Challenges of 4IR implementation in post offices in developing countries: A case study of South Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.38140/ijms-2025.vol2.1.03Keywords:
Corruption, developing countries, inclusion bias, Fourth Industrial Revolution, infrastructure, post offices, skillset disparitiesAbstract
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) presents an unprecedented opportunity for post offices in developing countries to modernise and enhance their services, addressing the evolving demands of a digital economy. However, implementing 4IR technologies in this sector is fraught with challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, corruption, inclusion bias, disparities in employee skillsets, and financial constraints. This study investigates these challenges, focusing on the South African context, to provide actionable insights and recommendations for effective 4IR adoption. The research adopts a qualitative design, utilising semi-structured interviews with 25 purposively selected participants across five socioeconomic classes in South Africa. This approach ensured the inclusion of diverse perspectives on the risks and barriers associated with 4IR implementation. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key challenges and potential strategies to address them. The findings reveal significant hurdles, including corruption in financial management, insufficient infrastructure to support digital technologies, exclusion of underserved populations, skillset gaps among employees, and limited financial resources. These challenges highlight systemic and structural barriers that hinder the post office's ability to transition into a fully digitalised environment. To address these issues, the study recommends measures such as establishing stringent financial oversight mechanisms, investing in infrastructure upgrades, bridging skillset gaps through training and mentorship programmes, adopting inclusive service models, and fostering equity through community engagement. A strategic and collaborative approach to 4IR implementation can help post offices in developing countries overcome challenges, modernise operations, enhance service delivery, and drive digital transformation and national development.
References
Alexander, R. (2022). Key opportunities and challenges for 4IR in South Africa. SARChI, University of Johannesburg.
Alsulaimani, B., & Islam, A. (2022). Impact of 4ir technology and its impact on the current deployment. International Journal of Computer Science & Information Technology, 13(4)1, 53-67. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2209.01791
Aminah, S., & Saksono, H. (2021). Digital transformation of the government: A case study in Indonesia. Jurnal Komunikasi: Malaysian Journal of Communication, 37(2), 272-288. https://doi.org/10.17576/JKMJC-2021-3702-17
Azevedo, M.J. (2017). The State of Health System(s) in Africa: Challenges and opportunities. In M. J. Azevedo (Ed.), Historical perspectives on the state of health and health systems in Africa. African Histories and Modernities. Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-32564-4_1
Babajide, O. P., & Smith, C. (2022). Teachers’ challenges in the introduction and implementation of systemic change in the Nigerian primary school system. SAGE Open, 12(2), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440221093033
Badu-Prah, C., Agyeiwaa-Afrane, A., Gidiglo, F. K., Srofenyoh, F. Y., Agyei-Henaku, K. A. A., & Djokoto, J. G. (2023). Trade, foreign direct investment and agriculture in developing countries. Research on World Agricultural Economy, 4(3), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v4i3.861
Billiot, T. (2023). Continuous learning and advancing technologies: a framework for professional development and training in artificial intelligence. Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal, 37(3), 28–31. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-04-2022-0064
Burns, N., & Grove, S. K. (2010). Understanding nursing research-eBook: Building an evidence-based practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Busetto, L., Wick, W., & Gumbinger, C. (2020). How to use and assess qualitative research methods. Neurological Research and Practice, 2(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42466-020-00059-z
Cowie, P., Townsend, L., & Salemink, K. (2020). Smart rural futures: Will rural areas be left behind in the fourth industrial revolution? Journal of Rural Studies, 79, 169–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2020.08.042
Creswell, J. D. (2017). Mindfulness interventions. Annual Review of Psychology, 68(1), 491-516. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-042716-051139
Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340. https://doi.org/10.2307/249008
Ellis, J. L., & Hart, D. L. (2023). Strengthening the choice for a generic qualitative research design. Qualitative Report, 28(6), 1759-1768. DOI:10.46743/2160-3715/2023.5474.
