Leaders from academia, industry, and government gathered at The Maslow Time Square in Menlyn Maine, Pretoria, for the 2024 Annual Future of Work-4IR Dialogue on Monday, 11 November. The event, hosted by Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), was marked by intelligent discussions on the rapid changes shaping the world of work in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Central to the dialogue was the launch of the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW) in 2021, a groundbreaking initiative designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry and to foster global public-private collaboration.
Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, the Vice Chancellor and Principal of TUT, opened the event by emphasizing the critical role that strategic partnerships play in navigating the 4IR landscape. He highlighted that IFOW is uniquely positioned to be an ideation hub, where innovative ideas can flourish through cross-sector collaboration. “At IFOW, we are creating the space where academia, government, and industry can come together to solve the challenges posed by rapid technological change,” said Maluleke.
Dr. Geraldine Frasser-Moloketi, Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University, also lent her support to the event, noting that the convergence of academic institutions and industry stakeholders is essential for addressing the challenges of 4IR. “The future of work is not just about technology, but also about human empowerment and sustainable economic growth. Universities have a central role to play in shaping a future where technology benefits all, and not just a select few,” said Dr. Frasser-Moloketi.
Dr. Nalledi Gallant, CEO of Dalitso Holdings, who brings a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship, highlighted the importance of fostering an innovation-driven mind set. According to Dr Gallant the future of work will require individuals to be adaptable, creative, and entrepreneurial. She further stated that organizations must not only focus on traditional forms of education but also invest in nurturing problem-solving capabilities and resilience.
Professor Upenyu Guyo, Executive Director of Midlands States University Enterprises, highlighted the increasing need for universities to play an active role in innovation and entrepreneurship. He gave a remark on the need for universities to collaborate more closely with businesses to facilitate the commercialization of research and ideas.
Mr. Tsepiso Teffo, a Digital Skills Advisor, spoke about the growing importance of digital literacy in preparing the workforce for future challenges. He stressed that the 4IR demands a workforce that is not only technologically adept but also able to make use of the power of data, AI, and automation to drive innovation. “We need to ensure that all South Africans have access to the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy,” Teffo said.
The panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Une’ne’ Gregory, Project Manager of Public-Private Partnerships at IFOW, focused on how to navigate the fast-paced changes brought by 4IR. Dr. Gregory was joined by Mr. Tsepiso Teffo, Dr. Nalledi Gallant, and Professor Upenyu Guyo. Together, they explored strategies for building the digital skills and entrepreneurial mindsets necessary to thrive in an increasingly automated and interconnected world.
The panel discussion concluded with remarks from Dr. Gregory, as she reiterated the importance of collaboration and cross-sector partnerships in shaping the future of work. “Through strategic partnerships, we can create the ecosystem needed to drive sustainable economic growth and approach the challenges posed by 4IR,” Dr. Gregory stated.
The dialogue provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to discuss the future of work, and with IFOW at the center of these conversations, the hope is that South Africa and the broader African continent can lead in innovation and progress in the 4IR era.
