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Item The impact of AI technologies on business models and strategies: A systematic literature review(2024-09) Ntoyanto-Tyatyantsi, N; Malinga, Andries LArtificial intelligence (AI) technologies are transforming business models and strategies across industries, yet limited research addresses their specific impact on startups, known for innovation and growth. This article conducts a systematic literature review on how AIbased technologies influence business models and strategies. AI generates new offerings, improves efficiency, automates tasks, and creates new revenue streams and customer engagement channels. However, effectively leveraging AI requires addressing challenges such as human expertise, data strategy, and ethical and legal considerations. The review reveals that changes in one business model element, such as AI-driven task automation, can trigger shifts in others, such as human resources and capabilities, ultimately influencing business strategy. AI’s impact is complex, demanding a comprehensive approach from managers during adoption and implementation. The study highlights the need for further empirical research to deepen understanding of AI’s multifaceted effects on business models and strategies, especially on startups.Item The benefits of replacing the traditional dimensional calibration system with the Laser Measurement Technology in the CSIR Wind Tunnel Facilities(2024-09) Ragimana, Phumudzo; Mabeko, Philimon K; Dikgale, Moyahabo SCalibrations in any aerodynamic metrology field require patience as it is time-consuming. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research has wind tunnel facilities with a wind tunnel model support system of 6 degrees of freedom. These degrees of freedom are three translations and rotations, which must be calibrated per project-specific requirements and the facilities maintenance management schedule. This paper addresses the impact of introducing advanced laser measurement technology instead of traditional dimensional instrumentation calibration systems at the CSIR Wind Tunnel Facilities. Conventional calibration methods typically entail extensive manual processes and significant downtime, resulting in higher operational costs and slower instrumentation calibration and wind tunnel testing cycles. The advantage of implementing the laser tracker system is that it enhances the calibration accuracy in the CSIR Wind Tunnel facilities. Therefore, the laser tracker system addresses these challenges and offers an efficient alternative. By enhancing precision and speed, the new technology improves the wind tunnel facilities’ dimensional instrumentation maintenance processes and aerodynamic testing while delivering substantial cost and time savings. Manual and time-intensive traditional methods incur higher costs, slower calibration processes, and limited precision and human errors. Laser measurement technology simplifies these tasks, producing faster and more precise calibrations. Through several calibration activities and data collection, it is evident that this replacement enhances instrumentation calibration efficiency and decreases operational expenses, representing a valuable improvement for future aerospace research and development.Item The benefits of replacing the traditional dimensional calibration system with the Laser Measurement Technology in the CSIR Wind Tunnel Facilities(2024-09) Ragimana, Phumudzo; Mabeko, Philimon K; Dikgale, Moyahabo SCalibrations in any aerodynamic metrology field require patience as it is time-consuming. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research has wind tunnel facilities with a wind tunnel model support system of 6 degrees of freedom. These degrees of freedom are three translations and rotations, which must be calibrated per project-specific requirements and the facilities maintenance management schedule. This paper addresses the impact of introducing advanced laser measurement technology instead of traditional dimensional instrumentation calibration systems at the CSIR Wind Tunnel Facilities. Conventional calibration methods typically entail extensive manual processes and significant downtime, resulting in higher operational costs and slower instrumentation calibration and wind tunnel testing cycles. The advantage of implementing the laser tracker system is that it enhances the calibration accuracy in the CSIR Wind Tunnel facilities. Therefore, the laser tracker system addresses these challenges and offers an efficient alternative. By enhancing precision and speed, the new technology improves the wind tunnel facilities’ dimensional instrumentation maintenance processes and aerodynamic testing while delivering substantial cost and time savings. Manual and time-intensive traditional methods incur higher costs, slower calibration processes, and limited precision and human errors. Laser measurement technology simplifies these tasks, producing faster and more precise calibrations. Through several calibration activities and data collection, it is evident that this replacement enhances instrumentation calibration efficiency and decreases operational expenses, representing a valuable improvement