EUP1501 Assignment 4 (COMPLETE
GUIDELINE) Semester 1 2025 ) - DUE 15 May
2025 Course
Ethical Information and Communication Technologies for Development
Solutions (EUP1501)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Book
Ethics of Information and Communication Technologies
EUP1501 Assignment 4 (COMPLETE GUIDELINE) Semester 1 2025 (825074) -
DUE 15 May 2025; 100% TRUSTED Complete, trusted
Recent technology developments are transforming how governments deliver
public services. This assessment will require you to analyze how a specific
government department or public utility is leveraging emerging technologies
to enhance service delivery and public sector efficiency. other than SARS
Instructions (Read them carefully, and make sure you fully answer the
questions): In not more than 800 words (excluding references), discuss how
government is integrating advanced technologies such as Artificial
Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Big Data, and Internet of
Things (IoT) to improve service delivery. Your discussion should address the
following: Introduction (5 Marks) • Choose a specific government department
or public utility that has adopted emerging technology. • Provide background
information on the department and its role in governance and public. Body
(23 Marks) Sub-section 1: Identify and Describe the Emerging Technology (6
Marks) • Identify one major technology (e.g., AI-powered chatbots,
blockchain for digital identity, IoT for smart cities, cloud-based e-
governance). • Provide a brief description of how this technology functions.
Harnessing Emerging Technologies in South African Public Health: A Case Study of the
Department of Health
Introduction (5 Marks)
The Department of Health (DoH) in South Africa plays a critical role in delivering public
healthcare services, formulating national health policy, and ensuring equitable access to medical
care. In recent years, the DoH has begun to leverage emerging technologies to address systemic
challenges, including overburdened hospitals, slow data processing, and limited access to
healthcare professionals in rural areas. As part of its digital transformation, the department has
adopted Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data analytics to improve health outcomes,
,especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. These technologies are being used for predictive
disease modelling, patient management, and enhancing service delivery efficiency.
Body (23 Marks)
Sub-section 1: Identify and Describe the Emerging Technology (6 Marks)
A key technology adopted by the Department of Health is Artificial Intelligence (AI),
particularly in the form of predictive analytics and machine learning models. AI refers to the
simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. These
processes include learning (the acquisition of data and rules for using it), reasoning (using rules
to reach conclusions), and self-correction.
In healthcare, AI systems can process vast volumes of health records, detect disease patterns, and
forecast outbreaks. For example, machine learning algorithms analyze real-time patient data to
predict the likelihood of disease spread or identify individuals at high risk of developing
complications. AI chatbots have also been introduced to answer COVID-19-related queries,
easing the burden on healthcare call centres.
Sub-section 2: Application of Technology in the Department (8 Marks)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Health partnered with organisations such as
Praekelt.org and Discovery Health to implement AI-driven tools like the HealthCheck App.
This WhatsApp-based AI chatbot allowed users to complete a daily risk assessment, helping to
identify potential COVID-19 symptoms early. The AI evaluated users’ responses and offered
advice on whether to isolate, seek testing, or consult a health professional. Over five million
users accessed the service during the pandemic.
In addition, Big Data analytics was used in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR) to track infection rates, healthcare facility usage, and vaccine
distribution. AI tools enabled real-time data visualisation on public dashboards, helping
policymakers allocate resources effectively and anticipate needs. For instance, hospitals used
predictive modelling to prepare for surges in patient admissions, ensuring better bed and
ventilator management.
Beyond COVID-19, the DoH is now exploring AI for TB and HIV patient monitoring, and
telemedicine services are being integrated with AI for remote diagnostics in rural clinics.
Sub-section 3: Benefits for Service Delivery and Public Sector Efficiency (5 Marks)
, The integration of AI and Big Data has resulted in several benefits:
1. Faster Decision-Making: Predictive analytics enabled rapid response during outbreaks,
improving policy decisions and saving lives.
2. Improved Accessibility: AI-powered apps and bots made health information accessible
to people in their own languages, especially in rural and underserved areas.
3. Cost Efficiency: AI systems reduced the need for manual screening and allowed for
automation of repetitive tasks, saving time and resources.
4. Data-Driven Planning: Real-time dashboards allowed national and provincial
departments to make evidence-based decisions about where to allocate medical resources
and staff.
Sub-section 4: Challenges and Limitations (4 Marks)
Despite its successes, the use of AI and Big Data in public health also faces challenges:
Data Privacy Concerns: Collecting sensitive health information raises questions about
data protection and consent.
Digital Divide: Many citizens, particularly in rural areas, lack access to smartphones or
the internet, limiting the reach of digital tools.
Infrastructure Gaps: Some public health facilities lack the technological infrastructure
needed to fully implement AI-driven solutions.
Skills Shortage: There is a shortage of trained data scientists and AI specialists in the
public sector.
The Department of Health is addressing some of these challenges through partnerships with tech
NGOs, investments in digital literacy, and improved policy frameworks.
Conclusion
The Department of Health’s adoption of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data analytics has
significantly enhanced public service delivery, especially in times of crisis like the COVID-19
pandemic. These technologies enabled faster responses, more efficient resource allocation, and
improved patient communication. However, issues like digital inequality and data security must
still be resolved to ensure the full benefits of digital transformation are realized equitably. As
South Africa continues to modernise its public health system, AI will remain a critical tool in
building a more responsive and inclusive healthcare system.
