Digital Consumer Behaviour in South Africa

Makhosazane Buthelezi is a Lecturer in the Department of Marketing and Retail Management at the Durban University of Technology and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg (W&RSETA, 2024/25). She holds DUT's first Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Retail. Her research focuses on digital transformation, consumer behaviour, customer experience, and retail strategy. She leads industry-funded projects and has published in DHET-accredited journals and international edited volumes, contributing to both academic scholarship and industry development.

This book explores how digital transformation is reshaping consumer behaviour in South Africa's retail sector. It examines the opportunities and challenges facing retailers as consumer expectations evolve through digital technologies, online shopping, social media, artificial intelligence and data-driven decision-making. The chapters provide contemporary insights into digital consumer behaviour, customer experience, e-commerce, retail innovation, omnichannel strategies, digital marketing and sustainable retail practices. The book also examines how retailers can leverage data analytics, personalisation, and emerging technologies to strengthen customer relationships and improve business performance. Drawing on South African perspectives and practical examples, this edited collection contributes to the growing body of knowledge on digital retail transformation. It is an essential resource for academics, researchers, postgraduate students and industry professionals interested in marketing, retail management, consumer behaviour, digital transformation and business innovation.