Authors : Wiston M. Baloyi

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 10 - October

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4rtyemkp

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/jhsfuef9

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25oct001

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Note : Google Scholar may take 30 to 40 days to display the article.

Abstract : Globally, cloud computing has reshaped business models of various public sectors, leading to intensified efficiency in digital transformation and enhanced data administration. Although governments continuously provide seamless public services and effectively manage massive datasets using cloud computing, the South African public administration still faces challenges that impede the full realization of cloud services. This study explores the key constraints that the South African public administration faces in adopting cloud computing. This study examines an interpretivist worldview and qualitative methodology, employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) technique to investigate the key constraints faced by the South African public administration in adopting cloud computing. Academic studies were retrieved from the ProQuest and ScienceDirect databases, spanning the years 2016 to 2025. A total of 20 studies were included in the systematic analysis. The findings of the systematic analysis reveal that inadequate digital infrastructure, limited digital competencies and insufficient legislative framework are fundamental constraints faced by the South African public sector. The study’s findings can help policymakers develop a sound policy and strategy for managing cloud computing in the public sector.

Keywords : Cloud Computing; Cloud Deployment Models; Public Administration; Constraints; South Africa.

References :

1. Abd Al Ghaffar, H. T. A. N. (2024). Government cloud computing and national security. Review of Economics and Political Science, 9(2), 116-133.
2. Alfiani, H., Aditya, S. K., Lusa, S., Sensuse, D. I., Putro, P. A. W., & Indriasari, S. (2024). E-government issues in developing countries using TOE and UTAUT frameworks: A systematic review. Policy & Governance Review, 8(2), 169-191.
3. Alkhasawneh, R., Cob, Z. C., & Latif, A. B. A. (2025). Cloud computing adoption in government organizations in developing countries: A systematic literature review and future research directions. International Journal of Public Administration in the Digital Age, 12(1), 1-27.
4. Amron, M. T., Ibrahim, R., Bakar, N. A. A., & Chuprat, S. (2019). Acceptance of cloud computing in the Malaysian public sector: A proposed model. International Journal of Engineering Business Management, 11, 1-9.
5. Baker, J. (2012). The technology–organisation–environment framework. Information Systems Theory: Explaining and Predicting Our Digital Society, 1: 231-245.
6. Baloyi, W.M., & Beyers, L.J.E. (2019). The impact of financial malpractice on service delivery: A conceptual examination of literature, in 4th Annual International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives, 03–05 July, Johannesburg, viewed from http://ulspace.ul.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10386/ 2756/baloyi_impact_2019.pdf?sequence=1.
7. Brzozowska-Rup, K., Nowakowska, M., & Zdradzisz, M. (2024). Cloud computing in the Polish public administration: Current state and development prospects. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 205, 1-10.
8. Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT). 2021. Implementation program guide for the national digital and future skills strategy of South Africa. Pretoria: Government Printer.chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202203/digital-and-future-skillsimplementation-programmefinal.pdf.
9. DCDT. 2024. National Policy on Data and Cloud. Pretoria: Government Printer. Internet:https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202406/50741gen2533.pdf; downloaded on 2024-09-30].
10. Ionescu, R. (2025). Adopting cloud computing and big data analytics to enhance public sector transparency and accountability through artificial intelligence. Nuvern Machine Learning Reviews, 2(1), 1-18.
11. Jones, S., Irani, Z., Sivarajah, U., & Love, P. E. (2019). Risks and rewards of cloud computing in the UK public sector: A reflection on three organizational case studies. Information systems frontiers, 21(2), 359-382.
12. Mahusin, N., Sallehudin, H., Mohd Satar, N. S., Mohd Aman, A. H., & Yahya, F. (2025). Modelling cloud computing adoption and its impact on the performance of IT personnel in the public sector. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science & Applications, 16(2), 392-403.
13. Mmako, M. J., & Kgopa, A. T. (2025). A framework for assessing cloud-computing readiness in Limpopo provincial hospitals. South African Journal of Information Management, 27(1), 1-8.
14. Mojaki, L. M., Tuyikeze, T., & Ndlovu, N. K. (2025). Sustainable public procurement through Internet of Things and cloud computing in South Africa. Africa’s Public Service Delivery and Performance Review, 13(1), 877.
15. Mkhatshwa, B., & Mawela, T. (2023). Cloud computing adoption in the South African public sector. Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, 11(2), 537-552.
16. Mohlameane, M., & Ruxwana, N. (2020). Exploring the impact of cloud computing on existing South African regulatory frameworks. South African Journal of Information Management, 22(1), 1-10.
17. Najana, M., & Ranjan, P. (2024). Compliance and regulatory challenges in cloud computing: a sector-wise analysis. International Journal of Global Innovations and Solutions, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.21428/e90189c8.68b5dea5.
18. Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M.,   Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., ... & Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. Research Methods and Reporting, 10(89), 1-11.
19. Qatawneh, N. (2024). Building a framework to drive government systems' adoption of cloud computing through IT knowledge. Discover Sustainability, 5(1), 1-27.
20. Scholtz, B., Govender, J., & Gomez, J. M. (2016). Technical and environmental factors affecting cloud computing adoption in the South African public sector. International Conference on Information Resources Management (CONF-IRM) Proceedings. http://aisel.aisnet.org/confirm2016.
21. Senyo, P. K., Addae, E., & Boateng, R. (2018). Cloud computing research: A review of research themes, frameworks, methods and future research directions. International Journal of Information Management, 38(1), 128-139.
22. Senyo, P. K., Effah, J., & Addae, E. (2016). Preliminary insight into cloud computing adoption in a developing country. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 29(4), 505-524.
23. Shibambu, A. (2025). Cloud adoption progress to manage records at the selected ombudsman institutions in South Africa. Africa’s Public Service Delivery and Performance Review, 13(1), 1-9.
24. Tornatzky, L. G., & Fleischer, M. (1990). Processes of technological innovation. Lexington, MA: Lexington Books.
25. Ukeje, N., Gutierrez, J., & Petrova, K. (2024). Information security and privacy challenges of cloud computing for government adoption: A systematic review. International Journal of Information Security, 23(2), 1459-1475.
26. Yanamala, A. K. Y. (2024). Emerging challenges in cloud computing security: A comprehensive review. International Journal of Advanced Engineering Technologies and Innovations, 1(4), 448-479.