South Africa is embracing the age of artificial intelligence with a clear promise: the technology revolution will be built around people. Speaking at the National Economic Development and Labour Council’s (NEDLAC) 31st Annual Summit in Pretoria, Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa set out a vision of an AI-enabled economy that lifts workers, entrepreneurs and young people along with it.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Ramokgopa said the digital wave sweeping the global economy is rich with possibility for South Africa.
“AI can improve productivity, support innovation, strengthen service delivery, create new industries and open new opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment,” the minister said.
Investing in people first
The centrepiece of the government’s approach is human capital. Ramokgopa said the transition towards a tech-enabled economy must be cushioned by targeted investments in education and training, with upskilling and re-skilling initiatives ensuring that young South Africans and current workers are fully equipped for a shifting labour market.
“We must therefore ensure that our approach to AI is centered on people. This requires investments in education, skills development, re-skilling, and lifelong learning. Our young people in particular must be equipped to participate meaningfully in the digital economy,” he said.
New occupations will emerge and existing ones will evolve, the minister noted, which is why lifelong learning sits at the heart of the plan.
An opportunity to boost competitiveness
Ramokgopa told the summit that the age of AI presents South Africa with an “opportunity to improve South Africa’s productivity and competitiveness”, and that the challenge now is to make sure those gains reach everyone.
“Technological advancements must support investment, strengthen enterprises, particularly small and emerging businesses, and contribute to sustainable employment creation,” he said.
Social dialogue as a superpower
One of South Africa’s unique strengths in navigating the transition is NEDLAC itself, the long-standing forum where government, business, labour and community organisations shape solutions together.
“The concept of social dialogue is central to our democratic project. It provides a platform through which government, business, labour and the community constituency can engage, identify areas of interest and work towards solutions,” Ramokgopa said, adding that business, labour and government will work hand in hand so that technology improves productivity while supporting workers through periods of transition.
With skills investment on the agenda and all social partners around one table, South Africa is positioning itself to ride the AI wave on its own terms, turning one of the century’s biggest shifts into new industries, new careers and inclusive growth.
Source: SAnews.gov.za
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
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