The 4IR Future Of Work Dialogue – Women Comprise 63% Of The Public Service But Only 45% Hold The Top Positions

The 4IR Future Of Work Dialogue – Women Comprise 63% Of The Public Service But Only 45% Hold The Top Positions. The 4IR Future of Work Dialogue recently held in Pretoria brought together a diverse group of experts to discuss the future of work and how the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) will reshape industries across Africa. Among the notable speakers was Yoliswa Makhasi, the Director-General in the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), who revealed some shocking statistics that highlight the disparities in gender representation and the urgent need for digital transformation in South Africa’s public service.
Gender Representation in South Africa Public Service
One of the key figures shared by Makhasi during the dialogue was that 63.47% of the 1.2 million public servants in South Africa are women, compared to 37.53% men. However, despite their significant presence in the public service, women hold only 45.2% of senior management positions, while men dominate with 54.8% of these roles. This disparity highlights the challenges women continue to face when it comes to advancing to leadership positions within the public sector.
Makhasi also emphasized that only 10,000 public servants are in senior management positions, contrary to the belief that a larger portion of government employees occupy such roles. The figures raise questions about the effectiveness of current policies aimed at promoting gender equality in the workplace and the need for further intervention to bridge this gap.
A Workforce Lacking in Digital Skills
As the world moves further into the digital age, Makhasi revealed another striking statistic – only 0.3% of public servants are employed in ICT roles within national or provincial departments. This underscores a critical gap in digital skills, which is essential for the success of 4IR in South Africa. The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and South Africa’s public service must urgently adapt to this transformation by equipping its workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital economy.
The government’s response to these challenges, according to Makhasi, involves improving human resource management and system modernization. She pointed out that a comprehensive skills audit of the public service revealed significant shortages in essential areas, particularly digital literacy. The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) is now focused on addressing these gaps through integrated strategies that promote lifelong learning and the digital upskilling of public servants.
The Youth of South Africa
Another important discussion point during the 4IR Future of Work Dialogue was the role of young people in South Africa’s digital transformation. Despite South Africa’s relatively young population, only 25% of public servants are under the age of 35, while the remaining 75% are over the age of 35. This demographic imbalance has significant implications for the future of work in the country, especially as younger generations are typically more adaptable to new technologies and ways of working.
Dr. Naledi Gallant, CEO of Dalitso Holdings, made a compelling point during the dialogue: digital skills are the new literacy. She argued that in the 21st century, digital competence is no longer a luxury but a necessity. The shift towards digital environments requires the workforce, especially young people, to be equipped with the tools and knowledge to navigate an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Former General Electric CEO, Nyimpini Mabunda, also emphasized the importance of leveraging the youth in the quest to unlock Africa’s potential. Mabunda stated that Africa’s young population is the continent’s greatest asset, highlighting that young people are more likely to embrace innovative technologies without being constrained by outdated methods of doing things. He pointed out that in countries like Japan, robots are being used to care for the elderly, while South Africa faces a shortage of healthcare professionals as many of its nurses seek opportunities abroad. This trend speaks to the need for South Africa to invest more in its young people and ensure they are ready to harness the full potential of 4IR.
Universities: Preparing for the Future of Work
Prof. Tinyiko Maluleke, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), also addressed the dialogue, stressing that university graduates must possess entrepreneurial skills to adapt to the shifting job market. He noted that the job market is uncertain and rapidly evolving, and there is no clear indication of which jobs will be in demand in the next decade. To address this, universities must embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in this new era.
Dr. Gallant echoed this sentiment, urging schools and universities to modernize their curriculums to integrate digital literacy and entrepreneurship across all disciplines. This approach, she said, is essential to preparing students for the digital economy and ensuring that they are not only job-ready but also able to innovate and create new opportunities in an increasingly uncertain job market.
Addressing Youth Unemployment Through Partnerships
The lack of opportunities for young people in South Africa was another significant topic of conversation. Tshepiso Teffo, Technical Advisor for the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), lamented the high youth unemployment rate in the country. He called for stronger collaboration between institutions and industry to provide young people with more opportunities to enter the workforce.
Teffo argued that mentorship, along with access to both formal and non-formal qualifications, is essential to ensure continuous personal and professional development. He emphasized that learnerships and internships should not just be seen as income-generating activities, but rather as meaningful experiences that provide young people with the skills they need to build a successful career. The current youth unemployment crisis is largely driven by a mismatch between the skills taught in educational institutions and the requirements of the job market. To bridge this gap, Teffo suggested that institutions work more closely with industry to offer real-world experience and continuous training for young people.
The Road Ahead for South Africa Digital Future
As South Africa moves towards a more digitally-driven economy, the Future of Work 4IR Dialogue highlighted the critical need for urgent intervention in several areas. The government must prioritize digital upskilling, inclusive workforce development, and gender equality in leadership positions to ensure that all citizens can participate in and benefit from the opportunities created by 4IR.
With the rapid pace of technological change, South Africa must position itself as a leader in the digital age by embracing innovation and harnessing the potential of its young population. By addressing the gender and generational imbalances in the public service and focusing on digital skills development, South Africa can build a future-ready workforce capable of driving inclusive economic growth across the continent.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 4IR Future of Work Dialogue underscored the importance of collaboration across sectors, innovation in education, and strategic policy development to ensure South Africa’s future workforce is equipped for the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.