Reasons for the transformation of facilities management in the public sector

Abstract

Facilities managers in the National Department of Public Works (NDPW) have to manage one of the biggest property portfolios in South Africa. This requires a systematic approach to ensure that taxpayers’ monies are not wasted. Research was conducted to determine whether the required policies and expertise are in place or whether there is a need for a transformation strategy in the public sector relating to facilities management. Primary data was collected by means of questionnaires to regional, property and facilities managers in the NDPW. Secondary data was obtained from the literature reviewed in relevant publications. The main findings were that more than half of facilities managers are inexperienced, information management systems are not used extensively and that there is a need for the appointment of properly trained facilities managers in the NDPW.