for future aerospace research and development.Item Digital decision support tools in EdTech testing and evaluation for developing countries(2024-12) Mnyandu, Wandile T; Terzoli, A; Kobo, Hlabishi IInformation and communication technologies (ICTs) are essential the integration of educational technologies (EdTech) into modern classrooms, but many developing countries lack the IT Infrastructure necessary to support these tools. This paper aims to facilitate the use of these tools by reviewing ICT devices commonly deployed in public schools, focusing on the features and functionalities that can be effectively tested using DDSTs.Item Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessments and Adaptation strategies for South African Ports(2024-04) Van Ballegooyen, R; Siyakatshana, Njabulo; Engelbrecht, F; Daniels, T; Beakam, V; Rossouw, M; Mateyisi, Mohau J; Troch, Christophe NA; Zwane, Nosipho; Smith, G; Mbatha, NSouth Africa's ports play a major role in the country's economy. Should climate-related infrastructure damage or operational disruption occur, this could have severe "knock-on" effects to the wider economy. Consequently, Transnet, since 2010, has been in the process of developing an integrated Climate Change Strategy across its operations, commencing with a preliminary Risk and Vulnerability assessment for all Transnet Operating divisions in 2010, followed in 2014 by a first-level risk and vulnerability assessment for the Transnet National Port Authority to assess potential drivers of climate-change risk to port infrastructure, operational support systems, activities related to safety and long-term sustainability of the eight ports they presently manage. Only once the climate-related changes in these key environmental drivers are adequately understood and characterised at a local scale, is it possible to assess climate change risks in each port with sufficient rigour to ensure that any proposed adaptation measures are both appropriate and economically justified. Presented here is initial progress with a TNPA-funded, multi-year, collaborative effort by a consortium of scientist and engineers from range of local institutions and consultancies in making such a detailed Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment informing the development of Adaptation strategies for South African Ports.Item Enhancing dynamic spectrum access in wireless mesh networks: Integrated sensing and channel assignment(2024-12) Zlobinsky, N; Lysko, Albert AThis study advances Channel Assignment (CA) strategies in wireless mesh networks that integrate Wi-Fi with Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA). We propose critical modifications to the IEEE 802.11 standard to enhance spectrum sensing data reporting, which is crucial for efficient network resource management. Specifically, we introduce two novel measurement types– avgSINR and SINRCI– and detail their integration into network protocols to optimise CA. Furthermore, we outline robust procedures for the dynamic distribution and adjustment of CAs, ensuring rapid network adaptation. Our findings demonstrate that the network can rapidly converge on a new CA within 10 minutes, even in extensive networks comprising 100 nodes, thereby significantly enhancing operational efficiency and spectrum utilisation.Item Securing individual’s identity using ZKP: Proposed system architecture(2024-11) Ntshangase, Cynthia S; Baruni, Kedimotse P; Myaka, Zanele S; Mahlasela, Oyena NDigital identity with biometrics is the future of how individuals will be identified in this digital era. Although there are current solutions that provide digital identity, the research reveals that traditional solutions lack security for biometric data, making them vulnerable to biometric data breaches, and data lost with difficulties to recover. This study discusses the importance of protecting our identities, as identity theft is increasing rapidly due to the rise of identity verification online. A comprehensive review on protecting identity using biometrics and Zero Knowledge Proofs has been conducted. A novel biometric system architecture based on Zero Knowledge Proofs has been proposed, ensuring that verification of an identity is performed without exposing biometric data. This architecture also includes a reference data engine for updating biometrics data in case of a breach, to improve security and overcome challenges faced by traditional biometric systems. The proposed architecture can be used to secure identities while preserving privacy.Item A perspective on the integration of ABB industrial robots into Open AI Gym using vision-based reinforcement learning(2024-12) Dikole, Realeboga G; Faniso-Mnyaka, Zimbini; Sekopa, Teboho LReinforcement learning-based robotic manipulation has risen to prominence recently due to the rise of frameworks such as Open AI Gym. Although there has been much success in reinforcement learning applied to manipulators such as the Kuka iiwa, Franka Emika Panda, UR5 robots, there has been little to no exploration of the application of reinforcement learning on ABB robotic manipulators. This paper presents a perspective on integrating vision-based reinforcement learning and ABB robots with Open