A Proposed Framework for the Adoption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies in Municipal Water Governance in South Africa
Main Article Content
Keywords
Water Governance , Fourth Industrial Revolution, SDG 6, Municipal innovation , South Africa
Abstract
The Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which focuses on ensuring universal access to water for all, remains at the center of the sustainable development agenda; however, its realisation continues to be hindered by the persistent water governance challenges. This is particularly concerning given the critical role that effective governance plays in addressing the global water crisis. The advent of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies offers transformative potential to strengthen municipal water governance systems. Yet, the adoption and implementation of these technologies, especially within South African rural municipalities, has been notably slow. Using a selected district municipality in the Eastern Cape in South Africa, the paper aims to develop a framework to facilitate the adoption of 4IR technologies in municipal water governance. Adopting a qualitative research approach, the study purposively selected participants from the municipal officials, stakeholders, and experts who provided insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with 4IR adoption. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. The findings reveal a slow uptake of 4IR innovations, underpinned by capacity, infrastructure, and policy gaps. The paper, therefore, proposes a contextually grounded framework designed to guide and accelerate digital transformation within rural municipalities. Thus, the framework provides a roadmap and direction in accelerating the integration of 4IR technologies to strengthen municipal water governance, foster inclusive technological advancement, and ensure that rural communities are not excluded from the benefits of digital innovation. The paper, therefore, underscores the urgency of this shift by highlighting that the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is rapidly transforming all sectors. Consequently, the failure of rural water service authorities to adopt 4IR technologies risks deepening existing disparities and leaving rural municipalities further behind.
Article Metrics Graph
References
[1] R. K. Adom, M.D. Simatele., Overcoming systemic and institutional challenges in policy implementation in South Africa's water sector, Sustainable Water Resources Management 10 (2024) 1-18.
[2] S.K. Ahmed., Sample size for saturation in qualitative research: Debates, definitions, and strategies. Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health, 5 (2025) 1-6
[3] A. Akhmouch, P.A. Roche, O. Romano, M. Salvetti., Can measuring the impact of water governance turn the tide? Water International 47(2) (2022) 153-159.
[4] R. Alexander., The Fourth Industrial Revolution in South African Manufacturing and Connectivity: Case Studies of Automotive and Mining Equipment Manufacturing, along with Transportation and ICT Infrastructure and Services. SARChI Industrial Development Working Paper Series, WP 2021 – 8c (2021) ISBN 978-1-77630-388-5
[5] S.A. H. Almetwally, M.K. Hassan, M.H. Mourad., Real-time Internet of Things (IoT) based water quality management system. Procedia CIRP 91(0) (2020) 478-485.
[6] R. Arora, S. Chaoudhary, S. Pandey, V. Pachouri, A.S. Chauhan, B.V. Kumar., IoT-Based Water Quality Monitoring System: Ensuring Health and Well-Being. In: 2023 International Conference on Computational Intel-ligence, Networks and Security (ICCINS) (2023) 1-5.
[7] I. Balahurovska., The Role of Leadership in Industry 4.0, Sciendo 5(1) (2023) 66-74.
[8] L. Busetto, W. Wick, C. Gumbinger., How to use and assess qualitative research methods, Neurological Research and Practice 2(1) (2020) 2-10.
[9] E. Couñago-Blanco, N.I. Depino-Besada, M. Ferrer-Serrano, L. López-Manuel., Collaboration as an ena-bler for digital transformation: The helix paradigm. In Management for digital transformation, Cham: Springer International Publishing (2023) 161-182.
[10] M. Chuks, A. Telukdarie., Water management technologies using Industry 4.0 tools, International Journal of Water 14(4) (2021) 272-294.
[11] LO. David, NI. Nwulu, CO. Aigbavboa, OO. Adepoju., Integrating fourth industrial revolution (4IR) tech-nologies into the water, energy & food nexus for sustainable security: A bibliometric analysis, Journal of Cleaner Production 20 (132522) (2022) 1-13.
[12] I. Daniel, NK. Ajami, A. Castelletti, D. Savic, RA. Stewart, A. Cominola., A survey of water utilities’ digital transformation: drivers, impacts, and enabling technologies, npj Clean Water 6(1) (2023) 1-9.
