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The role of information and communication technology (ICT) on the transformation of municipalities into smart cities for improved service delivery

Author

Listed:
  • Mncedisi Ncamphalala

    (University of Johanensburg)

  • Shikha Vyas-Doorgapersad

    (University of Johanensburg)

Abstract

To improve the delivery of services, municipalities in South Africa are implementing information and communication technology (ICT) initiatives. The use of digitalization thus demands municipalities to introduce e-government services. With adequate resources and training, some municipalities also aim to advance their status as smart cities. However, However, not all municipalities are equipped to operate ICT-based services. The article aims to explore this situation in the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (herein referred to as CoE). The article is qualitative in nature and the data collected is analyzed descriptively. The article utilizes the triangulation of data (document review, literature review, interview) to strengthen validity and reliability in the research process. The findings explore the challenges related to leadership in the municipality that requires a willingness to adopt, adapt and implement ICT initiatives for smart governance; ICT infrastructure that requires a municipality to allocate adequate budget to smart governance platforms, training of employees to equip them to operate digitalized processes, to state a few. Overall, the study considers the status and implementation levels of ICT and smart governance in the CoE to be unsatisfactory and requires policy recommendations for effective realization to become a smart city. The article offers policy recommendations emphasizing incorporating ICT in municipal budgets to invest in digital infrastructure. Key Words:City of Ekurhuleni, information and communications technology, e-government, municipalities, smart cities, smart governance, service delivery

Suggested Citation

  • Mncedisi Ncamphalala & Shikha Vyas-Doorgapersad, 2022. "The role of information and communication technology (ICT) on the transformation of municipalities into smart cities for improved service delivery," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 11(2), pages 318-328, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:rbs:ijbrss:v:11:y:2022:i:2:p:318-328
    DOI: 10.20525/ijrbs.v11i2.1593
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