APY3715
Assignment 3 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due date: May 2026
PART 1
QUESTION 1
The Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa
Introduction
The Fourth Industrial Revolution has been presented as a chance for South Africa to
modernise its economy, improve services and create new forms of work. It includes
technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, big data, the Internet of Things and 3D
printing. These technologies can help a country become more productive and competitive.
At the same time, South Africa is not starting from an equal position. The country still carries
the effects of colonialism and apartheid, including poverty, unequal education, uneven
access to services and a labour market that already excludes many people. This means that
the 4IR can bring progress, but it can also make existing problems worse if it is not managed
carefully.
,PART 1
QUESTION 1
The Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa
Introduction
The Fourth Industrial Revolution has been presented as a chance for South Africa to
modernise its economy, improve services and create new forms of work. It includes
technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, big data, the Internet of Things
and 3D printing. These technologies can help a country become more productive
and competitive. At the same time, South Africa is not starting from an equal
position. The country still carries the effects of colonialism and apartheid, including
poverty, unequal education, uneven access to services and a labour market that
already excludes many people. This means that the 4IR can bring progress, but it
can also make existing problems worse if it is not managed carefully.
Employment and inequality
One major promise of the 4IR is that it can create new types of jobs in areas such as
data analysis, software development, robotics, digital services and advanced
manufacturing. South African businesses could use these technologies to improve
production, reduce waste and become more competitive in local and global markets.
This may also attract foreign investment if the country can show that it has the skills
and infrastructure needed for modern industries.
The problem is that many South Africans work in low skilled or semi skilled jobs, and
these are the kinds of jobs most exposed to automation. Machines and digital
systems can replace routine work in factories, mines, shops and offices. This is
serious in a country that already has high unemployment. The risk is not only that
jobs may disappear, but that the new jobs created may go mainly to people who
already have good education and digital skills. This can deepen inequality between
skilled and unskilled workers, and between rich and poor communities. The article
warns that 4IR may reduce the demand for workers with lower levels of skills and
increase inequality if the gains are not shared fairly (Sutherland, 2020).
Education and skills
, Education is central to whether South Africa benefits from the 4IR. For people to take
part in a digital economy, they need strong basic education, digital literacy and
access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects. However,
South Africa‟s education system has serious weaknesses. Many learners leave
school without strong maths, science or reading skills. This limits the number of
students who can enter higher education in technical fields.
This creates a skills shortage. The country needs engineers, researchers,
technicians, programmers, teachers and managers who understand new
technologies. Without these skills, South Africa may become a user of imported
technology instead of a country that can develop and adapt technology for local
needs. This would keep the country dependent on wealthier countries and large
multinational companies. The article notes that South Africa does not produce
enough science and technology graduates because too few school leavers are
properly prepared for these fields (Sutherland, 2020). This means that improving
schools, vocational training and adult reskilling should be treated as part of 4IR
policy, not as a separate issue.
Infrastructure and digital access
The 4IR also depends on reliable infrastructure. Digital technologies need electricity,
broadband, data systems, transport networks and affordable devices. South Africa
has major problems in this area. Many communities still have weak internet access,
expensive data and poor public infrastructure. The electricity crisis also makes it
difficult for businesses, schools and homes to depend on digital systems.
This creates a divided 4IR. Wealthier schools, companies and urban areas may
benefit from new technologies, while poor and rural communities are left behind. In
this way, the 4IR could repeat old patterns of exclusion created by apartheid spatial
planning. The article points out that South Africa‟s infrastructure problems are linked
to weak governance, poor regulation and state owned enterprises that have often
performed badly (Sutherland, 2020). For this reason, access to technology must
include affordable internet, stable electricity and better public investment in
neglected areas.
Governance and public policy
Assignment 3 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due date: May 2026
PART 1
QUESTION 1
The Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa
Introduction
The Fourth Industrial Revolution has been presented as a chance for South Africa to
modernise its economy, improve services and create new forms of work. It includes
technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, big data, the Internet of Things and 3D
printing. These technologies can help a country become more productive and competitive.
At the same time, South Africa is not starting from an equal position. The country still carries
the effects of colonialism and apartheid, including poverty, unequal education, uneven
access to services and a labour market that already excludes many people. This means that
the 4IR can bring progress, but it can also make existing problems worse if it is not managed
carefully.
,PART 1
QUESTION 1
The Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa
Introduction
The Fourth Industrial Revolution has been presented as a chance for South Africa to
modernise its economy, improve services and create new forms of work. It includes
technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, big data, the Internet of Things
and 3D printing. These technologies can help a country become more productive
and competitive. At the same time, South Africa is not starting from an equal
position. The country still carries the effects of colonialism and apartheid, including
poverty, unequal education, uneven access to services and a labour market that
already excludes many people. This means that the 4IR can bring progress, but it
can also make existing problems worse if it is not managed carefully.
Employment and inequality
One major promise of the 4IR is that it can create new types of jobs in areas such as
data analysis, software development, robotics, digital services and advanced
manufacturing. South African businesses could use these technologies to improve
production, reduce waste and become more competitive in local and global markets.
This may also attract foreign investment if the country can show that it has the skills
and infrastructure needed for modern industries.
The problem is that many South Africans work in low skilled or semi skilled jobs, and
these are the kinds of jobs most exposed to automation. Machines and digital
systems can replace routine work in factories, mines, shops and offices. This is
serious in a country that already has high unemployment. The risk is not only that
jobs may disappear, but that the new jobs created may go mainly to people who
already have good education and digital skills. This can deepen inequality between
skilled and unskilled workers, and between rich and poor communities. The article
warns that 4IR may reduce the demand for workers with lower levels of skills and
increase inequality if the gains are not shared fairly (Sutherland, 2020).
Education and skills
, Education is central to whether South Africa benefits from the 4IR. For people to take
part in a digital economy, they need strong basic education, digital literacy and
access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects. However,
South Africa‟s education system has serious weaknesses. Many learners leave
school without strong maths, science or reading skills. This limits the number of
students who can enter higher education in technical fields.
This creates a skills shortage. The country needs engineers, researchers,
technicians, programmers, teachers and managers who understand new
technologies. Without these skills, South Africa may become a user of imported
technology instead of a country that can develop and adapt technology for local
needs. This would keep the country dependent on wealthier countries and large
multinational companies. The article notes that South Africa does not produce
enough science and technology graduates because too few school leavers are
properly prepared for these fields (Sutherland, 2020). This means that improving
schools, vocational training and adult reskilling should be treated as part of 4IR
policy, not as a separate issue.
Infrastructure and digital access
The 4IR also depends on reliable infrastructure. Digital technologies need electricity,
broadband, data systems, transport networks and affordable devices. South Africa
has major problems in this area. Many communities still have weak internet access,
expensive data and poor public infrastructure. The electricity crisis also makes it
difficult for businesses, schools and homes to depend on digital systems.
This creates a divided 4IR. Wealthier schools, companies and urban areas may
benefit from new technologies, while poor and rural communities are left behind. In
this way, the 4IR could repeat old patterns of exclusion created by apartheid spatial
planning. The article points out that South Africa‟s infrastructure problems are linked
to weak governance, poor regulation and state owned enterprises that have often
performed badly (Sutherland, 2020). For this reason, access to technology must
include affordable internet, stable electricity and better public investment in
neglected areas.
Governance and public policy
