7490 research outputs found
Sort by
Eco-leadership determinants necessary for effective sustainability implementation
Get PDFSustainability is regarded globally as one of the key focus areas for organisations and requires also considering environmental and social performance in addition to economic performance. Eco-leadership is required to ensure operations impact society and the environment in a positive manner, in particular in the retail sector as customers have become conscious of their purchases being produced sustainably. The main objective of this study was thus to explore eco-leadership determinants necessary for sustainability implementation in retail organisations. The research was aimed at expanding knowledge about how retailers can implement or improve their sustainability status by following an eco-leadership approach. A literature review was conducted on what leadership in organisations entailed and how it can be described in terms of leaders’ characteristics, work practices and decisions. In addition a review on, leader qualities and leadership styles in general and of change leaders such as eco-leaders, sustainability strategies from both an environmental and socially responsible view in general and of the retail sector, was provided. The study followed a qualitative research approach using purposive sampling to identify the 11 participants from across the provinces in South Africa and retail product categories comprising of two hard-line retailers, five soft goods and consumables retailers, three FMCG retailers and one art retailer. A semi-structured interview guide was utilised to gather primary data using face-to-face, telephonic and email interviews. Content and constant comparative analysis was used to analyse the data. It appears that retailers ascribe eco-leadership in relation to resource management-, being people centred and practising sustainability leadership. All retailers seem to demonstrate their commitment to eco-leadership and serve society. Their sustainability status is publicised via digital and print media or visually displayed in-store. They practise eco-leadership as it is beneficial for their reputation or to ensure business continuity. Retailers use innovation and incorporate eco-leadership into their business models and have further plans to improve their sustainability.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 202
Modelling the factors that motivate home users to protect their home networking devices
Get PDFMost home users do not have access to the typical managed security measures employed in organizations, which leaves them alone in managing the security of their computing devices and home networks. This research focuses on the securing of home networking devices, which with faster, always-on networking technologies, are increasingly vulnerable to attack. To develop interventions that aim to assist home users with securing their home networking devices, it is imperative to understand why they protect or do not protect their home networking devices. Therefore, this research study models the factors that motivate home users to protect their home networking devices. The study limits data collection to South African fibre users, a fast-growing segment of the South African population. Following a comprehensive literature review, the study adopted the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) as the primary framework for the conceptual research model. Factors from the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) were included to enrich the theoretical model. A measurement instrument consisting of 53 questionnaire items measuring thirteen (13) constructs was developed. After that, a structural model that hypothesized fifteen (15) relationships between constructs was created. The conceptual research model was evaluated through structural equation modeling (SEM) using empirical data gathered from a sample of 392 South African home fibre users. Interestingly, trust in the service provider did not significantly impact perceived vulnerability or severity. This implies that initiatives from the service provider will not necessarily have the desired impact on home user behavior. Additionally, trust in technology did not impact perceived severity and only partially impacted perceived vulnerability. This suggests that home users did not think that the security features of their home networking devices helped much. Of course, these results are in the context of this study and may not necessarily be generalizable to other populations or contexts. Further work to understand the role of service and technology providers may be helpful. The negative relationship between technology anxiety and both perceived task anxiety and self-efficacy supports the call for more or better security awareness interventions. The positive relationship between social influence and perceived vulnerability and severity suggests that these awareness interventions may be best delivered through community involvement. This study contributes to understanding the factors that influence home users’ intentions to protect their home networking devices.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 202
A study of employee perceptions on water saving to align sustainable automotive manufacturing with operations