AI Gym environments. We focus mainly on the pick-and-place and push environments using proximal policy optimisation due to its simplicity and ease of memory. Our results affirm the possibility of vision-based reinforcement learning with ABBrobots with the best training performance yielding a success rate of close to sixty-five percent.Item Performance Evaluation of Machine Learning Models for Predicting Voltage Swell Peak Amplitude in Grid-tied Photovoltaic Systems(2025-01) May, N; May, N; Bokoro, P; May, Siyasanga I; Mkasi, Hlaluku WThis research investigates the effectiveness of machine learning and deep learning models in forecasting voltage swell peak amplitudes within grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems, aiming to enhance power quality management. A 24month dataset (January 2022 - December 2023) encompassing power and weather data from a 3.3 kWp PV system at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria, South Africa, was utilized. Hourly averaged data between 5 am and 6 pm, capturing PV system and weather measurements, was analysed. Five models – Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN), and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) – were trained and evaluated using Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE). The Random Forest model demonstrated superior predictive accuracy, closely aligning with actual peak voltages and achieving the lowest MSE (0.01V²) and RMSE (0.02V). This study highlights the potential of machine learning, particularly Random Forest, in accurately predicting voltage swell peak amplitudes, contributing to improved power quality management in grid-connected PV systems.Item Investigating the use of the adiabatic calorimetry to characterize concrete road pavement mixes(2024) Moasa, Boipelo M; Mokoena, Refiloe; Pitso, Reatile IDetermining in-situ concrete properties can be a challenge due to limitations on current test methods where laboratory conditions and in-situ conditions are not the same. The heat released from cementitious materials during the exothermic hydration process can be used to characterize important properties of different mix designs for concrete pavements. In this investigation, an adiabatic calorimeter for concrete mixes was used to measure the real time heat of hydration of concrete mixes for road pavements. The adiabatic calorimeter captures the true temperature of concrete specimens with minimal heat exchange between the concrete and surroundings to determine real-time concrete heat properties. This study investigates three different concrete pavement mix designs that incorporate CEM II 32.5 R, CEM II 42.5 N and CEM I 52.5 N cements respectively. The heat of hydration and the correlation with concrete properties such as 28-day flexural strengths, 7-day, and 28-day compressive strengths, initial and final setting times are discussed in this paper. The results indicate a high correlation (0.91Item Drawbacks of pothole filling programs as a preventitive maintenance measurea: Study based on non-intrusive pavement defects investigation(2024-09) Mulol, Christian ARecent studies have alerted the South Africa Road Sector and its various stakeholders to the alarming deterioration rate of the road network condition. This is especially the case with the secondary and the tertiary road network where the backlog of maintenance is in the order of hundreds of billions of Rands. Amongst other reasons such as the lack of technical capacity within the secondary and tertiary road authorities, this backlog of maintenance has often been named as one of the major contributors to the poor rating of the lower ranking roads in South Africa. Roads within the secondary and tertiary sectors are either at risk of failure, being unable to cope with the normal demand, subjecting the public to severe inconvenience, or unfit for purpose, having already failed or being on the verge of failure, exposing the public to health and safety hazards. To ensure all the safety hazards on the road network are removed with immediate effect, preventive maintenance through the filling of potholes can be recommended. However, this approach was never intended to be the substitute for other maintenance or rehabilitation measures. This paper shows that though the preventive maintenance through the filling of potholes has a merit from a safety point of view, this method does not necessarily address the root-cause that led to the initiation and the generation of such potholes. Using various roads as case studies and through a comparison of their TMH 9 visual assessment strip map to the FWD deflection parameters mapping, this paper recommends that the reactive maintenance should not only follow the rigorous requirements of pothole repairs that extend into the base and underlying layers but should also be taken as a holding measure guaranteeing the safety of motorists until the appropriate rehabilitation or maintenance measure is implemented without further delay.Item Future climatic considerations for performance based criteria of South African concrete pavements(2024-08) Mokoena, Refiloe; Mturi, G; Manganyi, ObeyThis study is focused on identifying key climatic variables and