[13] JW. Dearing, JG. Cox., Diffusion of innovations theory, principles, and practice, Health Affairs 37 (2) (2018) 183–190.
[14] Department of Cooperative Governance [DOCG] and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research [CSIR]., A South African Smart Cities Framework: A decision-making framework to guide the development of smart cities in South Africa, South Africa, DoCG (2021).
[15] J. Dini, L. Nhamo, V. Molose, S. Mpandeli, S. Hlophe-Ginindza, D. Naidoo., Reconfiguring the institu-tional landscape in the South African water sector. Water Research Commission (2021) 1-20.
[16] J. Evaristo, Y. Jameel, C. Tortajada, RY. Wang, J. Horne, H. Neukrug, CP. David, AM. Fasnacht, AD. Ziegler, A. Biswas., Water woes: the institutional challenges in achieving SDG 6, Sustainable Earth Reviews 20 (2023) 1-9.
[17] L. Fox, L. Signé., The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and the future of work: Could this bring good jobs to Africa? Evidence. Synthesis. Paper Series Include Knowledge Platform (2021).
[18] L. Fox, L. Signe., Inclusion, inequality, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in Africa, Brookings (2022) available at: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/inclusion-inequality-and-the-fourth-industrial-revolu-tion-4ir-in-africa/ [accessed 5 March 2025].
[19] JS. Gracias, GS. Parnell, E. Specking, EA. Pohl, R. Buchanan., Smart Cities—A Structured Literature Review, Smart Cities 6 (2023) 1719–1743.
[20] H. Hashim., E-government impact on developing smart cities initiative in Saudi Arabia: Opportunities & challenges, Alexandria Engineering Journal 96 (2024) 124-131.
[21] A. Haleem, M. Javaid, RP. Singh., Encouraging Safety 4.0 to enhance industrial culture: An extensive study of its technologies, roles, and challenges, Green Technologies and Sustainability,3 (100158) (2025)1-32.
[22] C. Hutete, M. Sibanda, TC. Maramura., Water Governance and Social Equity in South African Rural Municipalities: A Case Study of a District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. Water Conservation and Management, 7(1)(2023) 12-18
[23] C. Hutete., Water Governance Challenges: Implementing The OECD Multilevel Governance Framework in OR Tambo District Municipality, Eastern Cape South Africa. In: Badar AI (ed) Sustainable Development Goals: Performance and Challenges, Network for Theoretical and Empirical Research in Multidisciplinary Studies Pvt. Ltd (2025)
[24] C. Hutete, C., Water governance and social equity in South Africa: A case study of Amathole District Municipality, master’s Thesis, University of Fort Hare, South Africa (2022).
[25] KG. Isangula, S. Kelly, J. Wamoyi, J., Manual qualitative data coding using MS Word for students and early Career Researchers in Resource-constrained settings. International Journal of Qualitative Methods 23 (2024) 1-17.
[26] DB. Jar Bandhan., Principles for Public Sector Leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Critical Considerations, Administratio Publica 26(4) (2017) 60-76.
[27] I. Karunarathna, P. Gunasena, T. Hapuarachchi, U. Ekanayake, S. Rajapaksha, K. Gunawardana, P. Aluthge, S. Bandara, A. Jayawardana, K. De Alvis, S. Gunathilake., Comprehensive data collection: Methods, challenges, and the importance of accuracy. Uva Clinical Research (2024)1-24.
[28] C. Kayembe, D. Nel., Challenges and opportunities for education in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. African Journal of Public Affairs 11(3) (2019) 79-94.
[29] R. Kijak., Water 4.0: enhancing climate resilience. In The Palgrave Handbook of Climate Resilient Soci-eties, Cham: Springer International Publishing (2022) 435-473.
[30] V. Komandla., Enhancing Product Development through Continuous Feedback Integration, ESP Journal of Engineering & Technology Advancements 2(4) (2022) 105-115.
[31] KK. Kuok, PC. Chiu, MKB. Bakri, MR. Rahman, CM. Yun., Industrial revolution 4.0 in water supply, wastewater and stormwater management: opportunities, challenges, and impacts. Environmental Technology Re-views, 13(1) (2024) 143-167.
