Research Outputs

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A Digital Skills Gap Analysis of Building Inspectors: The Case of The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Authority
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Gethe, Faranani; Simbanegavi, Prisca; Awuzie, Bankole; Chiloane, Maruping Broderick; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, Runming
The utility of digital technologies in improving building inspection functions has been elucidated by relevant literature. However, the ability of building inspectors to deploy these technologies remains contentious as a paucity of studies, highlighting the digital capabilities possessed by these cohort has been observed. To bridge this gap, this study conducts a digital skills gap analysis of building inspectors in Johannesburg, South Africa. The study adopts a case study research strategy with a selected building inspectorate unit in South Africa’s Gauteng province serving as the case study. Data was elicited within case surveys, 41 building inspectors responded out of 70 total population sampling sent out. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS. Results show substantial levels of digital illiteracy among building inspectors in the City of Johannesburg yet little drive-in adoption of the digital technologies in conducting building inspections. It is clear from this study that essential competencies required for the adoption of digital technologies are not at the acceptable level for practical application in the case of Johannesburg. Besides elucidating the growing importance of digital technologies in the execution of building inspection functions in developing countries, the study provides considerable insight into the existence of a skills gap which limits the ability of building inspectors to engage in the increased uptake of these technologies.
Africa’s agency in the competing narratives of external partners in Africa’s digital market A comparison of Japan and China
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Kinnes, Shaun; Rubidge, Laura
According to United Nations reports, Africa’s economic growth potential is among the highest in the world. It is thus unsurprising that many global powers have turned their attention to the continent, often motivated by the opportunity to help Africa ‘leapfrog’ infrastructure challenges through funding the innovative application of information and communication technologies (ICTs). As the global competition for Africa’s economic growth and, more specifically, Africa’s digital sector heats up, understanding Africa’s interests and agency within these negotiations becomes increasingly pertinent. This article explores some of the competing narratives provided by external states that seek a stake in the development of Africa’s profitable digital market. The article employs Lesley Masters’ (2021) digital diplomacy lens defined as ‘a means of navigating the evolving international digital governance regime and negotiating a more even playing field to address the inequalities in the international structure’. The article compares and contrasts the narratives that are framed by two ‘competitors’, namely China and Japan. These two states are expected to become significant players in the development of Africa’s digital market; China has become one of the most important funders in ICT networks in the global South and Japan’s recent pledge of $30 billion in aid to Africa includes the digital technology sector.
AI–Citizens’ relationship: Analysing Egypt and Mauritius national AI strategies
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Hendawy, Mennatullah; Ansari, Zahra
Recently, in the African context, there has been a great appetite for digitising services, more specifically infrastructure services, and using artificial intelligence (AI). To facilitate the development of AI, governments publish national AI strategies (NAS). In this context, governments across Africa started to issue national AI strategies to keep up with the advancements in AI (see Bareis and Katzenbach, 2022). So far, few African countries have published national AI strategies (Digiwatch, 2020; TRT Afrika, 2023). Mauritius and Egypt are the only African countries with a publicly available national strategy outlining vision and objectives (Onyango, 2022). There is an increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) in infrastructures that support the many functions performed by society. For example, public transportation, (renewable) energy, education and workplaces have all included AI and smart technology in their infrastructure. Building on the need to ensure access to AI infrastructure as it continues to disrupt African cities, this paper uses the understandings from the analytical framework of infrastructure citizenship to analyse Egypt and Mauritius NASs in order to explore the following: How is the relationship between citizens and infrastructure (AI applications) portrayed in each strategy? and How are AI applications framed in both strategies to improve or hinder the relationship between citizens and infrastructure?
An evaluation of the quantitative risk assessment simulation undertaken during the planning stage of mega-projects
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Zwane, Sibongile; Schutte, David; Maila, Sue; Jones, Razaak; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, Runming
This research examines how the absence of robust risk identification processes during the planning stage can significantly impact the quantitative risk assessment (QRA) outcomes and increase the likelihood of cost overruns in mega-projects in South Africa. By analysing specific mega-projects and their risk identification procedures, this study highlights the importance of a high-quality assessment of the QRA input stage in the context of these mega-projects. Through surveys and interviews with project managers and stakeholders, the study has provided deeper insights into the consequences of inadequate planning, such as project cost overruns and decreased project profitability. The research indicated that a robust risk identification process during the planning stage is pivotal in mitigating cost overruns in mega-projects in South Africa. Projects that prioritise structured methodologies involving all the relevant stakeholders and conduct comprehensive risk identification practices are better equipped to control project costs. The unanimous agreement on the significance of risk identification in cost overrun prevention emphasises its paramount importance. The findings will contribute to the risk management body of knowledge, offering valuable recommendations for improved risk identification and mitigation strategies to enhance project outcomes and positively impact project owners. Lastly, the paper sheds light on the nuanced landscape of risk identification, its impact on cost overruns, and the strategies for its improvement.
