Manifestation of unethical procurement practices in the South African public sector

A drawback for the administration of procurement practices in the South African public sector is a negative side-effect which undermines the public’s confidence in the procurement environment. Public procurement is the nexus between the public and private sectors and also vulnerable to procurement fraud and corruption. In the public sector where goods and services are funded by public expenditure, taxpayers have reasons to be concerned over public procurement as tax paying community. The question thus arises as to whether the administration of procurement practices is underpinned by value for money, ethics, competition, transparency and accountability in the South African public sector. Explaining the reasons for this, demands greater awareness of the public sector procurement environment and its challenges in the South African environment and beyond. This article therefore examines the manifestation of unethical procurement practices which traces non-compliance with legislation, uncompetitive bids, awards to employees and family members, and accepting less than three quotations, inadequate contract management and internal control, leadership, as well as irregular expenditure.