Maximising the impact of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) in learning environments took centre stage during the second instalment of a webinar series hosted by the Education and Recreation cluster in the Parliament of South Africa’s Research Unit (PRU) on Monday, 5 May 2025. The virtual engagement, supported by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), attracted 232 attendees across various platforms hosted by both Parliament and the CSIR. The participants represented a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including various government departments, educational institutions and industry partners.

High-level panel discussions stimulated progressive conversations on the transformational capacity that 4IR can have in society by leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and the internet of things (IoT), specifically in the education sector.

“The CSIR’s Learning Factory in Pretoria is dedicated to bridging the critical gap between academic knowledge and real-world application in advanced 4IR technologies. We offer an assortment of resources, including the Mobile Learning Factory concept, to expose learners to hands-on experiences in various aspects of 4IR and its related concepts,” says senior researcher at the CSIR’s Centre for Robotics and Future Production, Dr Belinda Matebese. “Furthermore, the CSIR offers introductory modules and a selection of short videos to assist academic settings or community spaces to boost 4IR knowledge and skills for better job opportunities, entrepreneurship and innovation,” she adds.

Programme facilitator, Dr Esethu Stofile, a chief education specialist in e-teaching and learning at the Eastern Cape Department of Education, kick-started the deliberations. Dr Matebese was joined by an impressive group of speakers, notably Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, Henry Kavuma, Ashric Don and Gabi Immelman - representing the Department of Higher Education and Training, the Department of Basic Education, the Western Cape Education Department and Mindjoy, respectively.

Looking beyond universities

Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, Director-General for the Department of Higher Education and Training, highlighted in his presentation that it is predicted that 85% of work roles will require digital skills by 2030, implying that a new way of learning is required. In South Africa’s variegated education sector, all higher education institutions have an important contribution to make in preparing future workforces for new and evolving occupations, with a suite of progressive 4IR technology alternatives. Currently underway is an ambitious goal of producing 30 000 artisans per annum, new short skills programmes, collaborations with the South African Qualifications Authority, hybridised and flexible learning environments, adaptive curricula workshops, and improved capabilities and facilities for students at Technical and Vocational Education and Training centres.

Multipurpose education programmes for a 4IR future

A case study was shared on how the growing coding and robotics ecosystem is encouraging learners to gain skills in coding, robotics, AI and computational thinking. These initiatives are being supplemented with platforms such as hubs, labs, club teams, teacher and leadership capacity training, underscoring the importance of a shift from piloting to policy to practice.

An educational evolution is underway

In a rapidly evolving world, the application of 4IR comes with unique challenges, notably numeracy, digital literacy and literacy. A solution offered by the panellists was that 4IR affordances prioritise students’ access to innovations, including the CSIR’s Learning Factory, which is an adaptable model space to train, upskill, reskill and cross-skill in 4IR technologies.

The Department of Higher Education and Training shared some of its organisational plans, such as the Master Skills Programme and the implementation plan of the White Paper (2014) on Public Schools Education and Training. These are envisaged to assist with the building of collaborative working partnerships to digitise systems, promote equity and inclusion, bridge inequalities, empower teachers, promote information literacy and grow in-house skills.

“The webinar series strengthens our efforts to support Parliament,” says Carmen West-Juries, manager of the CSIR’s Parliamentary Relations Office. “We have dedicated this year towards promoting public understanding and engagement on the impact of 4IR technologies and their transformative potential across society. There is a need for this ongoing conversation, a platform where key players and partners can collaborate with lawmakers to chart a course for responsible innovation. By engaging proactively, we hope to empower lawmakers to shape the right policies and regulations to harness the power of 4IR,” she adds.