EUP1501 Assignment 4
(COMPLETE GUIDELINE)
Semester 1 2025 (825074) -
DUE 15 May 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, Essay Structure: Emerging Technologies in the South African Department of Home Affairs
Introduction (Approximately 150 words) (5 Marks)
Choose a specific government department or public utility that has adopted emerging
technology.
The South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has been adopting emerging
technologies increasingly to revolutionize its services.
Provide background information on the department and its role in governance and public service.
The DHA is responsible for managing identity, citizenship, immigration, and civil registration in
South Africa. Its mandate is central to national security, the rights of citizens,
and the provision of services to the public. Efficient and secure delivery of services by the DHA
is crucial for the success of many other government processes and to the daily life of citizens.
Body (Approximately 500 words) (23 Marks)
Sub-section 1: Identify and Describe the Emerging Technology (Around 150 words) (6 Marks)
Name one significant technology (e.g., AI chatbots, blockchain for digital identity, IoT for smart
cities, cloud-based e-governance).
The Department of Home Affairs is implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI)
for many applications, particularly identity verification and detection of fraud.
Briefly explain how this technology operates.
AI involves the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks
that would traditionally demand human intelligence, such as vision perception, speech
recognition, decision-making, and translation. In the instance of the DHA, AI
systems search enormous databases of biometric information (fingerprints, facial recognition),
documents, and application history to identify patterns, discrepancies, and potential fraud.
Machine learning, which is one of AI, enables such systems to improve with time by learning
from data.
Sub-section 2: Key Functions and Applications (Approximately 150 words) (6 Marks)
Describe the key functions and applications of the technology (e.g., AI for customer
service automation, blockchain for secure transactions, IoT for real-time monitoring of data).
There are several primary functions of AI:
Automation of work
Analysis of data
Making decisions
Explain how the government agency is utilizing this technology.
The DHA is utilizing AI in the following ways:
Identity Verification: AI algorithms scan facial recognition data and fingerprints to verify the
identity of applicants for IDs, passports, and other documents to avoid identity theft.
Fraud Detection: AI systems scan applications and records to detect fraudulent activity, such as
fake marriages, fake birth certificates, and attempts at illegal immigration.
(COMPLETE GUIDELINE)
Semester 1 2025 (825074) -
DUE 15 May 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, Essay Structure: Emerging Technologies in the South African Department of Home Affairs
Introduction (Approximately 150 words) (5 Marks)
Choose a specific government department or public utility that has adopted emerging
technology.
The South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has been adopting emerging
technologies increasingly to revolutionize its services.
Provide background information on the department and its role in governance and public service.
The DHA is responsible for managing identity, citizenship, immigration, and civil registration in
South Africa. Its mandate is central to national security, the rights of citizens,
and the provision of services to the public. Efficient and secure delivery of services by the DHA
is crucial for the success of many other government processes and to the daily life of citizens.
Body (Approximately 500 words) (23 Marks)
Sub-section 1: Identify and Describe the Emerging Technology (Around 150 words) (6 Marks)
Name one significant technology (e.g., AI chatbots, blockchain for digital identity, IoT for smart
cities, cloud-based e-governance).
The Department of Home Affairs is implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI)
for many applications, particularly identity verification and detection of fraud.
Briefly explain how this technology operates.
AI involves the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks
that would traditionally demand human intelligence, such as vision perception, speech
recognition, decision-making, and translation. In the instance of the DHA, AI
systems search enormous databases of biometric information (fingerprints, facial recognition),
documents, and application history to identify patterns, discrepancies, and potential fraud.
Machine learning, which is one of AI, enables such systems to improve with time by learning
from data.
Sub-section 2: Key Functions and Applications (Approximately 150 words) (6 Marks)
Describe the key functions and applications of the technology (e.g., AI for customer
service automation, blockchain for secure transactions, IoT for real-time monitoring of data).
There are several primary functions of AI:
Automation of work
Analysis of data
Making decisions
Explain how the government agency is utilizing this technology.
The DHA is utilizing AI in the following ways:
Identity Verification: AI algorithms scan facial recognition data and fingerprints to verify the
identity of applicants for IDs, passports, and other documents to avoid identity theft.
Fraud Detection: AI systems scan applications and records to detect fraudulent activity, such as
fake marriages, fake birth certificates, and attempts at illegal immigration.
