Abstract

The study focuses on e-procurement as government is currently in the process of transforming procurement practices in line with national economic strategy. In order to address various socio-economic challenges, government is turning to technology to address issues such as outdated procurement practices. E-procurement promises the introduction of internationally accepted best practices to help government deliver on its mandate to its constituency. An in-depth background of South African legislation that governs the procurement practices in line with National Economic Development Initiatives is sought to give an insight into this paper. The paper explores how best Eastern Cape Provincial Administration can succeed in achieving the national and provincial socio-economic growth objectives. Reports and other primary sources of data were consulted, and expert interviews were conducted to answer this question. It was found that measurable benefits of supply chain management have not yet been realized due to general limited understanding of how supply chain management concept works within government environment. Other limitations to mention but a few include lack of understanding in the implementation of policy and legal framework that govern procurement, obsolete, disparate procurement systems and ICT infrastructure.

Key words: E-procurement practices, e-government, supply chain management.