CBPM 2025 · Vol. 2025, Issue 1

Evaluating the Current Tender Adjudication in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

Damba B, Nghona X, Bikitsha L, Athenkosi Sogaxa and Okosun Senator Endurance

Keywords: Fairness and Accountability, Procurement Efficiency, Tender Adjudication, Transparency in Procurement, and Western Cape Province

Abstract

This article investigates the effectiveness of the tender adjudication process in the construction industry in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Currently, the construction industry has shortcomings such as delays, a lack of transparency, variations in criterion application, and concerns about corruption, all of which significantly impact the process's effectiveness. Using an online questionnaire survey (48) and online structured interviews (3), the study employs a mixed method research technique. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and ranks) are used to analyse the data The study adopted a content analysis for the qualitative data. The findings revealed the perceptions of stakeholders on the effectiveness of tender adjudication comprising the Supply Chain Management (SCM) team involved in the tender adjudication, the current performance of the tender adjudication method and the capabilities of many contractors selected under the current tender adjudication method. The qualitative findings reveal that contractors' price estimate, contractors’ experience, government budget, functionality, formal education and training, and collaboration as the most effective tender adjudication used. In the re-allocation process, the respondents noted that functionality, price, and points for employing youth are significant in the tender adjudication process. Regarding an alternative tender adjudication process, price, functionality, gender, knowledge, education, and training were noted in the qualitative findings. The findings from this research could have several impactful implications, particularly in the context of construction project efficiency, policy refinement, and stakeholder satisfaction. The study's conclusions could lead to a restructuring of the Western Cape Province's tender adjudication procedure, which would increase openness, reduce delays, and ensure fairness. These reforms would raise stakeholder trust, reduce legal issues, and boost the construction industry's competitiveness.