Future Proofing Education

The e-commerce visionary who founded one of China’s most successful technology companies would probably not find a job there today. Billionnaire entrepreneur Jack Ma says that the initial screening for Alibaba would most likely screen him out because he lacks the qualifications. That’s because the memory and calculation functions of the industrial era are now being performed much better by machines. Now the 55-year-old former English teacher is planning philanthropical work so that the next generation is better prepared for the 4IR eco-system fast taking root worldwide.

- Gregory Penfold

For Ma, the solution is greater independent thinking. “We (have to) teach our kids how to be innovative, constructive and creative so they can survive in the AI (artificial intelligence) period. I want to do more things about that,” he was quoted saying by CNBC.

Where does South Africa stand in light of this statement? How well equipped are the country’s educational institutions to deliver the kind of independent thinking that Ma believes essential for any future professional capacity?

Changes are certainly afoot in the educational landscape, with a combination of policy pronouncements and independent initiatives that promise to move things in the right direction.

Skills revolution

One million new jobs by 2030—that’s the commitment of the Government’s 4IR Commission’s pilot skills development programme recently launched by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies in partnership with MICT SETA.

Appointed to address the skills gaps to future proof SA’s economy and reduce youth unemployment brought about by technological disruption and structural inequalities, the 4IR commission has set an initial goal for the pilot project to train and equip 1 000 unemployed youth.

The 4IR ICT skills they gain—-Data Science, Digital Content Production, Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, Drone Piloting, 3D Printing and Software Development—are expected to unlock learnerships, employment and new businesses. Readiness programmes and entrepreneurship skills are also on the menu.

The programme will benefit from additional partnerships with the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Boston City Campus, Microsoft South Africa and technology company FIRtech.