious MCIPS designation were celebrated at a recognition ceremony in Sandton last week.
The status of MCIPS, which stands for Member of the Chartered Institute for Procurement & Supply (CIPS), is bestowed on those who have completed a learning programme recognised by the global body – the gold standard of the procurement and supply sector with a presence in 180 countries.
The ceremony honoured 169 members who have demonstrated a high level of expertise and professionalism in the field. Attaining MCIPS status requires not only academic achievement aligned with CIPS standards but also a minimum of three years of relevant industry experience.
It also assures employers, clients and stakeholders of a professional’s up-to-date knowledge, ethical grounding and leadership capabilities in a complex and rapidly changing global supply environment.
MCIPS is highly valued in South Africa, with those holding the designation earning 78% more than their non-MCIPS peers – R996 232 compared with R559,568. The CIPS Procurement & Supply Salary Guide 2025 found that over half of employers (53%) in the country would prefer to recruit a candidate who either has MCIPS or is studying towards it.
Sam Achampong, CIPS’ Markets Director for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, flew in from Dubai to join the members’ friends, families and industry peers at The Forum, The Campus to celebrate their achievement.
Paul Vos, regional managing director of CIPS Southern Africa, said the ceremony was both a celebration of the new MCIPS inductees and collective progress of the profession.
“As MCIPS professionals, you now step into a global profession that is addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges – resilient supply chains, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) alignment, ethical leadership and digital transformation. Your achievement signals that you are ready to contribute meaningfully to this evolving landscape,” Vos said in his address to the audience.
He said the past year had been a momentous one for the organisation. The CIPS Africa Connect & Engage Conference in Johannesburg had brought together leaders, practitioners and partners to shape the future of procurement. “The continued growth of our membership in Southern Africa reflects an increasing appetite for professionalism and community in our field,” Vos said.
The event also served as a platform for networking among like-minded professionals, reinforcing CIPS’s commitment to community, lifelong learning and impactful policy engagement across the continent.