References
GUIDELINE) Semester 1 2025 ) - DUE 15 May
2025 Course
Ethical Information and Communication Technologies for Development
Solutions (EUP1501)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Book
Ethics of Information and Communication Technologies
EUP1501 Assignment 4 (COMPLETE GUIDELINE) Semester 1 2025 (825074) -
DUE 15 May 2025; 100% TRUSTED Complete, trusted
Recent technology developments are transforming how governments deliver
public services. This assessment will require you to analyze how a specific
government department or public utility is leveraging emerging technologies
to enhance service delivery and public sector efficiency. other than SARS
Instructions (Read them carefully, and make sure you fully answer the
questions): In not more than 800 words (excluding references), discuss how
government is integrating advanced technologies such as Artificial
Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Big Data, and Internet of
Things (IoT) to improve service delivery. Your discussion should address the
following: Introduction (5 Marks) • Choose a specific government department
or public utility that has adopted emerging technology. • Provide background
information on the department and its role in governance and public. Body
(23 Marks) Sub-section 1: Identify and Describe the Emerging Technology (6
Marks) • Identify one major technology (e.g., AI-powered chatbots,
blockchain for digital identity, IoT for smart cities, cloud-based e-
governance). • Provide a brief description of how this technology functions.
Harnessing Emerging Technologies in South African Public Health: A Case Study of the
Department of Health
Introduction (5 Marks)
The Department of Health (DoH) in South Africa plays a critical role in delivering public
healthcare services, formulating national health policy, and ensuring equitable access to medical
care. In recent years, the DoH has begun to leverage emerging technologies to address systemic
challenges, including overburdened hospitals, slow data processing, and limited access to
healthcare professionals in rural areas. As part of its digital transformation, the department has
adopted Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data analytics to improve health outcomes,
,especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. These technologies are being used for predictive
disease modelling, patient management, and enhancing service delivery efficiency.
Body (23 Marks)
Sub-section 1: Identify and Describe the Emerging Technology (6 Marks)
A key technology adopted by the Department of Health is Artificial Intelligence (AI),
particularly in the form of predictive analytics and machine learning models. AI refers to the
simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. These
processes include learning (the acquisition of data and rules for using it), reasoning (using rules
to reach conclusions), and self-correction.
In healthcare, AI systems can process vast volumes of health records, detect disease patterns, and
forecast outbreaks. For example, machine learning algorithms analyze real-time patient data to
predict the likelihood of disease spread or identify individuals at high risk of developing
complications. AI chatbots have also been introduced to answer COVID-19-related queries,
easing the burden on healthcare call centres.
Sub-section 2: Application of Technology in the Department (8 Marks)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Health partnered with organisations such as
Praekelt.org and Discovery Health to implement AI-driven tools like the HealthCheck App.
This WhatsApp-based AI chatbot allowed users to complete a daily risk assessment, helping to
identify potential COVID-19 symptoms early. The AI evaluated users’ responses and offered
advice on whether to isolate, seek testing, or consult a health professional. Over five million
users accessed the service during the pandemic.
In addition, Big Data analytics was used in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR) to track infection rates, healthcare facility usage, and vaccine
distribution. AI tools enabled real-time data visualisation on public dashboards, helping
policymakers allocate resources effectively and anticipate needs. For instance, hospitals used
predictive modelling to prepare for surges in patient admissions, ensuring better bed and
ventilator management.
Beyond COVID-19, the DoH is now exploring AI for TB and HIV patient monitoring, and
telemedicine services are being integrated with AI for remote diagnostics in rural clinics.
Sub-section 3: Benefits for Service Delivery and Public Sector Efficiency (5 Marks)
, The integration of AI and Big Data has resulted in several benefits:
1. Faster Decision-Making: Predictive analytics enabled rapid response during outbreaks,
improving policy decisions and saving lives.
2. Improved Accessibility: AI-powered apps and bots made health information accessible
to people in their own languages, especially in rural and underserved areas.
3. Cost Efficiency: AI systems reduced the need for manual screening and allowed for
automation of repetitive tasks, saving time and resources.
4. Data-Driven Planning: Real-time dashboards allowed national and provincial
departments to make evidence-based decisions about where to allocate medical resources
and staff.
Sub-section 4: Challenges and Limitations (4 Marks)
Despite its successes, the use of AI and Big Data in public health also faces challenges:
Data Privacy Concerns: Collecting sensitive health information raises questions about
data protection and consent.
Digital Divide: Many citizens, particularly in rural areas, lack access to smartphones or
the internet, limiting the reach of digital tools.
Infrastructure Gaps: Some public health facilities lack the technological infrastructure
needed to fully implement AI-driven solutions.
Skills Shortage: There is a shortage of trained data scientists and AI specialists in the
public sector.
The Department of Health is addressing some of these challenges through partnerships with tech
NGOs, investments in digital literacy, and improved policy frameworks.
Conclusion
The Department of Health’s adoption of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data analytics has
significantly enhanced public service delivery, especially in times of crisis like the COVID-19
pandemic. These technologies enabled faster responses, more efficient resource allocation, and
improved patient communication. However, issues like digital inequality and data security must
still be resolved to ensure the full benefits of digital transformation are realized equitably. As
South Africa continues to modernise its public health system, AI will remain a critical tool in
building a more responsive and inclusive healthcare system.
References