Get PDFSustainability has become a key strategic management focus area for XY Group. One element of this sustainability goal is water saving. Water saving measures usually entail implementing novel process technologies or processes to measure and reduce consumption. Furthermore, it also requires behavioural changes. Although water sustainability has strategic significance, effective implementation in operations is often lacking in the organisation. In addition, when implementing water sustainability initiatives, the novel and seemingly disconnected nature to the rest of the production activities, lead to more challenges of alignment among the necessary departments. Better alignment will translate to a higher level of commitment and more effective implementation of water sustainability initiatives. This research aimed to understand the perceptions of managers and employees toward water sustainability. In addition, it aimed to identify the factors that could support in driving water sustainability at an organisational level. The research achieved these objectives and identified key drivers of sustainable and lean-green manufacturing. The outcome of the research is a conceptual model that can assist manufacturing organisations in improving the level of alignment and execution of sustainability initiatives. Underpinning this research is a positivistic philosophy using quantitative methodology. Data was collected via an online questionnaire from N=172 respondents. The analysis of this data provided insights that answered the research questions. The primary findings show a sense of urgency and optimism currently exists towards sustainable manufacturing. Underpinning this, the study found a high level of perceived trust within the organisation. In addition, the level of vertical alignment achieved through integration of sustainability into business strategies influenced perceptions. Although, the level of effectiveness of initiatives remains hindered by the level of horizontal alignment within the organisation. Collaboration, combining lean and green manufacturing, and senior management commitment will support driving water sustainability further in future.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 202
Exploring university level admissions decision-making based on access testing and undergraduate admissions variables
Get PDFDecision-making is an essential everyday cognitive function. How people go about making judgements and decisions is difficult to pin down. The reason for this lies in the inherent nature of decision-making, which is uncertain and variable because decision-making is a human cognitive process that is context-dependent. However, the body of research on judgement and decision-making (JDM) is concerned with describing what people are 'actually' thinking, when they make decisions or judgements. This study applied the descriptive theories of the Social-Judgement Theory (SJT) and the Cognitive-Continuum Theory (CCT), in order to understand decision-making in an undergraduate, entry-level admission decision-making context, in which decision-makers used access testing and school results, to make admission decisions at Nelson Mandela University. The sample consisted of four consultants from the Centre for Access Assessment and Research (CAAR) who volunteered to participate in the study. While the sample was small, it was nonetheless deemed to be adequate as 57% of the consultants at CAAR were included in the sample. Using the SJT methodological approach, an experiment was conducted to mirror the real-life context of decision-making at CAAR. As CAAR consultants were used to test, and school results being presented on a profile when they made decisions, a sample of 120 of these was drawn from a repository, with 60 of them requiring decisions for degree admission (to B Com Accounting) and 60 for diploma admission (to the Diploma in Accountancy). Ten degree and 10 diploma profiles were duplicated to check for consistency in decision-making. As SJT suggests restricting the number of cues used, a process was instituted to identify the cues perceived to be used most frequently to make decisions at CAAR. This resulted in 5 cues being included on the cue profile. In Phase 1 of the experiment the CAAR consultants made admission decisions using a familiar cue profile in terms of how the information was presented visually and numerically. In phase 2 the information was presented using a different visual format, which was more closely aligned to the intuitive decision-making mode that most consultants used. A 2 x 2 within-subjects experimental design was thus employed with two independent variables, namely, profile type and program type. Descriptive statistics and correlational and regression analyses were used to describe the judgement policies of the consultants in terms of the time taken, the difficulty ratings, and the cue use and its importance). The indices of the Lens Model Equation (LME) of SJT were used to describe the decision-achievement levels, and the Task-Continuum Index (TCI) was computed to describe which cognitive modes were used. xvii The results revealed that decision-makers have unique, varied, and changeable judgement policies, with regard to the time taken, the perception of difficulty, and the decision outcomes and had a tendency to rely more on the school results, while the regression models derived indicated that test results made a stronger contribution to the decision outcome. The consultants found degree decisions easier than diploma decisions, and the consultants perceived the contribution and weighting of the cues somewhat differently, once the format of the cue profile had changed in Phase 2, although they made decisions more quickly in Phase 2. The decision-makers also displayed individualised patterns of decision achievement that differed for degree and diploma programs. Furthermore, in terms of the cognitive mode, decision-makers were thinking quasi-rationally and they largely used the cognitive modes of computer modelling or expert judgement. Thus, by synergistically using the two theories of JDM, the researcher was able to determine baseline information for understanding decision- making in an admission context. Furthermore, suggestions were made in terms of the nature of the feedback and training that could be provided to decision-makers to enhance their future decision-making. Suggestions were also made regarding how the methodology used and findings of this study could be applied in other contexts, such as when training students in psychological assessment.Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Health Science, 202
