South Africa Kick Starts Project To Create One Million New ICT Jobs By 2030

A new skills development program has been unveiled which aims to create one million new jobs for South Africans by 2030.

The project which is in the pilot phase has been launched by South Africa’s Communications and Digital Technologies in conjunction with MICT SETA.

Through the pilot project, 1000 unemployed youth will be equipped with 4IR ICT skills which are needed to enable them to secure the leadership, employment as well as start their own businesses.

The program has been divided into several segments including Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, Drone Piloting, 3D Printing and Software Development, Data Science and Digital Content Production.

FIRtech has liaised with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies to deliver parts of the overall 4IR Skills Programme.

FIRtech CEO Ugan Maistry said, “The fourth industrial revolution has changed the way we work and interact with each other. The soft skills of working with teams and service orientation are critical success factors and we plan to impart these skills during our work readiness programs.”

As technology advances, concerns have been raised over the impact of Artifical Intelligence on jobs. Digitisation has led to many people losing their jobs not only in South Africa but also across the globe.

Experts have also cautioned that more unemployment caused by technological advancement will continue to take place.

As the world embraces the industrial revolution, President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier pledged to upskill citizens with the required knowledge so that they fit in the digital economy.

As the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) begins to be alive, South Africa has continued to position itself not as an adopter but as a leader of the new technological revolution.

Featured Image Courtesy: inc.com