[32] S. Layton-Matthews, C. Landsberg, C., The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and its effects on public service delivery in South Africa. The Thinker, 90(1) (2022) 55-64.
[33] WM. Lim., What is qualitative research? An overview and guidelines, Australasian Marketing Journal 33(2) (2024) 199-229.
[34] C. MacAlister, G. Baggio, D. Perera,M. Qadir, L. Taing, V. Smakhtin., Global Water Security 2023 Assessment. United Nations, University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, Hamilton, Canada (2023)
[35] L. Maluleke., Poor Governance exacerbates South Africa’s Water Crisis. Good Governance Africa (2024)
[36] MI. Manda, SB. Dhaou., Responding to the challenges and opportunities in the 4th Industrial Revolution in developing countries. In Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (2019) 244-253.
[37] M. Mbiza, S. Sinha., The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Conceptual paradox or catalyst for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals? South African Journal of Science 119(7-8) (2023) 1-3.
[38] LM. Mitrović., Challenges, risks and threats to human security in the 4th industrial revolution. NBP–Nauka, bezbednost, policija 25(1) (2020) 81-97.
[39] G. Montmasson-clair, G. Chigumira, D. Mclean, S. Makumbirofa., Water and Sanitation Industry Master Plan Policy Report. Pretoria: South Africa, Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies (2022) 1-30.
[40] Q. Mpofu, P. Nemashakwe., The role of leadership in adopting the Fourth Industrial Era technologies in developing economies, The Fountain: Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies 7(1) (2023) 41-58
[41] H. Mutandwa, S. Vyas-doorgapersad., Benefits And Challenges to Implement Public-Private Partnerships in Water Infrastructure Development in Zimbabwe. Journal of Economic Development, Environment and People 12(1) (2023) 57-71.
[42] M. Munsamya, A. Telukdariea, P. Matjuta., Water systems modeling and optimization 4th International Conference on Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing, Procedia Computer Science 217(2023) 699-708
[43] V. Naidoo., Is the water sector ready for Industry 4.0? Water &Sanitation Africa 14(3) (2019) 8-8.
[44] National Planning Commission., Draft Digital Features: South Africa’s Readiness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Pretoria, National Planning Commission (2020)
[45] National Planning Commission., Digital Futures: South Africa’s Digital Readiness for the Fourth Indus-trial Revolution. National Planning Commission, with support from Konrad Adenauer Stiftung & International Development Research Centre. Research ICT Africa (2022b).
[46] P. O’Callaghan, LM. Adapa, C. Buisman., How can innovation theories be applied to water technology innovation? Journal of Cleaner Production 276(2020)1-10.
[47] K. Naidoo, E.van der Lingen., Navigating the waves of change and ripples of challenges in the water supply chain sector, South African Journal of Industrial Engineering 35(3) (2024) 1-14.
[48] D. Plekhanov, H. Franke, TH. Netland., Digital transformation: A review and research agenda. European management journal 41(6) (2023) 821-844.
[49] RN. Raja Ariffin, S. Sawon, NH. Abd Rahman, H. Hanafi, RK. Zahari., Contextualizing institutional capacity in water governance framework: a literature review, Water Policy 26(1) (2024)18-36.
[50] EM. Rogers., Diffusion of Innovations, fifth ed. Free Press, New York (2003).
[51] EM. Rogers., Diffusion of Innovations. Simon and Schuster, New York (2010).
[52] A. Terlizzi., The digitalization of the public sector: A systematic literature review, Rivista italiana di politiche pubbliche 16(1)(2021)5-38.
[53] CN. Ugwu, HU. Eze Val., Qualitative research, International Digital Organization for Scientific Research (IDOSR) Journal of Science and Technology 8(1) (2023) 20-35.
[54] United Nations., The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024. United Nations (2024).
[55] United Nations., Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals: Report of the Secretary-General (A/79/79-E/2024/54). United Nations (2024a)
[56] United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD).,The Sustainable Development Goals Extended Report 2024, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (2024b).
[57] Un-Water., Blueprint for acceleration: Sustainable Development Goal 6 synthesis report on water and sanitation 2023. United Nations. USA (2023).
