Hamadziripi Tamukamoyo, who heads the Youth Development Institute of SA, writes that there is considerable global interest about the potential of the so-called fourth industrial revolution – undergirded by artificial intelligence – to propel economic and social progression.  

But, it could also reproduce and cement existing inequality.  He says that all initiatives to ensure that SA benefits from this “great transformation” should not further marginalise those already at the periphery.  These include young people without access to good quality education, jobless youth who are inadequately prepared for the labour market and children who learn under the most dehumanising conditions.  The fourth industrial revolution has to empower them and also uplift them from their current situations.  Without fundamentally improving the accessibility of high-quality education to those from the poorest households, the fourth industrial revolution will continue to reproduce inequality.  Privileged pupils— by virtue of their homes and schools— will benefit the most.  They are likely to have, for instance, the complex problem-solving, critical thinking and maths skills that are essential to flourish for studies and work in the industries of the future.  According to Tamukamoyo, robust discussions about how to prepare SA for the future are necessary.  There should be concerted efforts to ensure that young people from the most marginalised sections of society are able to participate fully and to realise their potential as the fourth industrial revolution unfolds.

• Read this article in full at Mail & Guardian

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