by Phumla Mkize
Tiger Brands Chairman and former minister of public service and administration Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi joins an exciting line-up of industry captains, government leaders, policy makers, entrepreneurs and funders at the third annual Future of Work 4IR Dialogue.
Fraser-Moleketi is one of the speakers at the two-day dialogue which is hosted by the Tshwane University of Technology’s Institute of Future Work.
The dialogue, which will be held at The Maslow at Menlyn Maine, east of Pretoria on 11 and 12 November, is anchored around the spirit of the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063, which aims to transform Africa into a global powerhouse with technology, innovation and skills as the major drivers for the continent’s success.
Now in its third year, the dialogue brings together thought leaders in business, government, academia, research, innovation and finance to find practical solutions to fast-track the adoption of new technologies to improve inclusive economic growth in Africa.
The 2024 instalment of the dialogue, which is held under the theme “Collaborate, Innovate, Thrive: Unleashing Innovation to Build a Future-Ready Africa”, builds on the work that TUT’s IFOW has accomplished in the past two years through the dialogues.
With South Africa and many other African countries facing challenges of poverty and unemployment, it is important that technological advances contribute to the growth of the African economy. Technology developments must also encourage inclusive participation of all in the economy rather than widen the gap of access to opportunities, especially for the previously disadvantaged.
Fraser-Moleketi, who is also the Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University, will discuss continental collaboration for Africa’s inclusive economic growth. Her presentation will focus on how the continent can harness emerging technologies and skills to ensure that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) succeeds.
Former minister of public service and administration Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi is one of the speakers at the 3rd Future of Work 4IR Dialogue.
Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, TUT’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, said the dialogue is a platform for all role players to take a critical look at emerging technologies and the positioning of Africa in the global discourse of innovation.
“I’m hoping that at the conclusion of the discussions, a collaborative agenda for creating and adopting new forms of business and work practices will developed,” he said.
Prof Maluleke emphasised the importance of collaboration among academia, industry, civil society and government in building the required capacity to ensure the success of the AU’s Agenda 2063. He said it is through working together that AfCFTA and Africa’s prosperity will be realised.
Marisa Jacobs, the Managing Director of Xpatweb, will discuss the internationalisation of jobs on the second day of the dialogue.
The second day of the dialogue will feature Marisa Jacobs, the Managing Director of Xpatweb, who will talk about the migration and internationalisation of jobs.
Jacobs – whose work includes helping her corporate clients and individuals with South African Revenue Services tax directives, Department of Labour audits and South African Reserve Bank clearances – will bring these insights to a discussion on global trends shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
Tseliso Mohlomi, Senior Director of IFOW – which is one of TUT’s innovations divisions – said among the topics that will feature at the dialogue is “innovation ecosystems in Africa”. It will look at successful models for innovation by leveraging emerging technologies and identifying key enablers for nurturing innovation across different sectors.
The dialogue comprises keynote addresses, expert panel discussions, networking sessions and exhibitions of innovations used in various sectors.
- To take part in the dialogue, contact Tseliso Mohlomi, Senior Director at the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW), +27 12 382 5001,
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Dr Unene Gregory, Project Manager for Public and Private Partnerships at IFOW +27 12 382 2849,This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - For media enquiries, contact Phaphama Tshisikhawe, University Spokesperson, +27 12 382 4711, +27 66 211 1441,
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