Towards ideal local governments in South Africa: harnessing the 4IR

Abstract

Governments are diligently striving to attain sustainable development objectives. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996, in Chapter Two, section 27, states that “everyone has the right to health services, water, adequate food, and social security.” These constitutional obligations have established the archetypal local government, described as a governmental entity that upholds the principles of democracy, accountability, transparency, and inclusivity while effectively and efficiently addressing the needs and interests of its community. Nevertheless, the government encounters numerous obstacles in realising an optimal local governance structure. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is prompting the government to reevaluate its operations. This study aimed to examine how optimal local governance may be attained through the fourth industrial revolution, emphasising the role of citizens. The research employed technological determinism theory as its theoretical foundation. The study's findings indicate that the Fourth Industrial Revolution enhanced citizen transparency, involvement, and participation in municipal government institutions. The Fourth Industrial Revolution facilitates the implementation of e-government systems to tackle existing developmental challenges. The primary challenge confronting South Africa is the lack of sufficient sustainable resources, encompassing digital illiteracy and inadequate infrastructure support. The report advocates for the critical necessity of investing in skill development and a telecommunications infrastructure that promotes openness and transparency within the socio-institutional aspect of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The study provides a structured framework that enhances efficiency, transparency, and service delivery by addressing the challenges of digital transition. It retains contextual relevance to South African towns while drawing from worldwide best practices and delineates essential implementation processes, funding sources, and capacity-building activities for government workers. The findings contribute to the discourse on the modernisation of the public sector and digital governance.