The Presidential Commission on the fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has presented President Cyril Ramaphosa with its draft diagnostic report on the country’s 4IR plan and opportunities available to harness it.

The report was presented to Ramaphosa during a meeting on Thursday.

The commission, which was established earlier this year and chaired by the president with Tshilidzi Marwala as his deputy, is tasked with advising Ramaphosa and government on relevant policies, strategies and action plans to position South Africa as a smart, connected and competitive global player.

Ramaphosa commended the commission for the work done to date, appreciating particularly the focus of the commission to align the country’s envisaged 4IR strategy to the objectives and aspirations of the National Development Plan.

The commission is further tasked with advising government on the most optimal strategies to harness the potential of technology as an enabler to grow the economy and create jobs.

The work of the commission is centred on eight work streams dealing with the impact of technological advancement on human capital and the future of work as well social and economic development.

Welcomed

The president welcomed the commission’s commitment to practical and tangible recommendations which will be developed in collaboration with, and with the active participation of, a cross-section of South Africans.

“The work of this commission is critical to ensuring that we propel our country into the future. This future will be one where South Africa will have a globally competitive, inclusive and shared economy.”

The commission’s report is expected to be finalised by February 2020 and presented to cabinet for consideration. — SANews