IFoW’s Advisory Committee members were appointed in consultation with the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke. The Board will provide strategic advice and feedback related to the overall mission of the Institute, its positioning within the University, its relationship to various academic units and programmes and its engagement with external organisations.
Speaking on the appointment of the board, IFoW’s Senior Director, Tseliso Mohlomi, said he was proud and excited to work closely with these experts. “The appointment of an independent advisory board comprising prominent leaders and experts from business, academia and non-profit organisations, was necessary to help guide the Institute's work and strategic priorities,” he said.
“These board members represent mainstream business, the public sector and civil society, including the automotive industry, telecoms, transport and logistics, academia, major ICT companies, financial institutions, bilateral and multilateral agencies,” said Mohlomi.
Partnerships and collaboration
Mohlomi explained the progress made in terms of broad-based partnership and collaboration: “The Institute for the Future of Work is defined as a collaborative initiative between the public sector, private sector and academia. The main purpose of project is to bridge the gap between academia and industry, thus aiding in realising the University’s dream and vision of producing high impact research and future ready graduates to the world,” he said.
“The kind of research that the University wants to produce should address the needs of industry, accelerate economic growth and guide South Africa towards a technology-driven economy,” he further explained.
During the past three months, Mohlomi has extensively engaged with industry to gain an understanding of their needs and to align the University’s strategies with those of industry. These engagements are also aimed at influencing the country’s policy direction and the University’s curriculum. Industry’s keen interest in the IFoW is reflected in the calibre of the companies and members comprising the advisory committee.
- IFoW, an ideation hub for global public-private collaboration and invention, designed to respond to the requirements of the rapidly-changing world of work brought about by the 4IR, was launched in October 2021. The Senior Director, Tseliso Mohlomi, has since also taken office.