Book of Innovation and Technology for Economic Growth

Digital transformation models are essential for guiding digital initiatives, yet many lack specificity, particularly in the resource-constrained and bureaucratic public sector. This study validates a comprehensive conceptual model of digital transformation, which encompasses ten key dimensions of strategy, leadership, culture, data and insights, innovation, customer, people, processes, technology, and governance. Insights were gathered from interviews with 18 ICT and executive leaders, which were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings reveal that digital strategies often prioritise technology while neglecting critical aspects such as business model innovation, organisational culture, employee reskilling, and operational change. Leadership gaps in embracing digital transformation were evident, with regional and cultural factors influencing leadership behaviours. Ineffective collaboration with institutions, which fail to deliver tangible solutions, further hampers innovation. Additionally, outdated legacy systems restrict data access, hindering decision-making and resource allocation. The study underscores the urgent need for high-quality digital self-services and more flexible governance frameworks, such as adjustments to the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), to support digital prototypes and proof- of-concept (POC). Discrepancies between participant experiences and existing literature highlight key challenges and opportunities in the public sector’s digital transformation journey. The findings underscore significant challenges and opportunities encountered during the public sector's digital transformation journey and offer pragmatic recommendations for policymakers and leaders to facilitate context-sensitive digital adoption in South Africa.