Exploring culturally adapted psychological interventions for mental illness in South Africa: A scoping review
Get PDFCulturally appropriate interventions are crucial for its universal applicability. Although it is well documented that mental health practitioners need to consider cultural factors when working with clients, there is a paucity of research concerning culturally adapted psychological treatments within South Africa. Mental Health practitioners use borrowed Westernised methods of psychological interventions, whose effectiveness has been proven to work on people with different values and belief systems from those of South Africa. This study sought to map the literature on culturally adapted psychological interventions in the South African context. The main research question of the study is: “According to the literature, what are the culturally adapted psychological interventions available for use in the South African context?” Employing the scoping review methodology, published literature was sourced from various electronic databases. The data is presented in a table format using the thematic framework. The study found that out of 250 records that were retrieved, we identified nine articles describing four distinct interventions in treating three mental illnesses in South Africa. Cognitive behaviour therapy (n = 3), behaviour activation (n=2) mindfulness-based stress reduction (n=2) interpersonal therapy (n=1) and Motivational interviewing (n=1) surfaced as culturally adapted psychological interventions to treat people with depression, trauma and substance use disorder. Improvement in symptoms was a common result of all therapies. The potential benefit of the study is to provide recommendations that will inform further research and clinical practice.Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Health Science, 202
Finite difference methods for Burgers-Huxley equation and biofilm formation
Get PDFIn this thesis, we constructed some versions of finite difference scheme for the Burgers-Huxley equation and for a set of partial differential equations (PDEs) arising in biofilm formation. The Burgers-Huxley equation serves as a fundamental model that describes the interaction between reaction mechanisms, convection effects, and diffusion transport. It has applications in the study of wave mechanics, population dynamics, physiology, fluid mechanics to list but a few. The study of biofilm formation is becoming increasingly important due to micro-organisms (i.e. bacteria) forming a protected mode from the host defense mechanism which may result in alteration in the host gene transcription and growth rate. Applications can be found useful in the treatment of bacterial infections, contamination of foods and water quality. We designed two nonstandard finite difference and two exponential finite difference schemes for the Burgers-Huxley equation. Numerical experiments with six cases and in three different regimes were studied. We show that the nonstandard scheme preserves the properties of the continuous equation which include positivity and boundedness. The stability region of the explicit exponential scheme was obtained and we outlined the algorithm for the implicit exponential scheme. The performance of the four schemes are compared in regard to absolute error, relative error, L1 and L∞ norms. For a singularly perturbed Burgers-Huxley equation, a novel nonstandard finite difference technique is constructed. It is demonstrated numerically that the NSFD scheme outperforms the classical scheme by comparing maximum pointwise errors and rate of convergence. We then solved the 2D Burgers-Huxley equation using four novel nonstandard finite difference schemes (NSFD1, NSFD2, NSFD3 and NSFD4). The numerical profiles from NSFD1 and NSFD2 exhibit some deviation from the exact profile. Our quest for a better performing scheme led to the modification of NSFD1 using the remainder effect technique. NSFD4 was designed by employing the time splitting approach. All the schemes preserve the properties of the continuous model (positivity and boundedness). The performance of all the schemes are analysed. We construct three nonstandard finite difference schemes for the equations modelling biomass equation and coupled substrate-biomass system of equations respectively. We checked the accuracy of our scheme by the conservation of physical properties (positivity, boundedness, biofilm formation and annihilation) since an analytical solution is not available. We show the instability, lack of conservation of physical properties by the classical scheme. Our proposed scheme shows good performance when compared with other results in the literature. The results here give more insight into the benefits of the nonstandard finite difference approximations.Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics , 202
Establishment of a high-content neurodegenerative disease model screening platform