Eriksen, S., Schipper, E. L. F., Scoville-Simonds, M., Vincent, K., Adam, H. N., Brooks, N., ... & West, J. J. (2021). Adaptation interventions and their effect on vulnerability in developing countries: Help, hindrance or irrelevance? World Development, 141, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2020.105383
Faloye, S. T., & Ajayi, N. (2022). Understanding the impact of the digital divide on South African students in higher educational institutions. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 14(7), 1734-1744. https://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2021.1983118
Gaorekwe, S. V., & Bwalya, K. J. (2024). Hybrid cloud approach to data platforms: A South African perspective. South African Journal of Information Management, 26(1), 1-13. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-info_v26_n1_a1829
Gkrimpizi, T., Peristeras, V., & Magnisalis, I. (2023). Classification of barriers to digital transformation in higher education institutions: Systematic literature review. Education Sciences, 13(7), 1-24. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13070746
Hinkley, S. (2023). Technology in the public sector and the future of government work. https://laborcenter.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Technology-in-the-public-sector-and-the-future-of-government-work.pdf
Ittmann, H. W. (2023). The postal performance of the South African Post Office: An international and local perspective. Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management, 17, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.4102/jtscm.v17i0.948
Javaid, M., Haleem, A., Singh, R. P., Suman, R., & Khan, S. (2022). A review of Blockchain Technology applications for financial services. BenchCouncil Bransactions on Benchmarks, Standards and Evaluations, 2(3), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tbench.2022.100073
Balbaa, M. E., & Abdurashidova, M. (2023). Enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes through gamification in education. In S. M. Curle & M. T. Hebebci (Eds.) Proceedings of International Conference on Academic Studies in Technology and Education 2023, (pp. 13-20). Antalya, Turkiye. ARSTE Organization
Kallio, H., Pietilä, A. M., Johnson, M., & Kangasniemi, M. (2016). Systematic methodological review: developing a framework for a qualitative semi?structured interview guide. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 72(12), 2954-2965. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13031
Khan, M. I., Yasmeen, T., Khan, M., ul Hadi, N., Asif, M., Farooq, M., & Al-Ghamdi, S. G. (2025). Integrating industry 4.0 for enhanced sustainability: Pathways and prospects. Sustainable Production and Consumption. 54, 149-189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2024.12.012
Khunoethe, H., & Reddy, P. S. (2023). Challenges in South Africa’s Post-School Education and Training System on Local Governance Performance. Administratio Publica, 31(3), 17-39. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-adminpub_v31_n3_a4
Layton-Matthews, S., & Landsberg, C. (2022). The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and its effects on public service delivery in South Africa. The Thinker, 90(1), 55-64. https://doi.org/10.36615/thethinker.v90i1.1173
Li, L. (2022). Reskilling and upskilling the future-ready workforce for Industry 4.0 and beyond. Information Systems Frontiers, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-022-10308-y
Lim, W. M. (2024). What is qualitative research? An overview and guidelines. Australasian Marketing Journal, 1–31. https://doi.org/10.1177/14413582241264619
Liu, H., Wang, X., Wang, Z., & Cheng, Y. (2024). Does digitalisation mitigate regional inequalities? Evidence from China. Geography and Sustainability, 5(1), 52-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geosus.2023.09.007
Marengo, A. (2024). Navigating the nexus of AI and IoT: A comprehensive review of data analytics and privacy paradigms. Internet of Things, 27, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iot.2024.101318
Morandini, S., Fraboni, F., De Angelis, M., Puzzo, G., Giusino, D., & Pietrantoni, L. (2023). The impact of artificial intelligence on workers’ skills: Upskilling and reskilling in organisations. Informing Science, 26, 39-68. https://dx.doi.org/10.28945/5078
Marzouki, A., Chouikh, A., Mellouli, S., & Haddad, R. (2023, September). Barriers and actions for the adoption and use of Artificial Intelligence in the public sector. In Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (pp. 94-100).
