Nong, Ntombimpela Twala2024-08-082024-08-082023Nong, Ntombimpela Twala. (2023). Community Group Buying (CGB): Improving Stokvel Grocery Procurement through Technology [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WireDSpace.https://hdl.handle.net/10539/40044https://hdl.handle.net/10539/40044A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023At a time when technology is becoming entrenched in how we do things both in business and our day-to-day activities, Stokvels' use remains a challenge. Stokvels are a popular form of informal savings and investment groups in South Africa, with over 11 million SouthAfrican population participating annually. Despite grocery Stokvels' popularity and potential to encourage a savings culture, purchasing goods is mainly done manually, negatively impacting efficiency. This study sought to assess the extent to which South African stokvels use technology in their day-to-day operations up to procurement, to determine why some stokvels do not use technology and explore the challenges and problems experienced by stokvels in the townships and rural areas in Gauteng because of manual processes. The study further sought to explore how technology could improve the running of the stokvel up to the point of procurement while understanding the technology retail stores use to support stokvels in their procurement process. A qualitative approach was used as the primary research strategy to gather in-depth and insightful information from four focus groups based in townships and rural areas in the Gauteng region. The study found that while the use of technology in the procurement process of grocery in Stokvels is not widespread, there is potential for significant benefits if technology is integrated into the procurement steps, such as aggregating Stokvel members' needs (consolidating the bulk grocery list) into one platform, allowing Stokvels to evaluate different suppliers and be able to view quotations and negotiate for best prices and discounts from retails on a digital platform. The study concluded that the age factor, limited technology literacy, a lack of proper governance structures, and a lack of appropriate technical skills and training were the key challenges experienced by stokvels in the townships and rural areas in Gauteng because of their manual processes. To address the several procurement challenges that emerged from the study, stokvels can leverage technology to streamline their procurement processes. This can be achieved with online procurement platforms and mobile applications specifically designed for stokvels. The study recommends investing in training and skills development for stokvel members to close the technology skill gap and build trust.en© 2023 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.Grocery StokvelsCollective Group SavingBulk buyingProcurementTechnologyUCTDSDG-8: Decent work and economic growthDissertationUniversity of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg