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This research stream examines how emerging digital technologies can be applied to enable digital transformation, strengthen public-sector innovation, and support socio-economic development in emerging contexts. The work combines evidence-based reviews with applied socio-technical analysis across e-government, transport systems, cybersecurity capacity building, and Industry 5.0 readiness—emphasising resilient, human-centred, and context-aware technology adoption.
Futuristic intelligent transportation system architecture for sustainable road transportation in developing countries
Sustainable road transportation remains a major challenge in developing countries due to rapid urbanisation, population growth, and increasing motorisation, which intensify congestion, crashes, travel time, fuel consumption, and emissions. This study argues that Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), supported by an integrated ICT communication architecture, can improve safety and mobility through real-time traffic information, routing, and road-condition warnings. Using a critical review of relevant literature and industry innovations, the research identified ITS options suitable for developing contexts and assessed road-user perceptions through a survey conducted in two Indian cities. Based on these insights, a conceptual “futuristic” ITS architecture was developed, integrating land use, infrastructure, traffic, vehicle, human, and environmental parameters with ICT. The findings indicate that appropriately deployed ITS can support journey planning, reduce incidents, and enhance safe, efficient, and sustainable mobility in developing countries.
Research outputs
Tom, S., Das, D., & Honiball, J. (2016). Futuristic intelligent transportation system architecture for sustainable road transportation in developing countries. Proceedings of the 35th Southern African Transport Conference (SATC 2016 Southern African Transport Conference (SATC 2016) (pp. 207-224)
download (10).jpg4IR technologies in e-government service delivery
Part of the broader programme on developing a framework to integrate AI into m-government services to enhance data security, this study synthesises evidence on the use of 4IR technologies to strengthen e-government service delivery in African contexts. It identifies key technology trends, implementation constraints, and adoption considerations that inform secure, scalable public-sector digital transformation.
Role: Supervisor
Research outputs
Zitha, A., Mpekoa, N. & Tom, S. (2025). The Utilisation of Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies in e-Government Service Delivery: A Systematic Literature Review. African Conference on Information Systems and Technology.
download (10).jpg4IR technologies in e-government service delivery
Part of the broader programme on developing a framework to integrate AI into m-government services to enhance data security, this study synthesises evidence on the use of 4IR technologies to strengthen e-government service delivery in African contexts. It identifies key technology trends, implementation constraints, and adoption considerations that inform secure, scalable public-sector digital transformation.
Role: Supervisor
Research outputs
Zitha, A., Mpekoa, N. & Tom, S. (2025). The Utilisation of Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies in e-Government Service Delivery: A Systematic Literature Review. African Conference on Information Systems and Technology.
download (11).jpgSecurity and privacy-preserving frameworks for e-government
Part of the broader programme on developing a framework to integrate AI into m-government services to enhance data security, This study reviews frameworks that support security and privacy-preserving design in e-government systems, synthesising recurring mechanisms, governance considerations, and implementation challenges. It provides guidance for designing trustworthy digital public services.
Role: Supervisor
Research outputs
Zitha, A., Mpekoa, N. & Tom, S. (Submitted). Examining Frameworks for Security and Privacy-Preserving in E-government Systems: A Systematic Literature Review.
Root causes of revenue loss in Rapid Bus Transit systems (South Africa)
The purpose of this study was to investigate and determine the reason for the recent revenue loss endured by the Citi of Cape Towns’ automated fare collection system (AFCS), which forms part of the larger MyCiti Rapid Bus Transit System (BRT). To begin the investigation, the researcher targeted the point-of-sale system used as the transit card top-up terminals, as this is the main port for revenue into the system. The researcher set out to gather the technical data by means of open-ended questionnaire sent directly to the cashiers working with the payment system on a daily basis, in order to obtain the necessary information needed to reach a conclusion.
By combining the investigations into system log files, standard operation procedures and system manuals, together with field observations, it was determined that the monetary losses were not caused by incorrect use of the point of sale system by the cashiers, but rather directly related to a more fundamental system integration and security issue.
Role: Supervisor
BTech research in the department of Information Technology at Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Research outputs
Top ranked study in the in-house electronic publication of the top 10 research articles for BTech at Cape Peninsula University of Technology(2021)
Tom, S., Abrahams, S. (2024). The Root Cause of Revenue Loss by Rapid Bus Transit Systems in South Africa. In 2024 Conference on Information Communications Technology and Society (ICTAS). IEEE
download (12).jpgCognitive harmonisation for Industry 5.0 in South African manufacturing
This work proposes a cognitive harmonisation framework for Industry 5.0, addressing digital dualism and infrastructure instability in manufacturing environments. The framework supports human-centred, resilient adoption of advanced technologies under real-world constraints.
Research outputs
Tom, S., Antony, J (Submitted). A Cognitive Harmonisation Framework for Industry 5.0: Addressing Digital Dualism and Infrastructure Instability in South African Manufacturing. In IFIP Conference on Human Work Interaction Design. Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Factors for the Adoption of Immersive Technologies in Higher Education in South Africa
The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that could influence the adoption of immersive technologies in higher education institutions in South Africa. Due to the eruption of global crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic has forced everyone to work remotely and digitally. The higher institutes of learning are also not spared. Therefore, it is of paramount significance for institutions of higher learning to adopt learning systems that enhance teaching and learning remotely without too many interruptions. Immersive technologies could be the solution to this problem as it facilitates easy interactive learning and engagement between students and the learning material.
Role: Supervisor
Master's study in the department of Information Technology at Cape Peninsula University of Technology
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