Framework For Introducing E- Procurement in South African Municipalities

Abstract

South Africa faces challenges such as mismanagement of public finances, governance issues, and economic competitiveness, leading to disarray in local government and poor service delivery. This situation often results in violent strikes that damage public infrastructure. The study focuses on financial accountability, ICT solutions, and e-procurement in South African municipalities, exploring perceptions and identifying critical success factors.

Qualitative methodology was employed, with 14 participants from various stakeholder groups providing insights through semi-structured interviews and self-completed questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti and triangulated with literature to enhance trustworthiness. Thematic analysis guided pattern extraction, creating a systematic framework to understand financial accountability, ICT's role, e-procurement framework design, and critical success factors. The research findings shed light on challenges in balancing economic development and service delivery through e-procurement. Participants highlight challenges in engaging emerging service providers while ensuring quality. Differing opinions on the importance of experience, transformative e-procurement shifts, and competitive factors are explored. Strategies for reducing prices, emphasizing online platforms, ensuring fair evaluation, transparent negotiations, and comprehensive security are discussed. A multi-faceted approach is recommended for addressing challenges in e- procurement platform availability and accessibility. Overall, participants view e- procurement as transformative for transparency, accountability, and efficiency in municipal processes.

Insights from the findings help to make some practical contributions and culminate in the development of a framework that integrates key principles of Financial Accountability Theory into the design and implementation of E-Procurement in South African Municipalities. By aligning theoretical underpinnings with practical considerations, this framework aims to enhance fiscal responsibility, ethical governance, and service delivery efficacy within the evolving landscape of municipal governance in the digital age