Deputy president launches 4IR lab in Mpumalanga to equip youth for future jobs
Paul Mashatile unveiled a cutting-edge fourth industrial revolution lab at Gert Sibande TVET College, aimed at preparing students for a rapidly evolving, tech-driven job market.
The deputy president and chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council, Paul Mashatile, launched the Gert Sibande TVET College Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Lab and Centre of Specialisation Millwright Workshop on Tuesday, April 14.
The initiative was supported by a number of key partners including Sasol, the National Skills Fund and Festo (a global manufacturer of automation products and systems), reflecting a collaborative effort to enhance vocational education and training in South Africa.
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“These centres empower young people with future-ready skills and position colleges as a driver of economic growth and social transformation. If AI is to serve humanity, it must be inclusive – bridging divides and empowering all. We are not just preparing for the future; we are being called to shape it,” Mashatile said.
He added that the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 revealed that, by 2030, tasks will be evenly divided between humans and machines. “AI may displace 92 million roles but create 170 million new jobs globally, a net gain of 78 million,” he said.
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“Please hear me with an open heart. I do not speak of AI to discourage its use, but to elevate the importance of readiness for the transformation already upon us. AI is not here to reduce human dignity, but to expand human potential. It is a partner in progress, a catalyst for creativity, and a bridge to new horizons,” said Mashatile.
The deputy president said the success of AI will be judged not by efficiency alone, but by its ability to strengthen social cohesion, expand opportunities and restore confidence in our collective future.
“That obligation lies in places like this lab, where we must ask how do we build AI systems that help people, not just businesses; how do we ensure workers gain new skills instead of being replaced; how do we close the digital gap so all may benefit; and how do we share AI’s benefits widely across society. These are moral, financial and human questions requiring collaboration.”
He also indicated that South Africa’s successful adoption of AI will depend less on algorithms than on building a workforce skilled in data literacy, cloud computing, ethical governance and applied AI integration.
