Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, has underscored the need for South Africa to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) to remain globally competitive.
Addressing the National System of Innovation Transformation Summit in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, last week, Nzimande highlighted both the opportunities and challenges posed by emerging technologies, particularly in a nation struggling with high unemployment.
Balancing Innovation and Job Security
Recent data from Statistics South Africa indicates that the country’s unemployment rate stood at 31.9% in the last quarter of 2024, one of the highest globally. While AI and automation drive industrial transformation, concerns persist that these advancements may result in significant job losses, particularly for vulnerable groups.
“Breakthroughs in science and technology are reshaping global economies and disrupting labour markets,” Nzimande said. He noted that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is merging physical, biological, and digital systems, fundamentally altering industries and economic structures.
“The impact of these technological changes is being felt most by low-income and working-class communities,” he added.
Policy Interventions for Inclusive Growth
The minister stressed that AI, robotics, blockchain, and machine learning are redefining how economies accumulate capital. Without proper policy interventions, he warned, the benefits of these innovations could deepen economic inequalities.
“Technology is not inherently democratic or equalising. We must actively shape policies to ensure that it promotes inclusivity and social justice,” he said.
Nzimande called for strategic measures to guide the use of AI and other digital advancements, ensuring they create equitable opportunities rather than exacerbating existing disparities.
