By Thokozani Biyana
Tshwane University of Technology(TUT) as the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW) with FP&M SETA SERS Chair hosted the 5th Annual Dialogue for the Future of work, on Wednesday and Thursday, September 30th – October 1st, at The Maslow Hotel, time square, Menlyn Maine, City of Tshwane.
The focal point of the Dialogue was turning the developmental tide, Advancing Africa’s Resilient Future through Ai-Enabled Innovation Pathways.
photo by: Orapeleng Rapalapa
VC and Principal of TUT, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke.
VC and Principal of TUT, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, delivered a synopsis of the whole event, highlighting the way forward of what the Dialogue represents stating that Africans should refrain from the notion that Europe under developed Africa and start Development Africa on their own terms:
photo by: Andile Nkosi
Day 1 of the Dialogue, offered the Senior Director of the Institute of the future of work, Mr. Tseliso Mohlomi, elaborate the the purpose of the Dialogue. A keynote Addressing ‘turning the developmental tide’ from the CEO of Sentech, Mr. Tebogo Leshope, and a Fireside discussion was conducted to bounce views, ideas and answer unanswered questions that arose within the discussion.
photo by: Andile Nkosi
Questions and answers were exchanged during the dialogue.
The second quarter of the Day 1, addressed Powering the skills revolution by CEO of FP&M SETA, Dr. Felleng Yende. From disruption to redesign by Head of skills and policy and governance unit, Dr Ashwan Aggarwal. Universities as catalysts for Africa’s development by Acting DVC Teaching and Learning at TUT, Prof Ntebogeng Makgalaka-Fleischmann.
Day 1 was wrapped up with the following addresses: from research to revenue by Executive Manager of RIISA, Dr Makhobetsa Khaiti. From survivalist to sustainability by CEO And Founder of Nematech, Dr. Tiisetso Lephoto, from ideas to industries by Director General, Minister of Small Business Development, Ms. Thulisile Manzini.
photo by: Andile Nkosi
Day 2 further addressed the big question: Can South Africa create jobs, protect workers and build the skills needed for the Future of Work? Minister of the department of Employment and labour, Minister Nomakhosazana Meth, elaborated the necessary skills that are required to integrate AI into our workplace and utilize it as a tool to advance the development of Africa.
photo by Orapeleng Rapalapa
Wrapping the 2 day Dialogue Mr. Tseliso Mohlomi urged the researchers, panelists, entrepreneurs and academics to put the discussions that were had during the Dialogue to visible and tangible developments.
