The efficacy of procurement management in enhancing municipal service delivery: A case of Capricorn District Municipality

Abstract

The study focuses on the efficacy of Procurement Management in enhancing municipal service delivery using the Capricorn District Municipality as a case in point. Procurement management plays an important role in influencing service delivery in the South African municipalities. In South African Municipalities, procurement management is basically related to service delivery problems. Most South African Municipalities are deteriorating because of the failure of procurement management processes. Principal- agent theory, Stewardship Theory and Transaction Cost Theory/economics were used in this study. This study adopted a pragmatist research paradigm because it used multiple research methods. Mixed methods research were applied, with both qualitative and quantitative approaches used in this study. For this study, the researcher used simple random sampling and purposive sampling to select the respondents. The open-ended interviews and structured questionnaires was used in this study. Two (02) data analysis methods, which are thematic analysis and statistical analysis, was employed to analyse data. Research ethics was followed when conducting the study. The study found that (60%) of the respondents strongly agreed that corruption in municipalities hinders service delivery to communities. The study further showed that (60%) of respondents strongly agreed that the municipality's lack of funds hinders the provision of quality services to communities. Non-compliance with supply chain management and regulations results in a financial burden on the municipality, was found of this study, with (50%) respondents strongly agreeing. The researcher found that a lack of resources is the challenge facing municipal officials at Capricorn District Municipality The study revealed that incomplete projects by service providers are the results of municipalities not paying service providers within 30 days after rendering their services to the community. The study revealed that poor contract management leads to poor service delivery to the community. The study recommends that corruption in the municipality procurement management processes in municipal service delivery need to be urgently addressed to ensure effective service delivery. The study further recommends that the lack of funds should be addressed in the municipality, and the municipal officials should use scarce resources without wasting them. The study recommends that municipalities appoint experienced, qualified municipal officials and service providers responsible for procurement management processes in municipal service delivery. The study contribute to the body of knowledge in public administration by providing practical evidence on how operational procurement management processes directly effect the quality and speed of Capricorn District municipality service delivery.