By Faith Modise
Exploring how academia and industry can collaborate to integrate skills and enhance quality, ultimately strengthening standards within the automotive sector — particularly for graduates entering the workforce, was at the heart of a seminar focused on the transition from the Fourth to the Fifth Industrial Revolution, hosted by the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Institute for the Future of Work (IFoW) in partnership with the South African automotive industry.
The South African automotive industry remains one of the country’s leading contributors to manufacturing output and employment. It accounts for approximately 6–7% of the national GDP and plays a vital role in export earnings, with its influence extending across various sectors of the economy.
With more than a century of development, the automotive sector continues to evolve, especially in today’s rapidly changing technological environment. This is where TUT is stepping in to help shape the future. The seminar outlined a forward-looking vision for South Africa’s automotive industry.
Two engaging panel discussions allowed attendees to interact directly with key industry and academic leaders. These sessions unpacked the current industry landscape, emerging job opportunities and the growing need for young, innovative talent to uphold quality standards and help steer the shift toward a fully electric mobility future.
Tseliso Mohlomi, Senior Director of the IFoW, moderated the discussions with thought-provoking questions and concluded by reflecting on the collective insights shared:
“Yes, we are capable, but we are not yet at the stage where we can call ourselves world beaters. There are opportunities for the industry, government and academia — and most importantly, we need each other.”
Tseliso Mohlomi, Senior Director at the Institute for the Future of Work (IFoW) during the TUT Automotive Industry engagement focused on innovation and collaboration.
Mkululi Mlota, Chief Director at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), delivered an inspiring address highlighting the potential for deeper collaboration between TUT and the automotive industry. Quoting, “The winner is a dreamer who never gives up,” he emphasised the industry’s shift toward electric vehicles and the urgent demand for skilled professionals to drive this transformation and promote environmental sustainability.
Mkululi Mlota from DTIC: “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”
“There is an urgent need for stability through clean energy and reduced carbon emissions,” added Mrs Rouxzeta van der Merwe, a mechanical engineering lecturer at TUT. She highlighted ways in which the University is actively preparing innovative, job-ready graduates. To illustrate this, she shared three student-created videos showcasing electric cars built from cardboard and sensor-driven models — demonstrating how theoretical knowledge can be translated into practical, creative solutions.
The collaboration between TUT and the automotive industry marks a bold step toward a smarter, greener future-driven by innovation, shared purpose and the next generation of skilled leaders.
Guest speakers and panelists pictured at the TUT Automotive Industry Seminar, which focused on innovation, collaboration and advancing South Africa’s mobility future.
