The Fourth Industrial Revolution can be described as the advent of “cyber-physical systems” involving entirely new capabilities for people and machines. The Fourth Industrial Revolution represents entirely new ways in which technology becomes embedded within societies and even our human bodies. Examples include genome editing, new forms of machine intelligence, breakthrough materials, and approaches to governance that rely on cryptographic methods such as the blockchain. According to the World Economic Forum, the top three skills required to thrive in 4IR include; Complex problem solving, Critical thinking, and Creativity. These skills are different from the top skills listed by the World Economic Forum in 2015, Therefore; For the youth to be able to contribute to 4IR they need to upskill.
Just Out | Siyakha Youth Assets Study | Developing Youth Assets For Employability
The latest unemployment statistics show a continued rise in the levels of youth unemployment with the expanded unemployment rate creeping up to 52% for youth aged 15 to 34 years (Statistics South Africa, 2019). The most significant contributor to this situation is the limited growth in the number of jobs that can match the number of new work seekers entering the labour market each year.