Digital Systems Audit and Policy Alignment in the City of Johannesburg

The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) has articulated an ambitious vision for digital transformation through its Smart City Strategy, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Policy Framework, and Integrated Development Plan, positioning digitalisation as a key mechanism for improving municipal efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement. Multiple digital platforms, including e-Joburg, Joburg Connect, the GIS Spatial Portal, and the My Smart City App, have emerged as core components of this strategy. However, the extent to which these systems align with the City’s regulatory, strategic and institutional frameworks remains unclear, raising questions about their capacity to support equitable and reliable service delivery. This study conducts a comprehensive digital systems audit and policy alignment review to evaluate the coherence, readiness, and governance compatibility of Johannesburg’s digital municipal service ecosystem. Using a desktop-based analytical approach, the study draws on publicly available municipal policies, digital strategy documents, Auditor-General reports, technical platform descriptions, and legislative instruments governing local e-governance in South Africa. The analysis assesses system functionality, interoperability, data governance arrangements, user accessibility, and alignment with the Municipal Systems Act, National Digital and ICT policies, and 4IR strategic goals. Findings indicate that although Johannesburg possesses a wide range of digital tools, the ecosystem remains fragmented, with limited integration across departments, inconsistent adherence to data governance standards, and uneven alignment with policy objectives relating to inclusivity, public participation, and service accountability. Significant gaps also exist between regulatory intentions and practical implementation capacities. The study concludes that Johannesburg’s digital tools have strong transformative potential but require greater strategic coherence, interoperability, and regulatory alignment to function effectively within a metropolitan governance context. Strengthening platform integration, adopting unified data governance standards, and establishing a coordinated Smart Governance Framework are essential steps toward enhancing the reliability, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability of digital municipal service delivery.