Evaluating the implementation of supply chain management and procurement processes in the Department of Transport, province of KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Supply chain management has become a fundamental aspect of public-sector organisations, serving as a mechanism for policy implementation. Its goal is to minimise the complexities of public service delivery by providing a systematic process involving the coordination of activities in terms of inputs, processes and outputs by all the relevant parties. Over the years, observations have highlighted challenges within the supply chain management systems of government institutions. Amongst the many challenges to the implementation of supply chain management (SCM) processes in South Africa are mismanagement of resources, a weak governance system and the inability of the government to create fair, equitable, transparent, efficient and cost- effective SCM systems and processes. The Department of Transport in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) serves as a case study illustrating ineffective supply chain management processes and the complex systems that hinder effective service delivery. This has been evident in many cases, including the consistent qualified audit reports the Department of Transport (DoT) received during the 2017–2018 financial year up to the 2021–2022 financial year. Moreover, it seems to indicate that the SCM space is a sensitive and vulnerable one. This research study aims to investigate the challenges that inhibit the effective implementation of the SCM processes to enable the builders of the nation to find a space to advance the socio-economic development interests of the nation and improve the quality of service delivery. The study adopted a qualitative research approach to solicit detailed information on the challenges of ineffective supply chain processes. It further targets employees within the DoT, head office and regional offices as the study population. The researcher utilised the purposive sampling method to select a total of 12 supply chain employees within DoT. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the chosen sample, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of their perspectives and experiences related to the study's objectives. In this study, a brief theoretical perspective on SCM is provided. It is followed by an analysis of the auditor general’s reports from the 2017/18 to 2021/22 fiscal years and the SCM policy and processes of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport to identify the challenges and propose sustainable solutions. The study further interrogated the legislative mandate while linking it with the auditor general’s findings to determine the extent of the transgressions by the department. In order to support the research findings, the study will employ qualitative data collection. The study findings indicate that the implementation of proper SCM practices face challenges within the KZN-DoT. These challenges have made it difficult for the department to function effectively in terms of SCM, hence the issues that have been presented in the study, such as compliance with the current legislation, lack of professionalism and delays in service delivery.