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Mail & Guardian

Fourth Industrial Revolution

latest news & developments
Professor Prinola Govenden of the University of Johannesburg

UJ academic awarded Unesco Chair to advance digital inclusion and cultural equity in Africa

The Chair, held by Professor Prinola Govenden, will focus on addressing digital inclusion, cultural representation and equitable access to knowledge in Africa’s rapidly evolving…

Graphic: John McCann

The case for a special commission on the 4IR and law reform

The country needs a dynamic body to help the legislative framework adapt to rapid tech changes, such as artificial intelligence, balancing innovation with ethics, security and…

Graphic: John McCann

Reimagining employment in the age of the fourth industrial revolution

Once jobs were clearcut relationships between employer and employee, but in the gig economy labour laws often fall short

(Graphic: John McCann/M&G)

Navigating the future: Law meets the fourth industrial revolution

Legal systems need to balance accountability, fairness and transparency with innovation

MBA graduates bring with them a toolkit of critical thinking, leadership acumen and problem-solving skills.

The Enduring Value of Postgrad Education

Staying ahead of the curve in a constantly changing world

Social media has become a theatre for violence and intimidation, particularly where gang affiliation is concerned.

How the 4IR is turning SA’s banking systems into a crime scene

As digital banking gains popularity, criminals have adjusted their online and social engineering tactics

Corporate-controlled social media platforms, designed to keep us hooked, are fuelling a silent mental health epidemic.

Technology in SA – who will ignite the flame of transformation?

It is time for government departments to embrace digital transformation and benefit from the limitless opportunities that the fourth industrial revolution brings

Run to the ground, Post Office and SABC fight for relevance

Having struggled to keep up with changing markets, the two entities under the department of communications are in states of financial disrepair

Generative AI, cybersecurity threats, new labour-market demands and accelerated technological change are now reshaping universities.  (John McCann/M&G)

How to address inequality embedded in the fourth industrial revolution

Lightweight wireless communication protocols can enable reduced costs for internet connectivity. Hubs of “set-top-boxes” for education can be installed in classrooms and…

Graphic: John McCann

How the fourth industrial revolution is changing healthcare for the better

AI, collaborative robots, virtual reality and other new tech can lead to better healthcare.

The technology’s unalterable digital trail would reduce fiscal leaks and prevent large-scale corruption draining the public purse. Photo: Supplied

South Africa must use 4IR technologies in the fight against corruption

While technology can help prevent illegal activities that harm economies and societies, it cannot do it alone

Graphic: John McCann

South Africa must bridge digital divide to best benefit from 4IR

Most of SA’s youth will be left behind without investment in technology and infrastructure to support online learning from basic education up

Tshilidzi Marwala.

Tshilidzi Marwala took University of Johannesburg to a new level

The vice-chancellor will be missed but his replacement is an accomplished and astute leader

Strong academic credentials: Professor Zodwa Dlamini. Photo: Mariki Uitenweerde

Race on to replace UJ vice-chancellor Tshilidzi Marwala

Some groups are putting their weight behind an African candidate and others favour a woman

Matrics in more than 1 100 schools did not write science or maths in 2021.

Youth lose out because many schools don’t offer maths and science

A teacher shortage is one reason learners are not doing these subjects but instead of giving up on these subjects, schools should turn to technology