[58] K. Vasileiou, J. Barnett, S. Thorpe, T. Young., Characterising and justifying sample size sufficiency in interview-based studies: systematic analysis of qualitative health research over a 15-year period. BMC Medical Research Methodology 18 (2018)1-18.
[59] JD. Sachs, G. Lafortune, G. Fuller., The SDGs and the UN Summit of the Future: Sustainable Development Report 2024, Dublin University Press (2024).
[60] P. Salehi, D. Corbett, R. Dunbar, S. Sadeh, AD. Torres, A. Jones, H. Shekhar, J. Plecha, P. Koroleva, P. Visetti, A. Benazzouz, H. Ballal, Y. Ashenafi, A. Dubey, SK. Mandal, C. Cadena, L. Indah, C. Barthelt, E. Tambo, S. Sandholz, A. Asadzadeh, P. Dzurovčinova, J.Noll., Digitalization: A Game Changer for Local Governments & Communities: Enhancing Capacities to Deploy Transformative Solutions, ICLEI World Secretariat (2023) Available at: https://iclei.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2022-Academy-Digitalization-Policy-Brief-ICLEI.pdf [Accessed 5 March 2025].
[61] RP. Sobrinho, JR. Garcia, AG. Maia, AR. Romeiro., Blockchain technology and complex flow systems as opportunities for water governance innovation, Revista Brasileira de Inovação 18 2019) 157-76.
[62] J. Wanyama, E. Bwambale, S. Kiraga, A. Katimbo, P. Nakawuka, I. Kabenge, I. Oluk., A Systematic Review of Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies in Smart Irrigation: Constraints, Opportunities, and Future Prospects for Sub-Saharan Africa, Smart Agricultural Technology 7 (100412) (2024) 1-15.
[63] World Economic Forum., Fourth Industrial Revolution for the Earth Series: Harnessing the Fourth Indus-trial Revolution for Water. Geneva, Switzerland: World Economic Forum (2018).
[64] United Nations. The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022, New York, United Nations (2022)
[65] L. Goldman., The Power of 4IR, WISA Comment 14(2) (2019)1-1
[66] M. Alabi, A. Telukdarie, NVR. Jansen., Industry 4.0 and water industry: A South African perspective and readiness. In Proceedings of the International Annual Conference of the American Society for Engineering Man-agement, American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM) (2019) 1-11.
[67] M. Stankovic, A. Hasanbeigi, N. Neftenov., Use of 4IR technologiesin water and sanitation in Latin Amer-ica and the Caribbean. Inter-AmericanDevelopment Bank Report. Water and Sanitation Division. Technical NoteNo IDB-TN-1910 (2020)
[68] SY. Chivanga, PB. Monyai., Back to basics: Qualitative research methodology for beginners, Journal of Critical Reviews 8(2) (2021) 11-7.
[2] S.K. Ahmed., Sample size for saturation in qualitative research: Debates, definitions, and strategies. Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health, 5 (2025) 1-6
[3] A. Akhmouch, P.A. Roche, O. Romano, M. Salvetti., Can measuring the impact of water governance turn the tide? Water International 47(2) (2022) 153-159.
[4] R. Alexander., The Fourth Industrial Revolution in South African Manufacturing and Connectivity: Case Studies of Automotive and Mining Equipment Manufacturing, along with Transportation and ICT Infrastructure and Services. SARChI Industrial Development Working Paper Series, WP 2021 – 8c (2021) ISBN 978-1-77630-388-5
[5] S.A. H. Almetwally, M.K. Hassan, M.H. Mourad., Real-time Internet of Things (IoT) based water quality management system. Procedia CIRP 91(0) (2020) 478-485.
[6] R. Arora, S. Chaoudhary, S. Pandey, V. Pachouri, A.S. Chauhan, B.V. Kumar., IoT-Based Water Quality Monitoring System: Ensuring Health and Well-Being. In: 2023 International Conference on Computational Intel-ligence, Networks and Security (ICCINS) (2023) 1-5.
[7] I. Balahurovska., The Role of Leadership in Industry 4.0, Sciendo 5(1) (2023) 66-74.
[8] L. Busetto, W. Wick, C. Gumbinger., How to use and assess qualitative research methods, Neurological Research and Practice 2(1) (2020) 2-10.
