Abstract
The role of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in the public sector has increased in prominence rapidly over recent years. The 4IR captures the idea of the confluence of new technologies and their cumulative impact on the world. The world has seen numerous changes in government operations due to the 4IR. The use of 4IR technologies like robotics and artificial intelligence enhances government services while reducing public sector operating costs. Moreover, the prospects and realities of the 4IR have proven to be instrumental in shaping strategic policies across various spheres of government, including the role of developmental local government.
This study highlights the role of the 4IR in developmental local government, which is crucial to addressing the social and economic problems of community members. A mixed-methods research approach was applied, utilising both primary and secondary data to illustrate how the 4IR can contribute to the operational excellence of the Mopani District Municipality.
The results further demonstrate how 4IR technologies impact developmental local government by highlighting the changes, challenges, and opportunities they introduce. The study revealed several significant conclusions, including the importance of addressing the digital divide and connectivity to ensure that rural communities have equivalent opportunities to their urban counterparts. Accordingly, inadequate funding of the 4IR and a high skills gap related to the 4IR were cited, leading to a sense of disunity and lack of accountability. Ultimately, the relevance of the 4IR in municipalities was questioned. It was also revealed that the accountability process is merely a compliance exercise with erratic and intermittent monitoring and supervision. The findings suggest that 4IR policies should be inclusive and participatory. It is also essential to assess readiness before implementing new 4IR technologies. Thus, embarking on 4IR technologies should involve careful consideration of the need for pilot testing, while external officials should closely monitor the evaluation process of 4IR technologies. These technologies should be continually reviewed for relevance and validity to meet evolving needs. This study contributes to this evaluation by assessing the relevance and validity of 4IR technologies in the Mopani District Municipality. By identifying key factors that influence their effectiveness, this research provides insights into how these technologies can be better aligned with the municipality’s needs, thereby ensuring they remain applicable and beneficial in practice.