The efficiency of the use of information communication technology in public-private partnerships within the Department of Employment and Labour

Abstract

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a significant role of enabling governmental institutions to plan, finance and implement infrastructure programmes in an efficient and effective manner. PPPs that are successfully implemented present opportunities to countries so that they can boost their economies throughout the stimulation of socio-economic development. Although PPP projects have been successful in some countries, their implementation in some other countries is confronted by numerous challenges ranging from cost overruns, corruption, poor management, political influence, lack of institutional support and project delays. This article aims to determine the extent to which the partnership between the Department of Employment and Labour and a private entity has been efficient for the implementation of the information communication technology (ICT) project called Information Communication Technology-Public-Private Partnership (ICT-PPP). Based on the analysis of the available information, the findings reveal that the implementation of the ICT-PPP was partially efficient in the Department due to a number of factors. There was a noticeable poor abidance to the legislations guiding public procurement and above all, the implementation of this project did not result in the transfer of ICT skills from Siemens/EOH to the Department as expected. The article concludes by suggesting for such a project to succeed, both partners need to comply with the legislative frameworks and governance pillars which are the backbone of effective and efficient implementation of PPPs in South Africa.