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Another important input came from the group consisting of Aubrey
Our purpose and mandate, as the W&RSETA, is inseparable from Tshabalala (Communications Workers Union), Mustak Ally (Minerals
this reality and resonated with Dr Charles Nwaila, Chairperson of Council South Africa), Thembinkosi Josopu (South African Youth
NSA, who reminded delegates that agility, adaptability, innovation Council), Sifiso Mtsweni (National Youth Development Agency) and
and collaboration are called for in these unprecedented times. Dr Shirley Lloyd who identified the following as crucial factors to
He noted that the World Economic Forum was warning of enhance our economy:
“double disruption” for workers, brought on by automation and • Create a conducive environment for SMMEs to grow the
the COVID-19 recession. With 63% of youth in South Africa job market
unemployed, there is a potentially explosive scenario developing • Infrastructure rollout must be used to create decent
and a shift to technology could result in benefits but also further sustainable jobs
inequality. At the W&RSETA we are acutely aware of this which is • Encourage local procurement through tax reforms.
why great emphasis is being placed on ICT/digital literacy as well • Privacy, cybercrime and cyber security must be prioritised when
as reskilling and multiskilling of people to prepare them for the formulating laws
Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). • Investment in research is vital
Dr Stella Bvuma of the University of Johannesburg added to this • The TVET system needs to be flexible, anticipating and
urgent need, saying, “Supporting women-led businesses is an responding to labour market demands
important element of a country’s economic growth strategy. South • Business must be committed to working collaboratively with all
Africa needs to prepare women entrepreneurs to be ‘future fit’. It social partners to achieve the objectives of the ERRP
needs a mass digitisation drive and an investment in connectivity
to keep up with the demands of digital economy.”

Other speakers at the summit

Dr Blade Nzimande delivered the
closing remarks

In his closing remarks, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, summed it up best, “No single
one of us, including government, can succeed in the task of building skills required for the 21st century alone. We therefore require
working together between government, organised labour, organised business and civil society. What is also important is to ensure that
we have inclusive outcomes which consider the needs of the youth, women and people living with disabilities.”

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W&RSETA | August 2021 Issue