by Kgothatso Monono
The 2024 SETA Skills Summit (SSS), themed Together, Skilling the Nation, hosted by the Association of Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) Chairpersons and the SETA CEOs Forum, saw the launch of the SETA Integrated High Impact Programmes. The two-day summit, during which Prof Pius Owolawi, Tshwane University of Technology’s Head of the Department of Computer Systems Engineering and MICTSETA 4IR Research Chair, shared his views on modernizing technologies within the context of developments, trends, patterns and skills needed in various economic sectors, also featured rigorous dialogue aimed at strengthening, promoting and showcasing the integrated work of SETAs within the skills development sector.
The Summit provided an opportunity for the sector to reflect on the execution of its skills development mandate, based on the findings of the Department of Higher Education (DHET) Mid-term Review and to set a strategic trajectory for the next five years (2025-2030).
It also aimed to foster strong partnerships and collaboration among all SETAs, emphasizing the importance of integrated SETA communication to disseminate uniform messages to the broader South African community, facilitating impactful collaboration of SETA operations on significant programmes and projects, as well as identifying key trends across economic sectors to support stakeholders through skills migration and forecasting the SETA role beyond 2030.
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, delivered the keynote address, highlighting key insights and initiatives within the skills development and training fraternity.
In his presentation, Prof Owolawi highlighted that modernizing technology across various sectors involves staying abreast of the latest developments and trends, as well as acquiring the requisite skills to leverage emerging technologies effectively.
Prof Pius Owolawi
He added that embracing innovation and investing in talent development can position organisations for sustainable growth and competitive advantage in today's digital era.
Prof Owolawi discussed key developments including the integration of AI, machine learning and cybersecurity in IT; telemedicine and wearable tech in healthcare; and precision agriculture and smart farming in agriculture. He stressed the importance of acquiring new skills such as data analysis, programming and understanding of IoT to meet the evolving demands of these sectors.
"SETAs as well as other educational and policy bodies can better prepare South Africa’s workforce for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving technological landscape," Prof Owolawi concluded.