Antecedents of attitudes towards the use of environmentally friendly household applicance products in Zimbabwe An extension of the theory of planned behaviour
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2023) Maziriri, E.T.; Nyagadza, Brighton; Chuchu, Tinashe; Mazuruse, Gideon
Purpose– This study aims to determine the antecedents that influence attitudes towards the use of environmentally friendly household appliance products and consumers’ green purchase intention among consumers in Harare, Zimbabwe. Design/methodology/approach– Data were collected from 329 consumers in Harare, Zimbabwe’s commercial capital who were served fromfive using a structured questionnaire via an online web-based crosssectional survey. Hypothesised relationships were tested throughstructural equation modellingwith the aid of Smart PLS software. Findings– Green product awareness, social influence, perceived benefit and attitude towards green appliances were found to have a significant positive effect on green purchase intention. Research limitations/implications– The study’s findings may not be generalised to other contexts as sample data was only collected in Zimbabwe. Complementary cross-sectional research studies can be done in other parts of the world to enable cross-cultural comparisons and methodological validations.
Architectural education @ different scales: Symposium 2016
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2018) Architectural Education Forum
Not available
Barriers to digitalization of procurement – a review
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Ojo-Fafore, Elizabeth; Laryea, Samuel; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, Runming
The concept of digital technology is making waves in the construction industry in developed countries; however, it is not the same story in other nations as there are several barriers militating the progress of adoption of the new concept. This study aims to investigate the barriers militating digitalization of procurement in Construction, to proffer solutions. This study investigated possible barriers affecting the implementation of digitalization of procurement using a descriptive literature review. Several past works were reviewed to fill the gaps and apply new methods that will enable the digitalization of procurement. The study discovered several barriers restraining the digitalization of Procurement, but there are three common barriers to the literature reviewed; insecurity, cost, and Lack of skilled expertise. This industry will bring overall improvements in project time, quality, cost, and safety standards as well as client requirements and satisfaction. This research paper is of the view that digitalization will increase productivity and the competitive advantage in the Construction industry. In conclusion, there is a need to prioritize investment in digital tools and technology to have ease of adoption of procurement digitalization.
Bibliometric review of social value in construction literature
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Laryea, Samuel; Kwasafo, Oscar Kwame; Mensah, Sarfo; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, Runming
The construction industry plays a leading role in the provision of infrastructure projects that promote not only the primary objectives for which a project is intended but also the secondary objectives which relate to wider socio-economic development and social value aspects, as shown in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 10845…2022) 10845 family of standards for construction procurement. While most papers in the construction literature have focused on the primary objectives of infrastructure projects such as costs, time, and quality, relatively little attention has been focused on the secondary objective aspects like economic, environmental, and social sustainability objectives. There has been an increasing focus on the social value aspects of infrastructure projects in recent years. This trend seems likely to increase and directions for future research can be generated from examining the current literature. This paper examines 78 articles relating to social value in construction to explore current understanding and key emerging themes in this area. The 78 articles were identified through a systematic search in Scopus and Google Scholar, then analysed using temporal co-word analysis to generate four key bibliometric themes: social sustainability, social procurement, social value, and employment. Two preliminary conclusions are presented from the bibliometric review. First, while using the ‘social value’ terminology may show this as a relatively new concept flowing from the social sustainability discourse, earlier studies and practices in this area precede the ‘social value’ terminology and appropriate linkages to earlier knowledge should be properly established. Secondly, different terminologies are used to refer to the same concept, creating duplication and significant overlaps across the different terminologies. It would be necessary to consolidate and align the various terminologies for consistency.
Chinese artificial intelligence in Africa: Digital colonisation or liberalisation?
