TITLE:
Barriers to Implementing Industry 4.0 Technologies in Solid Waste Management: Case of the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality
AUTHORS:
Velaphi Mabiletsa, Kemlall Ramdass
KEYWORDS:
Barriers, Industry 4.0 Technologies, Sustainable Development Goals, Solid Waste Management, South Africa
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Environmental Protection,
Vol.16 No.10,
October
21,
2025
ABSTRACT: This qualitative research investigates the primary barriers to implementing Industry 4.0 technologies in the solid waste management system of the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa. Data were collected through interviews with 12 participants from the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality. Purposive sampling was used to obtain the participants. Thematic data analysis was used to analyze the data. The study identifies six interconnected barriers, which were technological unpreparedness, financial and resource constraints, shortage of skilled personnel, organizational and institutional challenges, significant gaps in stakeholder engagement, and environmental and contextual factors, especially in informal settlements. To address these multifaceted barriers, a comprehensive policy approach is recommended, combining infrastructure investment, capacity building, institutional reform, inclusive stakeholder participation, and context-sensitive urban planning. Such integrated efforts are essential for Cape Town to realize the transformative potential of Industry 4.0 and develop a more efficient, equitable, and sustainable solid waste management system.