E-Leadership for Growth and Sustainability at Universities in South Africa: A Systematic Literature Review

Leadership in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in South Africa is increasingly undergoing transformation using modern Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The study aimed at determining the role of e-Leadership in the management, growth, and sustainability of selected universities in South Africa. A systematic literature review (SLR) was deemed an appropriate methodology to adopt, and 20 relevant studies were reviewed to gain insight into the role of e-leadership in the management, growth, and sustainability of selected universities in South Africa between 2000 and 2025. A qualitative approach was adopted using an SLR aligned with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The main findings indicate a limited body of literature on e-Leadership in South African HEIs, with the concept still poorly understood. The review revealed that many academic strategic leaders lacked sufficient real-time adoption and optimal use of modern ICTs, thereby constraining effective e-Leadership practices. This highlights a gap in the comprehension and implementation of e-Leadership within the sector. Practical implications include the need to evaluate and strengthen e-Leadership practices across universities, enhance the digital competence of academic leaders, and develop technological tools that support real-time decision-making, address emerging student and staff needs, and anticipate future institutional requirements.