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Tinarwo, Joseph; Babu, Suresh Chandra
In this era of globalisation and progressive digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our everyday lives. While AI technology is lauded for increasing economic growth and solving some of the intricate global development challenges, such as climate change as well as disease and natural disaster forecasting, it has become a threat to citizen freedom and democracy and there are concerns of data privacy and security. China is rapidly expanding its AI and has emerged as one of the leading nations in artificial intelligence, research and development, particularly in the global South. Africa is one of the continents that has become a destination of the fast-expanding Chinese AI, notwithstanding that its impacts remain unknown. This research primarily adopted a qualitative research approach to examine the impact of Chinese AI in Africa and identify opportunities for facilitating positive influence of Chinese AI and digital presence in Africa. The study found that the expansion of Chinese AI in the global South, using Zimbabwe and South Africa as case studies, has been associated with mixed results. Since its beginning in the late 1970s after the economic reform, the Chinese AI-led automation has resulted in improved productivity, particularly in agriculture, health, infrastructure and manufacturing industries. However, the Chinese AI has been associated with gross human rights violations and promotion of corrupt practices, such as patronage and rent-seeking behaviour. Additionally, Chinese AI is undermining the rule of law and the functionality and legitimacy of weaker state institutions and processes.
Debunking the myth of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Moll, Ian
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is all the rage these days.1 In ideological terms, it appears to be hegemonic in its construal of our contemporary socioeconomic context, from our day-to-day interpersonal exchanges to the machinations of the global economic order. We often hear appeals to the supposed “magic”2 of the technology that goes with it, to resolve the economic, political and educational crises and problems of the world (and latterly, its health crises – WEF, 2020). Appeals to a 4IR usually go with a listing of a whole lot of ‘new’, ‘unprecedented’ technologies that sound smart, make us feel outdated, and leave us in awe of the future. Technologies like cyber systems, artificial intelligence, delivery drones, the internet of things, and fully autonomous killer robots.3 But it is around this misleading sense of awe – which I shall later refer to as an ideology – that my argument turns in this paper. None of these technologies necessarily warrants the claim that we are in a technological revolution, let alone a “Fourth Industrial Revolution”. I shall examine these and similar technologies, to establish my claim. The argument also runs deeper than that. An industrial revolution, properly conceived, encompasses a complex range of economic, social and cultural transformations, and there is very little evidence to suggest that we are living through a fourth one of these. A careful, deep analysis of the First, Second and Third Industrial Revolutions will make this quite clear. What we discover in these three revolutions, by way of fundamental social transformation, is not taking place in the current context of the digital, networked, information society.
Digital pervasiveness and divisiveness: the role of an African government in enabling healthy digital futures
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Bashir, Iman; Oyewale, Fisayo
Africa has been said to be left behind during the past industrial revolutions. In the face of the fourth industrial revolution, in which digitalisation plays a key role, technology is seen as pervasive (according to African digital futures), especially in its cross-sectorial application and everyday use. The use of digital tools and applications remains driven by growing interconnection, intelligent automation and interoperability, which continue to influence digital innovations and divides. Studies revealed disparity in the statistics regarding mobile internet connectivity for the already connected, coverage and the usage gap. The coverage gap was most pronounced, further widening the digital divide beyond location and affordability. Without addressing the issues of access, affordability and regulation, existing inequalities, digital vulnerabilities, political and ethnic divides escalate further. Research has also shown that open data in the continent contributes to government transparency, accountability and public innovation. However, few open data initiatives actively promote inclusion and equity. This research explores the diverse perspectives of digital age themes, alongside the opportunities, risks, paradoxes and techno-determinism, to analyse the efforts of African governments to digitally transform the continent. This paper further builds on the African digital governance project, which explored the value of data, ownership, policy and digitally enabled political participation. This essay explores the continent's ability for collective transformation, using the 5D model of appreciative inquiry, and suggests several points of view for escaping the status quo.
