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The scarcity of water and energy in South Africa impacts multiple domestic and economic sectors, such as agriculture, industry, energy production, and ecosystems. This leads to diminished output, environmental degradation, and loss of biodiversity. The challenges are closely associated with the ongoing overexploitation of natural resources, attributable to the transformative effects of industrialisation and urbanisation. Current trends in energy and resource consumption, agricultural systems, and urban expansion are largely unsustainable and necessitate strategic interventions to mitigate environmental damage and promote long-term resilience. In the absence of oversight, these trends could exacerbate detrimental climate change patterns and limit economic growth. This study investigates the ongoing challenges related to the manufacturing sector's impact on water and energy resource depletion, while also assessing the potential cost savings from adopting cleaner production technologies. This study provides a significant contribution by presenting empirical evidence from the iLembe District, utilising a quantitative research design. A survey was performed across multiple factories in the iLembe Municipal District of South Africa. Of the 262 businesses surveyed, 184 out of 191 responses were considered reliable for data analysis. The study objectives were evaluated through descriptive and correlation analyses to assess the impact of digital technology on water, energy, and operational cost savings in manufacturing organisations within the district. The findings suggest that manufacturing organisations in the iLembe Municipal District demonstrated a lack of commitment to adopting digital technology as a waste management strategy to decrease electricity and water consumption. Respondents concurred that their organisations have achieved cost reductions by implementing cleaner production processes. The research demonstrated that digital technology has a beneficial effect on water and energy conservation, cost reduction, and the improvement of organisational performance. Management must understand the beneficial effects of digital technology to guarantee sustainable organisational performance..

This paper aims to establish the uptake of Internet of Things (IoT) by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the digital era in emerging economies. This study aims to 1) determine adoption of IoT by SMEs during digital era in emerging economies, 2) establish challenges faced by SMEs in implementing IoT in emerging economies, and 3) develop a framework for digital transformation for SMEs in digital era in emerging economies. Systematic literature review approach was used. Articles from Scopus database ranging from 2018 to 2023 was used. 57 articles were shortlisted out of 153 articles. PRISMA framework was therefore used to perform systematic review analysis. Results demonstrate that in emerging economies, SMEs do not or are slowly adopting IoT concepts, making them less competitive. The results also determine that although IoT has great promise in SMEs, the key constraint is a lack of strategic implementation frameworks for its deployment and widespread adoption. This study was therefore carried out to develop a framework that supports digital transformation for SMEs in the digital era for emerging economies. Results have significant managerial and practical implications as they offer some insights to SME managers on how they can improve on the uptake and adoption of internet of things in digital era.

This study aimed to assess the readiness of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in Mamelodi township to adopt the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Within the South African environment, small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) are frequently associated with a substantial rate of failure. Previous studies have investigated many factors that contribute to the low survival rate of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). However, most of the studies focused on managerial issues, such as lack of experience, ineffective management methods, insufficient financial management, and obsolete marketing techniques. Most established companies have adopted various technologies associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and are thriving as a result of the benefits associated with digitalization and automation. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the readiness of SMMEs in adopting the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and achieving similar benefits. Qualitative data was collected through interviews with owners and managers of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in Mamelodi township, Tshwane Municipality. The study found that SMMEs in Mamelodi are willing to adopt the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), while encountering various difficulties. The results provide significant insights for owners and managers of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in townships about the implementation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Furthermore, government organizations tasked with supporting the creation and sustainability of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are aware of the scope of their operations, specifically in a township like Mamelodi. The study provided a vital contribution to the growing body of research on Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in townships and their incorporation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The essay highlighted major barriers that hinder the adoption and use of existing technology, while also providing tangible evidence of the influence of contemporary technology on the development and success of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs).