(Parliamentary debate: Skills in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Empowering the youth for changing economic participation)
It is ironic that South Africa is debating the empowerment of youth for the Fourth Industrial Revolution while many learners are still struggling to master the basic skills of reading, writing and comprehension.
In addition to academic challenges, South Africa’s youth also face a social crisis, lacking access to basic necessities. The crisis affecting beneficiaries of the Department of Social Development, particularly in Gauteng, serves as a stark example of this.
Children’s homes, facilities for victims of domestic violence and other organisations have been waiting for grants for months, leaving them desperate and in need. And yet, government – from the president to the relevant minister – keeps pretending that it is serious about addressing gender-based violence and youth unemployment.
While Child Protection Week was celebrated last week, children’s homes in Gauteng’s pleas for their grants to be paid out fell on government’s deaf ears; and they are still waiting.
Government is failing South Africa’s youth in every respect.
Nevertheless, it would be catastrophic not to take preparing for the Fourth Industrial Revolution seriously. The youth need to acquire the skills needed to embrace the opportunities and challenges it presents.
To achieve this, a wide range of skills must be developed. The fact that learners in South Africa still struggle with basic literacy skills, though, highlights the enormity of the undertaking.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is not just about technological advancement. Traditional trades are also evolving to incorporate new skills and technologies.
Tradespeople, such as plumbers and electricians, among others, play a crucial role in this regard.
Here government is failing the youth as well. Thousands of young trade apprentices are currently waiting to complete their trade tests, without which they cannot enter the labour market.
The problem does not lie with learners, but the Department’s utter lack of political will to address the issue and truly empower the country’s youth.
Any crisis can be overcome with enough political will, strong leadership, sensible decisions, decisive management and structural change, though.
Drastic change is the prerequisite. The Government of National Unity (GNU) is the first step in the right direction. As the rotten apples are taken out and replaced, the rest will gradually fall into place – and the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) will see this process through.
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