considerations for the design of concrete pavements to cater for changing climatic conditions. To mitigate the effects of thermal distresses, such as cracking and curling of concrete pavements, pavement engineers consider factors such as reinforcement detailing, joint location and spacing. Typically, pavement design approaches consider historical temperature records in estimating the daily variation in air temperature over the service life of concrete pavements. Current practice does not incorporate future climate projections and urban heat island (UHI) effects that can affect both the safety and serviceability of concrete pavement infrastructure. Therefore, this article discusses the need to investigate concrete pavement deterioration in relation to projected global warming effects for South Africa. To demonstrate this, a discussion of micro- and meso-structural effects is presented. Furthermore, a simulation is included that uses future climate projections to estimate the change in maximum diurnal temperature range (DTR) and annual rainfall for the duration of a Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement's service life in Pretoria, South Africa. To ensure the construction of climate resilient concrete pavements that can withstand expected service conditions of projected environmental conditions, this future-based climatic input will need incorporation into performance-based tests and specifications.Item A review of the South African public sector’s capability in combating ransomware(2024-09) Siphambili, Nokuthaba; Mahlasela, Oyeana N; Baloyi, Errol; Mukondeleli, ElekanyaniRansomware attacks have emerged as a significant cybersecurity threat, impacting organisations globally, including the South African public sector. This study conducted a narrative review aimed at investigating the South African public sector's capability to address ransomware attacks. The review examined news articles, reports, and literature from databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Furthermore, this review explored the evolving landscape of ransomware, including its modus operandi and impacts. The findings revealed that since 2019, ten different South African public sector entities have been targeted by ransomware, with one entity being hit twice. Based of those findings, this study provided recommendations to strengthen the South African public sector's national defences and improve its preparedness for future ransomware attacks.Item Conceptual Model for Taxation and Regulatory Governance among South African Crypto Asset Holders(2024-12) Ramazhamba, Pardon T; Venter, HS, Pardon TThe rapid adoption of digital assets has revolutionised the global financial landscape, bringing new opportunities and challenges. In South Africa, digital asset adoption has surged, driven by economic factors and a tech-savvy population. However, this growth has outpaced regulatory development, particularly around tax compliance. This paper proposes a conceptual model aimed at addressing the non-compliance issues among crypto asset holders. The model incorporates advanced mechanisms for visualising crypto address interactions and generating crypto tax Non-Fungible Tokens as a verification tool. By mapping and monitoring crypto transactions, the model provides regulatory bodies with enhanced tools to track, verify and enforce tax obligations transparently and efficiently.Item Earth Observation support for water quality monitoring in estuaries 2025(2025-03) Smith, Marié EFocus on development of EO products and services that support applications relating to water quality, harmful algal bloom detection, and coastal ecosystem monitoring.Item A brief performance comparison of bare-metal and kubernetes deployments for 5G Core Control plane network functions using Open5GS(2024-10) Mukute, T; Santos de Brito, M; Lysko, Albert A; Mwangama, J; Magedanz, TThis paper investigates the performance difference of critical 5G User Equipment (UE) procedures when deployed on a Kubernetes platform versus a traditional bare-metal deployment. We leverage Open5GS, an open-source implementation of the 5G Core (5GC), to evaluate the impact of containerisation on key performance metrics. The research answers (i) how the performance of critical 5G UE procedures differs when 5GC is deployed on a Kubernetes environment compared to a traditional bare-metal deployment and (ii) provides the measurable cost introduced by Kubernetes in terms of key 5G performance metrics. We evaluated throughput and latency. The paper analyses the observed performance differences against theoretical expectations arising from the Kubernetes architecture overhead and insights from related work. Our study reveals a 7% performance degradation in throughput for UE procedures running on Kubernetes compared to bare-metal when handling more than 300 initiated UE devices.Item Change impact evaluation dashboard for the adoption of modern mining technologies(2024-10) Botha, W; Muller, R; De Kock, M; De Kock, M; Pelders, Jodi L; Ramparsad, SChange management is imperative for the adoption of new technologies, and the impact of changes needs to be understood and measured. This paper is based on a project funded by the Successful