Abstract
This study investigates stakeholder engagement in public sector construction projects within South Africa, focusing on the Free State Department of Education. The research highlights the critical role of effective stakeholder management in the success of such projects, particularly in a socio-economic context marked by challenges like income disparity and high unemployment. Using a mixed-method approach, the study analyzed data from project documentation, surveys, and interviews, revealing that current stakeholder engagement practices often fall short, with issues such as poor communication and inadequate involvement of key stakeholders. The study emphasized the importance of early and continuous stakeholder inclusion, transparent communication and structured oversight through project steering committees. Additionally, it identifies gaps in employment data reporting. The findings underscore the need for more comprehensive and inclusive stakeholder engagement strategies to improve public service delivery.