[9] E. Couñago-Blanco, N.I. Depino-Besada, M. Ferrer-Serrano, L. López-Manuel., Collaboration as an ena-bler for digital transformation: The helix paradigm. In Management for digital transformation, Cham: Springer International Publishing (2023) 161-182.
[10] M. Chuks, A. Telukdarie., Water management technologies using Industry 4.0 tools, International Journal of Water 14(4) (2021) 272-294.
[11] LO. David, NI. Nwulu, CO. Aigbavboa, OO. Adepoju., Integrating fourth industrial revolution (4IR) tech-nologies into the water, energy & food nexus for sustainable security: A bibliometric analysis, Journal of Cleaner Production 20 (132522) (2022) 1-13.
[12] I. Daniel, NK. Ajami, A. Castelletti, D. Savic, RA. Stewart, A. Cominola., A survey of water utilities’ digital transformation: drivers, impacts, and enabling technologies, npj Clean Water 6(1) (2023) 1-9.
[13] JW. Dearing, JG. Cox., Diffusion of innovations theory, principles, and practice, Health Affairs 37 (2) (2018) 183–190.
[14] Department of Cooperative Governance [DOCG] and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research [CSIR]., A South African Smart Cities Framework: A decision-making framework to guide the development of smart cities in South Africa, South Africa, DoCG (2021).
[15] J. Dini, L. Nhamo, V. Molose, S. Mpandeli, S. Hlophe-Ginindza, D. Naidoo., Reconfiguring the institu-tional landscape in the South African water sector. Water Research Commission (2021) 1-20.
[16] J. Evaristo, Y. Jameel, C. Tortajada, RY. Wang, J. Horne, H. Neukrug, CP. David, AM. Fasnacht, AD. Ziegler, A. Biswas., Water woes: the institutional challenges in achieving SDG 6, Sustainable Earth Reviews 20 (2023) 1-9.
[17] L. Fox, L. Signé., The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and the future of work: Could this bring good jobs to Africa? Evidence. Synthesis. Paper Series Include Knowledge Platform (2021).
[18] L. Fox, L. Signe., Inclusion, inequality, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in Africa, Brookings (2022) available at: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/inclusion-inequality-and-the-fourth-industrial-revolu-tion-4ir-in-africa/ [accessed 5 March 2025].
[19] JS. Gracias, GS. Parnell, E. Specking, EA. Pohl, R. Buchanan., Smart Cities—A Structured Literature Review, Smart Cities 6 (2023) 1719–1743.
[20] H. Hashim., E-government impact on developing smart cities initiative in Saudi Arabia: Opportunities & challenges, Alexandria Engineering Journal 96 (2024) 124-131.
[21] A. Haleem, M. Javaid, RP. Singh., Encouraging Safety 4.0 to enhance industrial culture: An extensive study of its technologies, roles, and challenges, Green Technologies and Sustainability,3 (100158) (2025)1-32.
[22] C. Hutete, M. Sibanda, TC. Maramura., Water Governance and Social Equity in South African Rural Municipalities: A Case Study of a District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. Water Conservation and Management, 7(1)(2023) 12-18
[23] C. Hutete., Water Governance Challenges: Implementing The OECD Multilevel Governance Framework in OR Tambo District Municipality, Eastern Cape South Africa. In: Badar AI (ed) Sustainable Development Goals: Performance and Challenges, Network for Theoretical and Empirical Research in Multidisciplinary Studies Pvt. Ltd (2025)
[24] C. Hutete, C., Water governance and social equity in South Africa: A case study of Amathole District Municipality, master’s Thesis, University of Fort Hare, South Africa (2022).
[25] KG. Isangula, S. Kelly, J. Wamoyi, J., Manual qualitative data coding using MS Word for students and early Career Researchers in Resource-constrained settings. International Journal of Qualitative Methods 23 (2024) 1-17.
[26] DB. Jar Bandhan., Principles for Public Sector Leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Critical Considerations, Administratio Publica 26(4) (2017) 60-76.
[27] I. Karunarathna, P. Gunasena, T. Hapuarachchi, U. Ekanayake, S. Rajapaksha, K. Gunawardana, P. Aluthge, S. Bandara, A. Jayawardana, K. De Alvis, S. Gunathilake., Comprehensive data collection: Methods, challenges, and the importance of accuracy. Uva Clinical Research (2024)1-24.
