The impact of procurement processes on service delivery in high schools : a case study of Queensburgh high schools in KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

The delays in the provision of public schools infrastructure in South Africa motivated the researcher to conduct this study. Procurement processes by the KZN Department of Public Works have been investigated and evaluated, as these processes relate to services delivery challenges such as delays in project implementation. A case study approach, focusing on public schools in Queensburgh area, KwaZulu-Natal, has been utilised to understand the phenomenon and answer the research question/s. Procurement processes profoundly impact on service delivery. Insufficient budgets, obtaining approvals from committees, lodging of appeals, and lack of financial and technical capacity are some of the problems that cause delays and problems in service delivery. Interventions to improve the delivery of public schools infrastructure are necessary to ensure that teaching and learning takes place in a conducive environment. The research question, asked in a case study context: How does procurement management impact on education service delivery in South African public schools? What lessons can be learned from public schools in the Queensburgh area of KZN? The qualitative research approach, including semi-structured in-depth interviews with officials from the Department of Public Works (DPW) and contractors that do business with DPW assisted the researcher in generating data. Data analysis were performed by utilising thematic content analysis. Relevant coding practices were utilised in the analysis and interpretation of data. Some of the salient findings regarding the causes of procurement delays in service delivery related to requests for funding, centralisation of powers and functions, objections to awarding of tenders, corruption, awarding of tenders only to the lowest bidders, awarding of tender to incompetent tenderers, incorrect compilation of specifications, lack of requisite skills, lack of working capital, lack of technical knowledge, and invasion of construction sites.