TUT Host Annual Future of Work 4IR Dialogue Public Service, Yoliswa Makhasi, the Director-General of the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), highlighted critical statistics and challenges facing South Africa public service.
The event, hosted by the Tshwane University of Technology Institute for the Future of Work, explored the theme “Collaborate, Innovate, Thrive: Unleashing Innovation to Build a Future-Ready Africa.”
TUT Host Annual Future of Work 4IR Dialogue Public Service
Gender Representation in Public Service
- South Africa employs 1.2 million public servants, with 63.47% being women and 37.53% men.
- Despite the high number of female employees, only 45.2% of senior management positions are held by women, compared to 54.8% by men.
This disparity underscores the need for more gender-inclusive policies to address representation at higher levels.
Senior Management and ICT Roles
- Contrary to public perception, only 10,000 public servants occupy senior management positions.
- Alarmingly, only 0.3% of public servants are employed in ICT roles across national and provincial departments, reflecting a critical gap in digital capacity in a rapidly advancing technological era.
Youth Representation in Public Service
- A mere 25% of public servants are under the age of 35, despite South Africa being a youthful nation.
- The age imbalance presents a policy challenge, with the need to attract younger talent into the public sector to build a digitally competent and future-ready workforce.
Challenges and Strategic Imperatives for South Africa
Digital Skills as the New Literacy
Dr. Naledi Gallant, CEO of Dalitso Holdings, emphasized the importance of digital skills, stating, “Digital skills are the new literacy.”
- The government must enhance its systems and integrate human resource management for better skills alignment.
- Schools and universities must modernize curricula, embedding digital skills and entrepreneurship into all subjects rather than treating them as isolated disciplines.
Youth as a Key Resource
Former General Electric CEO Nyimpini Mabunda highlighted the untapped potential of Africa’s young population, describing them as pivotal to leveraging technological advancements.
- Unlike older generations, young people are less attached to traditional methods, making them better equipped to adopt new technologies and work processes.
- Mabunda also pointed out how other countries, like Japan, are innovating with robotics to address labor shortages, while South Africa faces a nurse shortage due to emigration.
The Need for Agile Partnerships
Tshepiso Teffo, a technical advisor for the German government agency GIZ, advocated for collaborative partnerships between institutions and industries to bridge the gap in opportunities for young people.
- He stressed the importance of non-formal qualifications alongside formal education to ensure the continuous development of youth.
- Teffo also called for mentorship programs and improved access to labor market information, highlighting the issue of young people relying on internships and learnerships for income rather than skill-building.
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The Role of Higher Education in Shaping the Future
TUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Tinyiko Maluleke, addressed the evolving job market, stating, “The job market is being shaken to the core… It does not know which jobs it will need in the next ten years.”
- Universities must integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and digital fluency into their programs to prepare students for the uncertainties of the future.
- Graduates need to develop entrepreneurial skills and adaptability to thrive in a rapidly changing economic environment.
Moving Forward Policy Implications
Makhasi underscored the urgency for government reforms:
- Enhanced Digital Skills: Basic digital literacy must become a foundational requirement across public services.
- Organizational Restructuring: A comprehensive review of resource allocation and department structures is essential for improved efficiency.
- Youth Engagement: The public service must prioritize attracting and retaining younger talent to address future demands effectively.
Conclusion
The Future of Work 4IR Dialogue brought together thought leaders from various sectors to address South Africa challenges in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
As the continent grapples with issues like youth unemployment and digital transformation, fostering innovation and collaboration remains key to achieving inclusive growth and a sustainable future.
The insights shared by Makhasi, Gallant, Mabunda, and Teffo collectively highlight the urgent need to modernize policies, education, and public sector systems to unleash Africa potential in the digital age.
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