MICT SETA CEO on how to close SA’s digital skills gap

South Africa is currently facing a significant digital divide, with many organizations struggling to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of work. The slow pace of digital transformation in some sectors poses a risk of widening the existing inequalities in a country already known for its high levels of inequality. To address this challenge, Matome Madibana, the CEO of government agency MICT SETA, is leading efforts to bridge the digital gap through innovative collaborations and a focus on skills development in the media and ICT industries. Madibana shared insights on the approach taken by MICT SETA, which is based on the triple helix model. This model involves industry, government, and academia working together to stimulate research and innovation in response to evolving technologies. By partnering with universities and experts in the field, MICT SETA is driving initiatives to mentor young talents, offer scholarships for advanced studies, and support research in frontier technologies. The agency also collaborates with strategic partners in government and research institutions to optimize efforts in addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Through these collaborations, MICT SETA aims to create a conducive environment for cultivating cutting-edge skills that meet industry demands. By consulting with industry stakeholders and academic institutions, the agency ensures that curricula are aligned with market needs, producing graduates who are not only future-ready but also inclined towards entrepreneurship. The goal is to shift from job seekers to job creators and product developers, encouraging local innovations and solutions to societal challenges. Artificial intelligence is highlighted as a key component of the future, and Madibana emphasizes the importance of preparing young people to embrace and leverage these technologies. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, MICT SETA seeks to empower youth to develop locally-made solutions and move away from a consumer-oriented approach. Collaborative projects with institutions like Tshwane University of Technology and individuals such as Mr. Pires aim to develop proprietary systems that could be commercialized, driving the country towards self-sufficiency in technology development. The agency's focus on creating a tech-savvy generation that can tackle complex challenges and contribute to economic growth is essential in closing the digital skills gap and ensuring South Africa's competitiveness in the global digital economy.