Introduction to the government procurement data and historical assessment of procurement trends

The primary function of public procurement is procuring goods, services and infrastructure on the best possible terms. The secondary function of government procurement is to promote broader social, economic, and environmental outcomes in line with the constitutional mandate of public spending. In the case of South Africa, public procurement is facilitated through the e-tender platform, whereby the government invites service providers to do business with governmental departments by taking part in a competitive bidding process.

The constitution of the Republic of South Africa requires that the procurement process be fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective. This process generates administrative data which can be used in economic analysis to enhance both the primary and secondary functions of government procurement.