ELECTRONIC PUBLIC PROCUREMENT AS A TOOL OF REFORM IN SOUTH AFRICAN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT

Abstract

The practice of electronic public procurement has globally gained seeming popularity over the past decade. At present, however, the use of electronic methods of procurement is not as widely used on the African continent, including South Africa. The benefits of e-procurement have been recognised by the South African National Treasury and a review of the South African procurement system was conducted. A transitioning process to an electronic public procurement system was set in motion. The review did however not extend to the legal and regulatory framework governing public procurement. This poses major regulatory implications. This article consequently seeks to identify the regulatory implications of the current dual public procurement system, which is partly paper-based with some electronic features.  This will be done by firstly giving an overview of the e-procurement technologies that have already been implemented in the South African public procurement system, followed by an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of e-procurement. Lastly, recommendations will be proposed to ensure the successful reform of the South African public procurement system.