Author: Dr Mmaki Jantjies

We’re living at a time when technology has the power to transform society. The digital age therefore presents a range of opportunities for South Africa’s youth. A recent study by the Oxford Internet Institute reveals that internet access and use are consistently associated with positive wellbeing. This data underscores the importance of equipping our youth with digital skills and tools. With the government’s commitment to supporting the digital economy through strategic platforms like the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Project, it is crucial that we foster an environment conducive to learning and innovation. The private sector plays a pivotal role in…

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Access and affordability often prevent parents giving their children the education that is their democratic right. Telkom has moved to overcome these barriers, connecting South Africans to a better life through TelkomLearn, which offers world-class educational courses online. It is now almost universally agreed that good education is the foundation to personal growth, stability and success. However, accessing that education is one of the fundamental challenges keeping young people from achieving success and fulfilment. Preventing this access are material barriers such as cost, connectivity and the availability of quality educational resources. It is also one of life’s great injustices that…

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South Africa is a leading country in the innovation investment ecosystem across Africa, but the current rate of investment is falling short. With disruptive emerging technologies affecting societies, more collective investment is required to bolster the country’s innovation ecosystem and ensure that this investment is translated into improving everyday lives. As South Africa participates in the World Economic Forum (WEF) DAVOS 2024 this month, the impact of emerging innovative technologies such as AI on various economies will take centre stage. For example, “Artificial Intelligence as a Driving Force for the Economy and Society” is one of the key thematic areas…

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South Africa’s place in the global digital revolution depends on our country’s ability to contribute to technologies that are both globally competitive and locally relevant. The World Bank estimates that the digital economy contributes more than 15% of global domestic product (GDP).  Over the past decade, it has grown two and a half times faster than the brick-and-mortar economy, creating millions of new businesses and jobs in the process. The rapid advancements in technology have led to an unprecedented digital transformation across industries. According to Statistics South Africa, ICT is an enabler of socio-economic development and contributed an estimated sectoral…

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