Supply chain management as a contributing factor to local government service delivery in South Africa.

Abstract

In the South African news media, there is daily evidence of the breakdown of service provision, particularly in local government, health and social services, policing and judicial support. Within this context, the purpose of this article is to determine first, whether demand management contributes efficiently to service delivery implemented at local government level; second, if acquisition management processes in local government contribute to quality service delivery; and, third, whether contract management processes in local government contribute to quality service delivery. The article is exploratory by nature and primary data were gathered through seven semi-structured interviews at four metropolitan municipalities in South Africa, based on a convenient sampling technique. the article reveals challenges that negatively affect service delivery. It is recommended that cross-functional sourcing teams be formed to embark on demand management activities and that municipalities consider investing in risk management tools that can be used to evaluate possible suppliers prior to awarding tenders. The findings and recommendations of this article add to the body of knowledge of supply chain management performance in local government in South Africa and how effective supply chain performance management impacts on service delivery.