This research explored how Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies can enhance water governance at the municipal level in South Africa. The study adopted a constructivist philosophical foundation and a qualitative research approach using the OR Tambo District Municipality as a case study. Data was collected from document reviews and semi-structured interviews. The study findings reveal that despite the municipality’s recognition of the potential of 4IR technologies as a solution, their adoption remains slow and constrained by factors such as a lack of funding and collaborations, inadequate digital and basic infrastructure, a lack of digital skills, and the manual-automation dilemma. The study recommends a water governance and 4IR framework to guide the digital transformation in rural municipalities. The framework offers a roadmap for improving water governance through advanced technologies and is premised on the fact that, without adaptation, water services risk exacerbating inequalities in water service provision.
- Enhancing water governance through 4IR technologies in OR Tambo district municipality
- Clarity Hutete
- Shikha Vyas-Doorgapersad
- University of Johannesburg; Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PHD), University of Johannesburg
- 9964205207691
- University of Johannesburg
- University of Johannesburg; College of Business & Economics (CBE); Department of Public Management and Governance
- English
- Dissertation