Sustainability challenge remain a prevalent issue among the SMEs in South Africa. This implies that the survival of SMEs in South Africa after few years of existence is a challenge.  In order to promote the sustainability and operational efficiency of SMEs in South Africa, this study aims to develop a conceptual framework for the implementation of Quality Management System (QMS). Relevant literature was reviewed to get an insight into the significance and challenges faced by the SMEs in South Africa. The literature also indicate the feasibility for process improvement, profitability and sustainability if the SMEs imbibe the culture of QMS. This lead to the development of a conceptual quality management framework for implementation in SMEs. The framework incorporates the basic quality management system requirements with a focus on process efficiency and sustainability. It is simple and could easily be  implemented or modified by the SMEs.

Keywords: Conceptual framework, Process efficiency, QMS, SMEs, Sustainability