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to energy for many populations. This manuscript embraces innovation and alternative energy systems as the solution to the energy crisis.
In their manuscript titled ‘Harnessing Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies for sustainable development in the South Durban Basin’, Smith and Majola explore the potential of 4IR technologies to foster sustainable development in an area grappling with socio-economic and environmental challenges. Yengopal and Khan’s manuscript on ‘Proposed design of high- voltage tower theft detection and monitoring device’ addresses the increased theft of steel members and tower footing, which degrades South Africa’s electrical infrastructure, as it aims to develop and test a novel device for detecting theft in real time. Ntini’s manuscript on ‘Technologies of state violence and repression – an overview’ delves into the use of technology by the state to maintain its longevity, hegemony, and national order through the practice of repression.
Mbambo evaluates innovative building technologies in low-cost government-assisted housing developments and their contribution towards climate-resilient sustainable human settlements. Mathaulula, Nemutandani, Mushaphi and Francis reflect on and share key insights gained from implementation of the Innovation Champions for Local Economic Development pilot project in Vhembe District, South Africa. Tawonga explored how digital transformation necessitates a rethinking of social policy frameworks to ensure social contracts remain relevant and effective. This digs deeper into how digitalisation impacts areas such as employment, education, and social nets. In their manuscript on ‘The nature of innovation: A study of the informal construction sector in Sweetwaters, KwaZulu- Natal’, Mayeki, Maziya, Petersen and Mustapha explore the nature of innovation in informal construction and investigate barriers and interactions for innovation within the sector.
Tshishonga and Mafema interrogate the way in which African state governments use or abuse governmentality to control and manipulate citizens through responsibilisation, and argue that state power often consolidates Rousseau’s social contract theory as one of the controlling measures. In their manuscript on ‘Closing the digital gap through participatory platforms at the local government level’, Tshishonga, Mthethwaa and Rooi hold the view that digital participatory platforms are crucial for increasing community engagement in decision-making processes and improving participation. They seek to evaluate the role and impact of adopting digital participatory platforms in closing the digital gap at local government level. All of the abstracts submitted, and manuscripts presented underwent a double-blind peer review process. This would
be impossible without the support that was provided by our reviewers. I extend my appreciation to the authors for their contributions and to the reviewers for their expertise and dedication. I also extend my sincere thanks to our partners, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South African Local Government Association (SALGA), and Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau. I extend my gratitude to our keynote lecturers and panellists, Nora Clinton (University College London), Dr Mlungisi Cele (National Advisory Council on Innovation), Dr Meron Okbandrias (University of the Western Cape), Mr Lonwabo Ntsinde (Microsoft), Dr Kavisha Nandhlal (Innovation Space (Pty) Ltd), Prof Johan Schot (Utrecht University), and Dr Chux Daniels (University of Sussex).
I hope that the insights shared in this volume will inspire further research, policy innovation and grassroots action towards a sustainable future.
Prof SItheMBISo LINdeLIhLe MyeNI
Conference Chair
SCIeNtIfIC CoMMIttee
dr andrew okem, University of KwaZulu-Natal
dr Mlungisi Cele, National Advisory Council on Innovation
Prof Kedibone Phago, North-West University
Mr aubrey Mpungose, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Prof Claudia Loggia, University of KwaZulu-Natal
dr Simangele dlamini, Human Sciences Research Council
Prof Pauline adebayo, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Prof oliver Mtapuri, University of KwaZulu-Natal
dr tshepang Mosiea, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation
dr edmore Ntini, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Prof Mandla Masuku, University of KwaZulu-Natal
dr Bahati Baruti amisi, University of KwaZulu-Natal
dr Ndwakhulu tshishonga, University of KwaZulu-Natal dr Petrus Letaba, University of Pretoria
dr Paul Plantinga, Human Sciences Research Council
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