Get PDFThe identification of viable therapeutic targets and new treatments for central nervous system disorders, especially neurodegenerative diseases, remain major challenges in the field of drug discovery. Over the past few years there has been a steady decline in the turnaround time of current screening processes to yield viable drugs. Therefore, an increasing need exists for better technologies, protocols, and the screening of larger libraries. High-throughput screening provides the best solution to this problem and has become a key part in the drug discovery and development process. Likewise, high-content analysis has gained popularity over the past few years and is suitable for high-throughput screening. The aim of this study was to establish a comprehensive in vitro neuroprotective screening platform incorporating high throughput screening, using Parkinson’s disease as the neurodegenerative disease of interest. To evaluate the success of this platform, the neuroprotective potential of two mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus and Phlebopus sudanicus), two plants (Lippia javanica and Myrothamnus flabellifolia) and two seaweeds (Eucheuma denticulatum and Kappaphycus alvarezii) were investigated. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the selected natural products were evaluated across 21 parameters associated with four hallmarks of neurodegeneration: acquiring senescence, acquiring cell death, neuroinflammation and altered metabolism/cell survival. Based on the effects of these selected natural products on the 21 parameters, their potential mechanisms of action were elucidated. In addition to this, the natural products were scored under each of these therapeutic targets in an attempt to identify the most suitable animal models for future studies. The scoring system indicated that animal models investigating anti-senescence ability would be more suited for extracts of H. erinaceus, P. sudanicus and E. denticulatum whereas studies investigating the prevention of cell death would be more suited for extracts of E. denticulatum, L. javanica and K. alvarezii. Likewise, models based on neuroinflammation would be best suited for extracts of H. erinaceus, E. denticulatum and L. javanica while studies examining altered metabolism/cell survival would be best suited to extracts of H. erinaceus, E. denticulatum, K. alvarezii and M. flabellifolia. Considering the pleiotropic nature of the selected natural products, models that can combine these therapeutic targets could be of great interest. 6-OHDA proved to be capable of inducing favourable effects, in all the parameters investigated, with regard to a neurodegenerative state. However, it is known to have some disadvantages when it comes to pathological features such as the lack of the ability to induce Lewy body formation. Choosing the correct inducer remains a daunting task and no model, whether cell-based or animal-based, exists yet in which all the features of neurodegenerative diseases have been successfully replicated. The limitations of the current models, however, does not mean that they do not produce valuable insights. This is especially true if the mechanism of action for a specific compound or natural product is unknown. Animal models are still indispensable for the validation and interpretation of the results obtained from cell models with particular importance to toxicity. Therefore, this study assessed the best studied extract with the highest overall score for its toxicity using a zebrafish larvae-based model. Assessment of the toxicity of H. erinaceus revealed that both aqueous and ethanolic extracts resulted in death at the highest concentrations. This was supported by the results obtained in the in vitro cytotoxicity screening. In conclusion, this highlighted the importance of using physiologically relevant concentrations and supported the translational value of the current cell-based screening model to animal models and possibly humans. The findings of the present study suggest that a scoring system, which categorizes the different activities of selected natural products into distinct groups, can be a useful tool to improve the translatability of in vitro results to animal models. Furthermore, the current study arguably provides the most comprehensive neuroprotective screening platform in existence. Future research can look at expanding the platform through incorporation of additional parameters based on other hallmarks of neurodegeneration, not covered in this study, including protein folding and aggregation, altered epigenetics and the examination of other neuronal markers such as the involvement of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. In addition to this, future research can make use of more sophisticated cell models such as differentiated, human induced pluripotent stem cells and three-dimensional cultures.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 202
Evaluating antidiabetic properties of selected African medicinal plants in a cell-based model
Get PDFThe World Health Organisation lists diabetes as one of the major non-communicable diseases affecting the world, and its prevalence is expected to increase rapidly. Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterised by insulin resistance and impaired blood glucose control. T2DM is of growing concern within South Africa, with 10.8% of the population currently diagnosed. The popularity, as well as availability, of traditional plant-based medicine in South Africa, might provide a solution. Antidiabetic potential is commonly tested by in vitro assays, however the methods to test this potential via gluconeogenesis are limited. This project aimed to optimise an in vitro hepatic gluconeogenesis model. In addition, this project aimed to determine the antidiabetic properties of Prunus africana, Hypoxis stellipilis, and Eriocephalus africanus by in vitro analysis. These properties were examined in human hepatoma cells (C3A cell line) and rat pancreatic cells (INS1 cell line) and methods included: cytotoxicity analysis, Amplex® red glucose oxidase assay, antibody staining, gene expression analysis by RT-qPCR, oxidative stress analysis, and calcium signaling