[28] C. Kayembe, D. Nel., Challenges and opportunities for education in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. African Journal of Public Affairs 11(3) (2019) 79-94.
[29] R. Kijak., Water 4.0: enhancing climate resilience. In The Palgrave Handbook of Climate Resilient Soci-eties, Cham: Springer International Publishing (2022) 435-473.
[30] V. Komandla., Enhancing Product Development through Continuous Feedback Integration, ESP Journal of Engineering & Technology Advancements 2(4) (2022) 105-115.
[31] KK. Kuok, PC. Chiu, MKB. Bakri, MR. Rahman, CM. Yun., Industrial revolution 4.0 in water supply, wastewater and stormwater management: opportunities, challenges, and impacts. Environmental Technology Re-views, 13(1) (2024) 143-167.
[32] S. Layton-Matthews, C. Landsberg, C., The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and its effects on public service delivery in South Africa. The Thinker, 90(1) (2022) 55-64.
[33] WM. Lim., What is qualitative research? An overview and guidelines, Australasian Marketing Journal 33(2) (2024) 199-229.
[34] C. MacAlister, G. Baggio, D. Perera,M. Qadir, L. Taing, V. Smakhtin., Global Water Security 2023 Assessment. United Nations, University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, Hamilton, Canada (2023)
[35] L. Maluleke., Poor Governance exacerbates South Africa’s Water Crisis. Good Governance Africa (2024)
[36] MI. Manda, SB. Dhaou., Responding to the challenges and opportunities in the 4th Industrial Revolution in developing countries. In Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (2019) 244-253.
[37] M. Mbiza, S. Sinha., The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Conceptual paradox or catalyst for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals? South African Journal of Science 119(7-8) (2023) 1-3.
[38] LM. Mitrović., Challenges, risks and threats to human security in the 4th industrial revolution. NBP–Nauka, bezbednost, policija 25(1) (2020) 81-97.
[39] G. Montmasson-clair, G. Chigumira, D. Mclean, S. Makumbirofa., Water and Sanitation Industry Master Plan Policy Report. Pretoria: South Africa, Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies (2022) 1-30.
[40] Q. Mpofu, P. Nemashakwe., The role of leadership in adopting the Fourth Industrial Era technologies in developing economies, The Fountain: Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies 7(1) (2023) 41-58
[41] H. Mutandwa, S. Vyas-doorgapersad., Benefits And Challenges to Implement Public-Private Partnerships in Water Infrastructure Development in Zimbabwe. Journal of Economic Development, Environment and People 12(1) (2023) 57-71.
[42] M. Munsamya, A. Telukdariea, P. Matjuta., Water systems modeling and optimization 4th International Conference on Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing, Procedia Computer Science 217(2023) 699-708
[43] V. Naidoo., Is the water sector ready for Industry 4.0? Water &Sanitation Africa 14(3) (2019) 8-8.
[44] National Planning Commission., Draft Digital Features: South Africa’s Readiness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Pretoria, National Planning Commission (2020)
[45] National Planning Commission., Digital Futures: South Africa’s Digital Readiness for the Fourth Indus-trial Revolution. National Planning Commission, with support from Konrad Adenauer Stiftung & International Development Research Centre. Research ICT Africa (2022b).
[46] P. O’Callaghan, LM. Adapa, C. Buisman., How can innovation theories be applied to water technology innovation? Journal of Cleaner Production 276(2020)1-10.
[47] K. Naidoo, E.van der Lingen., Navigating the waves of change and ripples of challenges in the water supply chain sector, South African Journal of Industrial Engineering 35(3) (2024) 1-14.
[48] D. Plekhanov, H. Franke, TH. Netland., Digital transformation: A review and research agenda. European management journal 41(6) (2023) 821-844.
[49] RN. Raja Ariffin, S. Sawon, NH. Abd Rahman, H. Hanafi, RK. Zahari., Contextualizing institutional capacity in water governance framework: a literature review, Water Policy 26(1) (2024)18-36.
[50] EM. Rogers., Diffusion of Innovations, fifth ed. Free Press, New York (2003).
