Abstract
Abstract : This study aims to provide a conceptual framework to explain the issues, concerns, challenges and solutions on introducing information and communication technology initiatives to create smart governance. The study contextualises the use of ICTs in the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, thereby aiming to make this key South African metropolitan municipality a ‘smart city’, with smart governance, by offering smart services to community members. The research takes a qualitative research approach, which is exploratory, and a quantitative research approach, which is descriptive, to realise the outcomes of the research questions formulated. This mixed-methods approach was deemed most suitable. The findings explore that while various challenges remain, it is the willingness of leadership and the relative importance that those holding the levers of power in the CoE attach to ICTs that determine how deep and far they will drive the municipality towards this goal. Ultimately, there is a need for modern-day municipalities to adopt 21st-century, compliant, smart solutions that not only improve the effectiveness of public service delivery, but also transform the economic and efficient aspects of the delivery of services to citizens. The study recommends that there is a need to balance policy prescripts and implementation or practice; to prioritise ICT in planning and budgeting; to improve community involvement and engagement; to establish ethical and professional leadership practices; to consider meritorious and competency-based appointments; to intensify investment in ICT infrastructure, and to mould municipal service delivery on smart governance.
M.A. (Public Management and Governance)