Application of Technologies Centered Around People (SATCAP) programme. The aim of this project was to verify a Change Management Blueprint for gold, zinc and platinum group metals (PGms) and interlink it to Change Impact Evaluation (IE) dashboard.Item Ontology-driven cybersecurity learning factory: A use case for securing electrical company networks(2024-07) Dawood, Zubeida C; Marengwa, Matshidiso SAs cyber threats continue to evolve in complexity and frequency, there is an urgent need for effective cybersecurity education and training methodologies. Traditional approaches often fall short in providing learners with personalized and immersive experiences that closely mimic real-world scenarios. In response to this challenge, we propose the development of a Cybersecurity Learning Factory (CLF), leveraging ontology integration to tailor learning experiences for students. By harnessing the power of ontologies, the learning factory can dynamically adapt to the individual skill levels and learning styles of each student, ensuring optimal knowledge acquisition and retention. The use case presented in this paper centers around the cybersecurity challenges faced by an electrical company. By focusing on a practical use case within the electrical industry, this initiative aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively protect critical infrastructure against cyber threats.Item Achieving successful community engagement in the evolving power system landscape: A case for micro- and mini-grids(2024-08) Rakaibe, Tshwanelo K; Pandarum, A; Tlokolo, Nthabeleng B; Marema, AbramOff-grid mini and microgrid systems are increasingly recognized as a viable solution that can be implemented for extending energy access to the 760 million people around the globe who are currently not served by traditional grid infrastructure. In South Africa’s rural and remote areas, the electricity utility company, Eskom, is leveraging microgrid technology and has three active sites. Eskom is also currently conducting feasibility studies for 40 sites, with plans to develop approximately 100 installations across the country. These projects hold great potential for extending reliable power to underprivileged communities. It also has the potential to increase efforts for a just energy transition. This paper underscores a critical aspect of micro- and mini-grid implementation that transcends technical and generic environmental considerations i.e. the pivotal role of community engagement and inclusion. While these systems are fundamentally technological solutions, their success hinges on their integration and understanding within the communities they are hosted in and supply. Furthermore, South Africa has very unique socioeconomic challenges that need to be considered when developing such projects in the country. Recognizing this, this paper explores the multifaceted nature of successful community engagement for micro- and mini-grid projects in the South African context. Successful and meaningful community engagement and inclusion is becoming progressively important as the globe grapples with the concept of the just energy transition. Drawing from both global best practices and the unique context of South Africa, this paper emphasizes the importance of involving local communities from the project's inception through to its operation and maintenance phases. Additionally, an understanding of what really is considered just will also be provided in this paper. It highlights the tangible benefits that such engagement can yield, including increased project acceptance, sustainability, and socio-economic development. Lastly, the paper presents a toolbox of effective community engagement strategies for micro- and mini-grid projects in South Africa which may be able to be used in other developing countries that have similar socio-economic challenges and experiences.Item A summary of green hydrogen as an upcoming energy storage technology(2024-10) Karamanski, Stefan; Grobler, Jan H; Hlalele, Thabo GThe increasing renewable energy production trend poses concerns about energy dispatchability. The intermittency of renewable energy requires compensating reliable and suitable energy storage technologies. An upcoming energy storage technology is green hydrogen. Green hydrogen has received both extremes of praise and criticism from the energy industry. This study aims to dispel misconceptions about green hydrogen. Green hydrogen and its applications are thoroughly yet concisely described, together with its suitability in power systems. The advantages and disadvantages of green hydrogen are discussed. It was found that green hydrogen has significant benefits of longterm energy storage and strong suitability in heavy industries. Despite green hydrogen decreasing in cost, it is still comparatively expensive and suffers from significant logistical constraints. Green hydrogen remains an important factor in the renewable energy transition and forms an integral component of the energy storage of the future. This study is useful for policy makers, system operators, renewable energy developers and financial institutions that would like an improved understanding of green hydrogen and its integration.