[51] EM. Rogers., Diffusion of Innovations. Simon and Schuster, New York (2010).
[52] A. Terlizzi., The digitalization of the public sector: A systematic literature review, Rivista italiana di politiche pubbliche 16(1)(2021)5-38.
[53] CN. Ugwu, HU. Eze Val., Qualitative research, International Digital Organization for Scientific Research (IDOSR) Journal of Science and Technology 8(1) (2023) 20-35.
[54] United Nations., The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024. United Nations (2024).
[55] United Nations., Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals: Report of the Secretary-General (A/79/79-E/2024/54). United Nations (2024a)
[56] United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD).,The Sustainable Development Goals Extended Report 2024, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (2024b).
[57] Un-Water., Blueprint for acceleration: Sustainable Development Goal 6 synthesis report on water and sanitation 2023. United Nations. USA (2023).
[58] K. Vasileiou, J. Barnett, S. Thorpe, T. Young., Characterising and justifying sample size sufficiency in interview-based studies: systematic analysis of qualitative health research over a 15-year period. BMC Medical Research Methodology 18 (2018)1-18.
[59] JD. Sachs, G. Lafortune, G. Fuller., The SDGs and the UN Summit of the Future: Sustainable Development Report 2024, Dublin University Press (2024).
[60] P. Salehi, D. Corbett, R. Dunbar, S. Sadeh, AD. Torres, A. Jones, H. Shekhar, J. Plecha, P. Koroleva, P. Visetti, A. Benazzouz, H. Ballal, Y. Ashenafi, A. Dubey, SK. Mandal, C. Cadena, L. Indah, C. Barthelt, E. Tambo, S. Sandholz, A. Asadzadeh, P. Dzurovčinova, J.Noll., Digitalization: A Game Changer for Local Governments & Communities: Enhancing Capacities to Deploy Transformative Solutions, ICLEI World Secretariat (2023) Available at: https://iclei.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2022-Academy-Digitalization-Policy-Brief-ICLEI.pdf [Accessed 5 March 2025].
[61] RP. Sobrinho, JR. Garcia, AG. Maia, AR. Romeiro., Blockchain technology and complex flow systems as opportunities for water governance innovation, Revista Brasileira de Inovação 18 2019) 157-76.
[62] J. Wanyama, E. Bwambale, S. Kiraga, A. Katimbo, P. Nakawuka, I. Kabenge, I. Oluk., A Systematic Review of Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies in Smart Irrigation: Constraints, Opportunities, and Future Prospects for Sub-Saharan Africa, Smart Agricultural Technology 7 (100412) (2024) 1-15.
[63] World Economic Forum., Fourth Industrial Revolution for the Earth Series: Harnessing the Fourth Indus-trial Revolution for Water. Geneva, Switzerland: World Economic Forum (2018).
[64] United Nations. The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022, New York, United Nations (2022)
[65] L. Goldman., The Power of 4IR, WISA Comment 14(2) (2019)1-1
[66] M. Alabi, A. Telukdarie, NVR. Jansen., Industry 4.0 and water industry: A South African perspective and readiness. In Proceedings of the International Annual Conference of the American Society for Engineering Man-agement, American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM) (2019) 1-11.
[67] M. Stankovic, A. Hasanbeigi, N. Neftenov., Use of 4IR technologiesin water and sanitation in Latin Amer-ica and the Caribbean. Inter-AmericanDevelopment Bank Report. Water and Sanitation Division. Technical NoteNo IDB-TN-1910 (2020)
[68] SY. Chivanga, PB. Monyai., Back to basics: Qualitative research methodology for beginners, Journal of Critical Reviews 8(2) (2021) 11-7.
Article Sidebar
Published
Jul 31, 2025
Article Details
How to Cite
A Proposed Framework for the Adoption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies in Municipal Water Governance in South Africa. (2025). Journal of Digital Food, Energy & Water Systems, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.36615/py1j5325
Issue
Section
Articles
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Licensing information
Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial License
How to Cite
A Proposed Framework for the Adoption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies in Municipal Water Governance in South Africa. (2025). Journal of Digital Food, Energy & Water Systems, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.36615/py1j5325