It is argued that the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is being touted as having the capacity to lift South Africa out of the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequitable distribution of wealth. However, the state institutions such as the South African Police Service (SAPS) readiness for the enabling technologies of the 4IR is in question. This article sought to investigate the SAPS state of readiness for the technologies that enable the 4IR. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used. Eight participants who were all senior managers in the SAPS, assigned to SAPS divisions at the national level, were purposively included in this study, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with them. The main theme revealed that the participants had adequate knowledge of what the concept “4IR” entails. Furthermore, what transpired is that 4IR technology products will be beneficial to the Findings of this research showed that there are numerous disadvantages in terms of resources in any form that are associated with 4IR institutionalisation and implementation. There are many challenges that will either prevent or delay the institutionalisation and implementation of the 4IR concept in the SAPS. Ultimately much work must be done to create capacity in the SAPS to institutionalise the 4IR. Furthermore, the study contributes tremendously to the body of knowledge where the 4IR in business operations are concerned.

Username
Password