By:
Kanto Kai Okanta
Deputy
President Paul Mashatile has underscored the importance of aligning education
with industry needs following the launch of the Gert Sibande TVET College
Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Digital Innovation Lab and Centre of
Specialisation Millwright Workshop.
Speaking
in his capacity as Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council of
South Africa, Deputy President Mashatile described the initiative as a
significant step toward building a skilled and competitive workforce capable of
driving the country’s economic transformation.
He
noted that the establishment of the 4IR Digital Innovation Lab reflects a
strategic commitment to equipping young people with future-ready skills,
positioning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions
as key drivers of both economic growth and social development.
Mashatile
highlighted the transformative potential of emerging technologies, particularly
artificial intelligence, while cautioning that unequal access remains a
critical challenge. He emphasized the need for inclusive approaches to ensure
that technological advancements benefit all segments of society.
The
Deputy President further called for stronger collaboration between education
institutions and industry stakeholders to ensure that training programmes
remain relevant and responsive to evolving market demands.
Addressing
students, he encouraged them to take an active role in shaping the future,
stressing that they are not only preparing for emerging opportunities but are
also central to driving innovation and national development.
