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The high incidence of crime in South Africa poses a significant threat to both the safety of its citizens and the country’s financial stability (Ras and Els 2023). Violent acts, such as murder, theft, and abuse of women, instil constant fear among the population, discouraging investment and exacerbating economic hardship. However, advancements in technology could help combat these challenges. For instance, AI can support counter-terrorism operations by automating threat detection, optimising intelligence analysis, and strengthening cybersecurity measures. These innovations would not only improve national security by addressing both conventional and unconventional threats, but also enhance public safety and foster trust between the community and law enforcement. It is crucial to embrace these technological solutions to ensure South Africans do not lose faith in their legal system. Additionally, AI-powered Machine Learning (ML) programmes can assist in curbing terrorist activities by analysing intelligence data and improving network security, thus fortifying the country’s defence against a range of security threats (Nikolic 2024).
Moreover, one of the biggest problems that South Africa is facing today is unemployment, especially among young people. With employment rates being over 30% and youth joblessness surpassing 60%, there is potential for serious social and economic unrest (Ipsos 2023). However, AI- based innovations could help by creating new industries, optimising some old ones and providing opportunities for upskilling and retraining. Agrobusiness, for example, is optimistic that the productivity of this sector will increase, and jobs will be created in rural areas due to AI (Cook and O’Neill 2020). The widespread adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies has the potential to drive urban economic growth (Fox and Signé 2021). By automating routine and repetitive tasks, these technologies can free up human resources to focus on more specialised, value-added roles, enhancing the workforce’s ability to adapt to economic shifts. This transition could contribute to a more dynamic and resilient economy, capable of responding effectively to changing demands and fostering innovation across various sectors (Whitehead et al. 2021).
South Africa’s political unrest persists, with political rivals engaging in corruption, citizens protesting for better services, and those in power misappropriating funds. These challenges make it difficult to govern effectively and erode public trust in state institutions. Additionally, the rise of populism and the fragmentation of politics further complicate decision-making by officials (Accord 2021). In this environment, AI can play a crucial role in governance by providing data-driven insights that guide policymaking, promote transparency, and reduce corruption. For instance, AI-based tools could be used to monitor government expenditures in real time, identify
discrepancies, and track the use of public resources, thereby fostering accountability and rebuilding public trust in the system (Martinez 2024).
Deforestation, soil erosion, water scarcity and pollution which are aggravated by climate change have put tremendous pressure on South Africa’s environment. The increasing occurrence of droughts, floods and heat waves has had serious consequences both for economic growth as well as poor communities (World Bank Group 2021). AI systems can help answer questions associated with environmental monitoring, resource use optimisation, adaptation to climate change, etc. One of these would be AI-based systems designed specifically for forest monitoring, water management improvement or agriculture development. Such efforts are important in dealing with problems related to global warming while fostering sustainable development (Mana et al. 2024).
South Africa’s public health system has long struggled with weaknesses, exacerbated by diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, a reality further highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic (Abdool Karim and Baxter 2022). The pandem- ic underscored the urgent need for a more resilient and responsive healthcare system capable of addressing new and emerging threats. AI offers significant potential to enhance public health by improving disease monitoring, optimising healthcare service delivery, and strengthening health emergency management. AI’s predictive models can track the progression of infectious disease outbreaks, enabling targeted interventions and ensuring the optimal use of resources (Mana et al. 2024). Additionally, AI en- hances telemedicine by improving patient data manage- ment, leading to better healthcare outcomes through a more personalised approach (Bajwa et al. 2021).
There is a need for an integrated response to these interrelated crises through public innovation and sustainable development. AI stands out in its capacity to use cross-sectoral data to bolster this holistic approach. South Africa should leverage AI technology so that it could come up with solutions that not only respond to the immediate problems but also create resilience as well as sustainability in the long run. In this case, public innovation means using AI in improving public services delivery, increasing peoples’ engagement with authorities and enhancing social inclusion among individuals. For instance, AI-designed platforms can be used so that citizens can participate more inclusively in decision- making processes, thereby helping policymakers to know how best they can tailor policies addressing the needs of diverse groups.
The purpose of this study is to explore the effective use of AI-powered approaches to foster sustainable innovation
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