Mhlongo, S., Mbatha, K., Ramatsetse, B., & Dlamini, R. (2023). Challenges, opportunities, and prospects of adopting and using smart digital technologies in learning environments: An iterative review. Heliyon, 9(6). 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16348
Ndubuisi, G., Otioma, C., & Tetteh, G. K. (2021). Digital infrastructure and employment in services: Evidence from Sub-Saharan African countries. Telecommunications Policy, 45(8), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.telpol.2021.102153
Okocha, D. O., & Edafewotu, E. (2022). Bridging the digital divide in Nigeria. The Journal of Development Communication, 33(1), 45-54.
Oloba, P. B., & Ramhurry, C. (2024). Exploring the relevance and 4IR implementation of postal services in developing countries: A case study of South Africa. Social Sciences, Humanities and Education Journal (SHE Journal) Online) Social Sciences, Humanities and Education Journal, (53), 393-410. https://hdl.handle.net/10210/512420
Pattanayak, S., & Verdugo-Yepes, C. (2020). Protecting public infrastructure from vulnerabilities to corruption: A risk-based approach. In M. Schwartz & M. Fouad (Eds.), Well spent: How strong infrastructure governance can end waste in public investment (pp. 175–200). International Monetary Fund.
Popoola, J. (2020). Globalisation and Nigeria’s economic development—a study of the interconnectedness. Open Journal of Political Science, 10(03), 460–480. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Ramolobe, K. S., & Khandanisa, U. (2024). The role of public-private partnership in achieving local government sustainable development. Africa’s Public Service Delivery & Performance Review, 12(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.4102/apsdpr.v12i1.816
Richards, K. A. R., & Hemphill, M. A. (2018). A practical guide to collaborative qualitative data analysis. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 37(2), 225–231.
Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). Free Press.
Rotatori, D., Lee, E. J., & Sleeva, S. (2021). The evolution of the workforce during the fourth Industrial Revolution. Human Resource Development International, 24(1), 92–103. https://doi.org/10.1080/13678868.2020.1767453
Scholkmann, A. B. (2021). Resistance to (digital) change: Individual, systemic and learning-related perspectives. Digital transformation of learning organisations, 219-236. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-55878-9_13
Schwab, K. (2024). 8. The Fourth Industrial Revolution-What It Means and How to Respond. In Handbook of Research on Strategic Leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Vol. 29). Edward Elgar Publishing.
Sehgal, N. K., Bhatt, P. C. P., & Acken, J. M. (2020). Cloud computing with security and scalability. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-07242-0
Shibambu, A. (2024). Transformation of digital government services in the public sector in South Africa. Africa’s Public Service Delivery & Performance Review, 12(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.4102/apsdpr.v12i1.753
Sutherland, E. (2020). The fourth industrial revolution–the case of South Africa. Politikon, 47(2), 233-252. https://doi.org/10.1080/02589346.2019.1696003
Theodorakopoulos, L., & Theodoropoulou, A. (2024). Leveraging big data analytics for understanding consumer behaviour in digital marketing: A systematic review. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 2024(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/3641502
Thusi, X., & Selepe, M. M. (2023). The impact of poor governance on public service delivery: A case study of the South African local government. International Journal of Social Science Research and Review, 6(4), 688–697. http://dx.doi.org/10.47814/ijssrr.v6i4.993
Verhoef, P. C., Broekhuizen, T., Bart, Y., Bhattacharya, A., Dong, J. Q., Fabian, N., & Haenlein, M. (2021). Digital transformation: A multidisciplinary reflection and research agenda. Journal of Business Research, 122, 889-901. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.09.022
Ukoba, K., Medupin, R. O., Yoro, K. O., Eterigho-Ikelegbe, O., & Jen, T. C. (2024). Role of the fourth industrial revolution in attaining universal energy access and net-zero objectives. Energy, 360(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energ.2024.100002
Zervoudi, E. K. (2020). Fourth industrial revolution: opportunities, challenges, and proposed policies. Industrial Robotics-New Paradigms. 1-51
Zhu, Q., Huang, S. Z., & Koompai, S. (2024). Digital transformation as a catalyst for green innovation: An Examination of high-tech enterprises in China's Yangtze River Delta. Sustainable Futures, 8, 124–142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2024.100277
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Copyright (c) 2025 Peter Babajide Oloba
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
