Generative AI and Technostress in South African Higher Education: Insights from University Lecturers

Authors

  • Dr Vusumzi Funda University of Fort Hare Author
  • Mr Oluwatosin Bamigboye University of Fort Hare image/svg+xml Author
  • Miss Noluthando Mbangeleli University of Johannesburg image/svg+xml Author

Keywords:

Technostress, Generative Artificial Intelligence, Higher Education, Workload and Well-being, University lecturers, South Africa

Abstract

The rapid adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in higher education presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly regarding technostress among university lecturers. This study investigates the relationship between GenAI adoption and technostress within South African higher education institutions. A qualitative phenomenological design was adopted, with data collected through semi-structured interviews from 15 university lecturers with experience in GenAI integration. Data was analysed using thematic analysis supported by NVivo software. The findings reveal two overarching themes: (1) Drivers of technostress in GenAI adoption, including cognitive overload, rapid technological change, and ethical uncertainty; and (2) Institutional support mechanisms, highlighting gaps in training, policy ambiguity, and the importance of peer collaboration. While GenAI enhances efficiency and pedagogical innovation, it simultaneously increases workload, blurs work–life boundaries and raises concerns regarding academic integrity. The study concludes that technostress in the GenAI era is a multidimensional phenomenon shaped by the interaction between individual capabilities and institutional readiness. It recommends structured professional development, clear institutional policies, and contextually relevant support systems to ensure sustainable AI integration in South African higher education.

Author Biographies

  • Dr Vusumzi Funda, University of Fort Hare

    Dr Vusumzi Funda is a lecturer and researcher in the field of Information Systems at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa. His research interests focus on artificial intelligence in higher education, digital inclusion, educational technologies, ICT4D, digital governance, and emerging technologies in resource-constrained environments. He has published conference papers and journal articles on AI adoption, academic integrity, digital transformation, and technology-enhanced learning in African higher education contexts. Dr Funda is actively involved in postgraduate supervision, curriculum development, and academic capacity development initiatives. He is also interested in interdisciplinary approaches linking Information Systems, education, governance, and social development within the Global South context.

  • Mr Oluwatosin Bamigboye, University of Fort Hare

    Dr Oluwatosin Bamigboye is a Lecturer of Information Systems in the Department of Business Innovations and Entrepreneurship at the University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa. He holds a PhD in Information Systems and Technology from University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban. His research interests span from ICT for Development (ICT4D), ICT in Education, Design Science Research, Ontology engineering, E-learning, Human–Computer Interaction, and Semantic Artificial Intelligence. He is an active researcher who has presented his scholarly work at both national and international academic conferences.

  • Miss Noluthando Mbangeleli, University of Johannesburg

    Noluthando Mbangeleli is an academic, researcher, and strategic programme leader with expertise in leadership, management, entrepreneurship, and organisational development. She currently served in academic leadership within the University of Johannesburg Business School, where she has led postgraduate programme initiatives focused on quality assurance, curriculum development, and student success. She also serves as Vice-Chairperson of the Gauteng Regional Committee of the Association for Skills Development in South Africa, contributing to skills development, stakeholder collaboration, and workforce transformation initiatives. Her professional experience spans academia, consulting, project management, and stakeholder engagement across public and private sector. Her research interests include leadership, work-life balance, skills development, artificial intelligence, and organisational transformation within higher education and emerging economies.

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Published

2026-05-18

Data Availability Statement

The research data supporting this study are available from the authors upon reasonable request

Issue

Vol. 2 (2026): Innovative Journal of African Education

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr Vusumzi Funda, Mr Oluwatosin Bamigboye, Miss Noluthando Mbangeleli (Author)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Generative AI and Technostress in South African Higher Education: Insights from University Lecturers. (2026). Innovative Journal of African Education, 2. https://ijae.wsu.ac.za/ijae/index.php/ojs/article/view/27

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