for insulin release. Insulin resistance was successfully induced by exposing C3A hepatocarcinoma cells to a combination treatment of 50 μM dexamethasone, 1.25 mM fructose and 0.125 mM palmitic acid for a period of three days. Thereafter, gluconeogenesis was assessed using the Amplex® red glucose oxidase assay. The established model was effective in inducing insulin resistance and upregulating gluconeogenesis. Of the tested plant extracts, H. stellipilis showed the most potential as an antidiabetic treatment. It had low toxicity, significantly decreased hepatic glucose production and reduced the amount of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK) and well as PCK gene expression, and reduced lipid content and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the C3A cell line. H. stellipilis increased calcium signalling in INS1 rat insulinoma cells, however there was a decrease in expression of genes for insulin and glucose transporter 2 after 6 hr exposure. H. stellipilis appears be beneficial as an antidiabetic treatment. Although antidiabetic studies have been done on other Hypoxis species, this is the first study on the effects of H. stellipilis on gluconeogenesis and diabetes.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 202
Pyrolysis of algal biomass and coal in a rotary kiln reactor: Pyrolysis behaviour, product distribution and kinetic analysis
Get PDFThere are two primary reasons why the global economy is gradually reducing its dependence on coal as an energy source. Firstly, coal reserves are finite, and while some argue that current reserves will last for generations, the reality is that coal is a non-renewable resource. Secondly, the emissions associated with coal usage have adverse effects on both the environment and human health. While European countries have adopted seemingly aggressive strategies to replace coal and other fossil fuels, South Africa and other developing nations face economic constraints that limit such actions. Fortunately, there are more conservative approaches that can be employed, one of which involves a gradual introduction of renewable energy sources into the energy grid. Wind, solar, and biomass currently stand as the major renewable energy sources under consideration. However, it's worth noting that the intermittent nature of wind and solar energy production poses a significant challenge. Biomass holds the potential to replace coal in retrofitted coal-fired plants. However, the unchecked utilisation of biomass can lead to deforestation and have adverse effects on the human and animal food supply chain, as many essential food items are derived from plants. The debate over using biomass as a fuel source, especially when some types of biomasses can serve as food for humans and animals, has been a subject of ongoing discussion. Furthermore, biomass exhibits a lower energy density when compared to coal. Combustion stands as the primary technology for converting coal into energy and is widely used in most coal-based power plants. Gasification, on the other hand, has been employed for years in South Africa as a coal-to-liquids technology to supplement transportation fuel requirements and reduce reliance on crude oil imports. Pyrolysis, too, has found application as a key method for obtaining high-energy coal char, serving both as an energy source and a reducing agent in blast furnaces for the steelmaking industry. Pyrolysis technologies are gaining popularity in biomass-to-liquids processes due to their simplicity. Currently, there is growing research interest in simultaneous pyrolysis of coal and biomass. The study presented in this thesis focuses on investigating the pyrolysis of Scenedesmus algae biomass and low-grade coal in a small-scale rotary kiln, with particular emphasis on the synthesised liquid products. Algae represent a unique type of biomass that can be cultivated in photo-bioreactors with minimal use of agricultural land. This suggests significant potential for large-scale cultivation of algae, and ongoing efforts are exploring strategies for the mass production of algal biomass.Firstly, pyrolysis studies were carried out via thermogravimetric analysis instruments. It was revealed that because of algae’s considerably higher volatile content and lower carbon content when compared to coal, the pyrolysis process of algal biomass occurred at a faster rate. The highest pyrolytic reactivity of algae was 0.41 mg/min occurring at approximately 290 ᵒC in comparison with coal’s 0.06 mg/min occurring in the approximate temperature range of 550 – 600 ᵒC. The magnitude of the reactivity of the blends depended on the coal/algae ratios used. Furthermore, kinetics analysis revealed that the overall pyrolytic decomposition of coal followed 2nd order kinetics with an activation energy of 81.8 kJ/mol. The decomposition of algae and coal-algae blends occurred in two stages; the first stage decomposition followed 2nd order kinetics with activation energies in the range 130.3 – 145.5 kJ/mol. The second stage decomposition of algae followed 1st order kinetics with an activation energy of 27.3 kJ/mol, whilst coal-algae blends followed 2nd order decomposition with an activation energy range of 69.4 – 74.2 kJ/mol. Secondly, pyrolysis studies were carried out in a rotary kiln reactor wherefrom the char products were collected, and pyrolytic gases condensed to obtain pyroligneous liquid. It was found that the composition of oils synthesised from the pyrolysis of coal was rich in paraffins (52.6 % at 550 ᵒC), however the yield of oil from the pyrolysis of coal was low (6.9 %). Oils from algae and coal-algae blends were dominated by alcohols, fatty acids, fatty acid esters and poly-cyclic aromatic compounds. For example, the most abundant compounds in algae oil produced at 550 ᵒC were fatty acid esters (28.8 %), alcohols (17.6 %), fatty acids (10.8 %) and unsaturated aliphatics (10.7 %); the oil yield obtained from pyrolysis of algae was 40 %. The yields and composition of oils obtained from coal-algae blends were linked to individual contributions from coal and algae, especially at 550 ᵒC; however, the contributions were not proportional due to synergistic effects. This kind of study will contribute to the already existing but limited literature on coal-algae pyrolysis. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the potential of using low-grade coals (an abundant resource in Southern Africa) in conjunction with algal biomass (a renewable resource), in large-scale synthesis of liquid fuels and valuable chemicals via a simple pyrolysis process.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 202