E-audit to monitor e-government progress to address better service delivery and digital divide
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Moloto, Anastasia Noko; Muchie, Mammo
Computer auditing is a systematic and logical process that follows a risk-based methodology to monitor an organisation’s information and processes. Computerised auditing provides significant advantages such as speed and accuracy of operations and the ability to see the real-time financial status of a company. In addition, the system can provide reliable information to assist in decision-making, minimise the likelihood of arithmetical and human errors and improve the quality of information. This paper will examine how e-audits can be used to monitor e-government progress to address better service delivery and bridge the digital divide, using a quantitative research approach. Thirty questionnaires were sent to participants in different government departments in South Africa. A total of 17 questions were asked. The study findings suggest that e-auditing is a useful software solution that could be implemented in South Africa to manage and fast-track the roll-out of e-government, specifically in rural areas, where it has not yet been introduced. In addition, e-auditing can be used to track service delivery processes. Secondly, the study demonstrated the quality and efficiency of the e-auditing process, by eliminating human error and curtailing the manipulation of data or information, and the potential for corruption. However, various strategies need to be put in place.
Endogenous innovation and digital inclusion: A Global African perspective
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Soumonni, Ogundiran; Monroe-White, Thema
This paper systematically reflects on the myriad ways in which Africans, understood as a global people who include their Diaspora, can more effectively draw on their own technological capabilities in order to achieve more inclusive and equitable digital outcomes. We begin with the observation that while ongoing scholarly and policy discourses on the global digital revolution optimistically highlight its opportunities for African societies, the imperative of the domestic contribution to these – endogenous innovation – is often buried among numerous other considerations. As such, our study delineates the diverse, though mutually reinforcing, ways in which endogenous technological innovation, ranging from research and development (R&D) to the novel deployment of existing technologies, is effectively employed by intentional actors in state, private sector and grassroots organisations. Digital governance in this perspective is then informed by constant attention to the interplay between these two dimensions (governance and technological innovation) with the ultimate aim of achieving universal and equitable digital access, particularly in less privileged Global African societies, and within a relatively short time horizon. Lastly, informed by historical path dependence, that is, philosophical, technical and experiential examples from the past, we develop a conceptual framework which we call endogenous digital innovation. This framework more explicitly highlights some of the critical pathways that could lead to desirable socio-technical futures in the African world.
Entrepreneurship, digitalisation and productivity Evidence from sub-Saharan African region
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Edeh, Jude
Economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa has been slow and the region has been struggling to address the mounting challenges, ranging from unemployment to poverty. While research, especially from advanced economies, suggests that entrepreneurship is regarded as a major driver of productivity growth, it is still unclear whether and how entrepreneurship promotes productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper fills the gap by examining the interconnected impact of entrepreneurship and digital infrastructure on productivity, using panel data from Sub-Saharan African countries. The econometric estimates reveal that digital infrastructure has moderating effects on the entrepreneurship—productivity nexus. Thus, these results imply that entrepreneurship does not promote productivity, except through the enabling effect of digital infrastructure. The study provides policy implications for governments and policymakers in the Sub-Saharan African countries.
Governance and Africa's financial development amid sustainable digitalisation
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Ejemeyovwi, Jeremiah O; Osabuohien, Evans S; Bowale, Ebenezer I K
The technological revolution presents opportunities for financial development in Africa. However, the opportunities need to be supplemented with good governance to ensure efficiency and optimal welfare gains. It is therefore worth investigating whether governance, as well as digitalisation shocks, are crucial for the relatively underdeveloped nature of the financial system of such countries and regions. This study therefore examines the impact of governance and digitalisation shocks on financial development in Africa. Specifically, the study tests out the triple-helix model on five uniquely selected African regional representative countries, namely Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Rwanda and Tunisia for robust and comparative policy estimates. Notably, the study utilised data from the World Development Indicators of the World Bank Group (2023). It adopts the Bayesian Vector Auto-Regressive (VAR) empirical modelling to achieve this objective. The technique was utilised after the model stability test was carried out, using the auto-regressive roots test. The impulse response function across Africa is inferred from the model simulation. The study's findings and recommendations contribute to the literature and economic agents (such as multinationals), empirical evidence of the theoretical reflections of digitalisation and governance on financial development in Africa.
