Challenges facing the implementation of procurement processes within the housing department of City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Council

Abstract

Supply Chain Management gives effect to the provisions of the Republic of South Africa Constitution, gives effect to the provisions of the MFMA and transforms outdated procurement and provisioning practices. Lack of understanding of procurement practitioners’ effort is often considered one of the most serious problems in the South African supply chain management system, perhaps even bigger than weak procurement practitioners' content knowledge and skills to implement the procurement processes successfully. It is important to note that Supply Chain Management (SCM) is an integral part of procurement in the South African public sector. Though, despite the engagement of SCM as a strategic tool, procurement still faces enormous difficulties. These include, among others: lack of proper knowledge, skills, and capacity, non-compliance with SCM policy and regulations, inadequate planning and the linking of demand to the budget and accountability, fraud, and corruption. The main objective of this study is to explore challenges facing the implementation of procurement processes in COJMM’s Housing Department. What are the challenges facing implementing procurement processes within COJMM’s Housing Department? What strategic measures can be adopted to improve the procurement challenges COJMM’s Housing Department faces in implementing procurement processes? What are the constraints to implementing procurement processes in COJMM’s Housing Department that disrupt efforts to achieve procurement goals? What are the issues that underwrite the challenges of implementing the procurement processes within the COJMM’s Housing Department? A semi-structured interview process collected data from participants working at a Housing department where procurement processes and supply chain management has been implemented. The questionnaires were sent to the respondent to solicit their view on implementing procurement processes. This was done to determine what critical enablers were missing and what issues need to be addressed to ensure a smooth and sustainable implementation. The results indicated that the Housing department needs to strongly engage and workshop all the officials who are directly indirectly involved in implementing procurement processes. Participants expressed concerns about the knowledge on legislation and procedure governing procurement that needs serious attention. The results of this research are

of high importance to the management of the identified City of Johannesburg Housing Department for the successful implementation of procurement processes.