Abstract
Background: Local governments in South Africa have been called to account for service
delivery inefficiencies and this resulted in them adopting e-government initiatives to enhance
service delivery. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) offers many benefits for increased
service efficiency and effectiveness.
Aim: This research study aimed to examine the concept of 4IR technologies within the local
government context.
Setting: This study was conducted in Johannesburg, South Africa, with research participants
from the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Metropolitan Municipality and the South African Local
Government Association (SALGA).
Methods: This study adopted a qualitative research design, using semi-structured interviews
as primary data and reviewed relevant reports and literature as secondary data. Fourteen
leaders were purposively selected and interviewed from the local government in Gauteng.
Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.
Results: The study established that the local government has embarked on digital
transformation in an effort to enhance service delivery for the citizens. As a result, leveraging
4IR technologies to enhance service delivery for citizens has become a priority for local
government.
Conclusion: Local government service delivery has been plagued by a myriad of crippling
challenges as evident in the widespread protests. The 4IR can be perceived as a response to
service delivery challenges while enhancing local government relevance and impact.
Contribution: This study contributes to an understanding of the concept of 4IR within the
context of local government and service delivery