The effectiveness of unit managers in the procurement management process in Taletso TVET College

Abstract

In this study, the procurement management processes of Taletso TVET College were analysed. Public procurement is the acquisition of goods and services for public institutions. Public procurement is one of many government functions, and the procurement system can be prescribed in the national constitution, as in South Africa (Thai, 2012). The Constitution stipulates that when the government contracts for goods or services, it must do so in accordance with a system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective. These five principles are therefore laid down to apply to the mechanisms and procedures employed by the government when it contracts for goods or services (Bolton, 2006). The primary objective of this study is to analyse the procurement management processes of the Taletso TVET College, and identify the procurement challenges faced by unit managers in the college. Data from four part questionnaires completed by respondents, representing the unit managers across the college, was collected and analysed. This study found that the unit managers are facing challenges in managing the procurement process, and these challenges relate to implementation, skills in the implementation of the procurement procedures and compliance with the policies and regulations. The study identified major concerns such as the current status of the application of the procurement management; causes of late delivery of goods and services; problems faced by the board, as well as possible remedies. It is hereby suggested that a future study be conducted on a similar subject from a comparative perspective with other TVET colleges (Orbit TVET College and Vuselela TVET College) in the North West province.