Procurement Process in the North-West Department of Education and Sports Development, Mmabatho Head Office

Abstract

Government or public procurement is the purchasing of goods , services or constructions on behalf of a public authority, such as a government agency (Badenhorst-Weiss, 2012). Arrowsmith, (2010) states that recently, procurement was seen as a necessity only. In fact, in many developing economies the profession is still being treated as a 'back-office' function. However, not much has been done to explore and address challenges facing procurement professionals in developing economies (Tukuta and Saruchera, 2015). The law regulating government procurement in South Africa has been developed predominantly since its transition into a constitutional democracy, albeit that certain remnants of the previously existing common law have remained. Both Qualitative and Quantitative approaches were used. Data were collected using a questionnaire instrument developed through review of literature along with focus group findings. The findings on four objectives of the study identified that, out of 46 responses received, 96% indicated the importance of procurement processes as requiring professionalism, ethical and skills to master mechanisms dealing with the situation. Very few seem not to understand the process which requires intensive training.