Abstract
Global supply chain networks are becoming more
complex and are exposed to increasing uncertainty.
Despite developments in globalization and
technologies, supply chains have become more posed.
Successful organisations perform proactive supply
chain risk management to sustain their competitive
advantage. The purpose of this paper is to investigate
the most important risks facing the supply chain
networks in southern Africa and to explore common
risk avoidance/mitigation strategies. The results of a
survey amongst practitioners indicate that supply
chain risk is escalating and risk management has
become a higher priority. The findings indicate that
the main risks include affirmative action, currency
volatility, customer retention and skills shortages. The
study also found that business continuity planning,
staff development and setting of internal quality
standards are the most utilised risk mitigation
strategies.