A digital transformation framework for municipalities in the Eastern Cape
Get PDFDigital transformation (DT) integrates technology into all business areas, fundamentally changing how businesses operate and deliver value to their clients. It is also a cultural change that requires organisations to continually challenge the status quo, experiment and get comfortable with change. Smart Municipalities in South Africa have various challenges concerning integrating services and information flow among departments within the municipalities, thus preventing the creation of value for the citizens. The ongoing digital transformation revolutionises urban development and governance, offering opportunities for enhanced citizen services, resource optimisation, and sustainable growth. However, the complexity of implementing smart city initiatives demands a structured approach. Due to urbanisation, municipal management in developing nations must deal with issues like increased energy consumption, pollution, the disposal of toxic wastes, resource depletion, ineffective management of urban infrastructures, ineffective planning processes, overloaded transportation networks, endemic congestion, as well as social inequality and socioeconomic disparity. The extent of digital adoption in the South African province of the Eastern Cape has provided municipalities with a learning opportunity to change into data-driven Smart Municipalities in order to increase productivity, growth, employment, and the need for people with a variety of skills. This study required a review of the literature to examine digital transformation, Smart Municipalities, Smart Municipalities at national and international levels, and Smart Municipality models. The literature review also helped to create a Smart Municipality conceptual model. Data for this study were collected in four Eastern Cape municipalities, namely: DR. AB. Xuma, Enoch Mgijima, Intsika Yethu Local municipalities, and their critical stakeholder Chris Hani District Municipality. The population was all municipal workers, including Municipal Managers, Councillors, Executive Management, ICT officials, Unit Managers, Computer Users and other municipal employees who were using IT to do their job responsibilities within the municipalities. This research study followed a positivistic approach using quantitative methods of analysis. Accordingly, the conceptual model was hypothesised and tested using a questionnaire to collect data and the data were statistically analysed. The study followed a descriptive research designwith a quantitative approach. Various statistical analyses were conducted, including descriptive statistics, reliability and validity metrics of the research instrument, correlation coefficients and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). South Africa has provided municipalities with a learning opportunity to change into data-driven Smart Municipalities to increase productivity, growth, and employment supported by the need for people with a variety of skills. A Value Alignment Smart City Stakeholder (VASCS) model was created in previous research and identified nine dimensions of a smart city, namely Smart Economy, Smart Environment, Smart Governance, Smart Living, Smart Mobility, Smart Organisation, Smart People, Smart Policies and Smart Technology. Due to lack of DT framework and guidelines that guides municipalities on how they can adopt Smart Municipality concept, the objective of this study was to propose and evaluate a Value Alignment Smart Municipality Stakeholder (VASMS) model for municipalities in the Eastern Cape. The nine dimensions were empirically evaluated by stakeholders in four Eastern Cape municipalities. The results depict a change towards the importance of developing a Smart Municipality in the four municipalities, while following appropriate planning, designing, management, operations and governance guidelines. The respondents regarded the smart policy dimension as the most important dimension in the proposed VASMS model. This study further provided practical guidelines for the adoption of smart municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This proposed VASMS model aims to address the unique challenges faced by municipalities in the Eastern Cape as they embark on their digital transformation journey. It outlines a stepby- step process encompassing strategic planning, technological integration, stakeholder engagement, and governance restructuring. Moreover, it emphasises the importance of fostering a collaborative ecosystem between government agencies, private sector partners, and citizens. By offering this VASMS model, this research contributes to the advancement of Smart Municipality initiatives in the Eastern Cape, ultimately paving the way for more efficient, resilient, and citizen-centric urban environments.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computing Sciences, 202