Implementation of Demand Management in the South African Police Service

Abstract

The article investigates the effective implementation of demand management in public administration in South Africa and particularly at the South African Police Service (SAPS). The purpose of the article is to analyse the main reasons why the Immovable Asset Management component of the SAPS Silverton station is not implementing generally accepted Supply Chain Management (SCM) and demand management principles. The article employed a mixed methods research design and data was gathered from managers and officials in the Immovable Asset Management component responsible for demand management. The findings revealed that the SAPS is not setting realistic timelines and not budgeting for all identified needs relating to immovable assets. End-user demands are subsequently not met. It was found that, not complying with statutory requirements leads to the lack of implementing generally accepted SCM principles. Recommendations were made to strengthen demand management within the supply chain of the SAPS.