Governance of digital for transformative change in Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Daniels, Chux
Governing African smart cities: The role of digital citizenship in municipal e-participation
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Muzenda, Archimedes; Chikukwa, Maryjane
The rapid urbanisation, combined with the proliferation of information and communication technology (ICT), has driven cities across Africa to adopt smart city strategies to manage urban development. As the adoption of smart city strategies increases across varied contexts, a call for a citizen-centric approach to smart cities has emerged – an effort to address the needs of citizens in smart city projects. While citizen-centric approaches are being adopted in smart governance, the role of citizens in a digital era are thinly explored in relation to their impact on the participation of citizens in smart cities across Africa. Drawing upon case studies from three cities, Cape Town, Nairobi and Rabat, this paper explores the role played by the emerging digital citizenship in smart governance, with a focus on e-participation. Using a three-dimensional framework of e-enabling, e-engaging and e-empowering, the paper identifies two factors that impact negatively on citizens’ participation through e-participation platforms. First is the citizens’ poor sense of belonging in terms of digital access and participation rights. Second, the paper identifies low political efficacy among citizens, coupled with high corruption levels among municipal officials; citizens have a poor perception of the utility of participating through e-participation platforms. The paper argues that it is crucial to consider the spatial characteristics of a city, the social-cultural factors and the political climate of a city to predict the role of citizens in smart governance – citizens’ sense of belonging and their political efficacy.
Illegible data: A counterpoint to the evidence-based approach in policy decision making
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Abrahams, Caryn
The art of governing is closely linked to the statecraft of decision making based on evidence. Population dynamics, social change and the growth of the middle class are some of the data analyses used to shape and influence policy directions and programmatic interventions in particular places. Data analysis is a crucial technology of governance, and it is how place, people and neighbourhoods are known and made legible to the state where the typical goal of the state is the reduction of the ‘disorderly, constantly changing social reality beneath it to something more closely resembling the administrative grid of its observations’ (Scott, 1998:82). Moreover, this ordering tendency is necessary for decision making that will have the highest impact for the greatest number of people – so there is, indeed, a crucial logic to this approach. Drawing from feminist urban scholars and others, this paper offers a provocation of sorts. It discusses the implications of the homogenising tendency at the heart of data-led approaches to governing. It considers the categories of urban residents and urban life that evade simplification and thus escape meaningful inclusion in policy intervention. This paper does not provoke a discussion of the ‘residual/elided/invisible/foreclosed’, that is, the illegible, unreadable and unseen in an attempt to diminish the potential and power of data-driven approaches to governance. Rather, it offers a counterpoint, and argues for the other kinds of illegible/unseen/residual data to sit alongside the data considered more legible and credible for decision-making processes. The goal of doing this is so that our knowing, official interests and rational models of policy intervention do not become mechanised or automated, but retain a view on the textual, nuanced and unresolved matters that make up everyday life in everyday contexts.
Illusions of inclusion: Fintech in Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Ayodele, Odilile
Can fintech deliver on its promise of achieving financial inclusion in Africa? This working paper advances the argument that the heady optimism around fintech is over enthusiastic. It provides an overview of the fintech landscape in southern Africa, focusing specifically on mobile money, which it posits fits more accurately within imaginaries of modernity and inclusion. Employing a mixed methods approach, the paper examines subscription data to highlight that the rural poor are still excluded. Additionally, ignoring the differences between rural and urban locales, including differing social and cultural contexts, exacerbates financial exclusion. The discussion is framed by the emerging concept of digital political economy.
Intercontinental Netizenship: Digitisation of political transnationalism of Europe-based African migrants against homeland authoritarianism
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Tshimpaka, Leon Mwamba
This paper seeks to understand the digitisation of transnational political activities of Europe-based African migrants, using internet as a political tool to fight against homeland authoritarian practices from abroad. It does so by investigating how Europe-based Congolese migrants put their transnational political practices on digital platforms to mobilise against what they perceive to be authoritarian practices back home. Nowadays, remittances are no longer the only contribution of African migrants toward their countries of origin from the diaspora. Whether in person or online, African migrants have become much more involved in transnational political activities to counter or shape and influence their homeland governance systems. Drawing on the notions of internet politics, political transnationalism of migrants and digital governance, this paper reviews political regimes and the digital space in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 1990 to 2019; the period marking both the democratic transition, the decline of democracy and the emergence of netizenship and internet activism. These have triggered Europe-based Congolese migrants to devise intercontinental digital strategies to demand homeland democratic change from abroad. Based on qualitative desktop review and content analysis, this paper has identified different kinds of transnational digital strategies exhibited by Europe-based Congolese migrants during their digital engagement against what they perceived to be homeland authoritarian practices from abroad.

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