IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/bcp/journl/v9y2025i10p1369-1377.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Exploring the Key Challenges Faced By the South African Public Sector in Adopting Artificial Intelligence

Author

Listed:
  • Wiston Mbhazima Baloyi

    (Independent Researcher, Limpopo Province, Polokwane)

Abstract

The widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has not only streamlined internal processes of the public sector but also advanced public services to citizens globally. Although these trailblazing technologies have been valued for their enhanced efficiency and streamlined processes, they have been susceptible to challenges that hinder their full potential, particularly in developing countries like South Africa. The purpose of this study is to explore the key challenges faced by the South African public sector in adopting AI. Grounded in the interpretivist paradigm, this study employs a qualitative methodology, utilising the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) technique to collect and synthesise data from the literature. The systematic analysis included 20 studies extracted from the Web of Science database. The findings of this study reveal that digital infrastructural deficit, digital illiteracy, policy and regulatory gaps, and ethical dilemmas are all key challenges encountered in the adoption of AI in the South African public sector. The implications of this study are relevant to deepening understanding and advising policymakers, decision-makers, and practitioners on AI challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Wiston Mbhazima Baloyi, 2025. "Exploring the Key Challenges Faced By the South African Public Sector in Adopting Artificial Intelligence," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(10), pages 1369-1377, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:i:10:p:1369-1377
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/uploads/vol9-iss10-pg1369-1377-202511_pdf.pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/articles/exploring-the-key-challenges-faced-by-the-south-african-public-sector-in-adopting-artificial-intelligence/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lehlohonolo Josiaya Malope, 2025. "Unlocking The Potential: Exploring The Influence Of Artificial Intelligence On E-Health Enhancement In South Africa," Journal of Economic and Social Development, Clinical Journals Press, vol. 12(1), pages 146-156, March.
    2. Armenia ANDRONICEANU, 2024. "Artificial Intelligence In Administration And Public Management," REVISTA ADMINISTRATIE SI MANAGEMENT PUBLIC, Faculty of Administration and Public Management, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 2024(42), pages 99-114.
    3. Wiston Mbhazima Baloyi, 2025. "A Systematic Analysis of Ethical and Governance Concerns Relating to Artificial Intelligence Adoption in the South African Public Sector," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 3177-3190, September.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Eva MURKO & Matej BABŠEK & Aleksander ARISTOVNIK, 2024. "Artificial Intelligence And Public Governance Models In Socioeconomic Welfare: Some Insights From Slovenia," REVISTA ADMINISTRATIE SI MANAGEMENT PUBLIC, Faculty of Administration and Public Management, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 2024(43), pages 41-60.
    2. Mihai ANDRONICEANU, 2025. "STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT MODEL FOR ROBOTIC AUTOMATION OF DOCUMENT PROCESSES USING UiPath PLATFORM," Theoretical and Empirical Researches in Urban Management, Research Centre in Public Administration and Public Services, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 20(2), pages 104-117, May.
    3. Maria Alexandra CRACIUN & Monica DUDIAN & Dan-Alexandru LAZAR, 2025. "Nudging Digital Transformation: Behavioral Economics Approaches To E-Government Adoption In The European Union With Implications For Romania," REVISTA ADMINISTRATIE SI MANAGEMENT PUBLIC, Faculty of Administration and Public Management, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 2025(44), pages 60-74.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:i:10:p:1369-1377. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Dr. Pawan Verma (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/ .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.