As the global economy enters the fourth industrial revolution there are widespread fears that automation could lead to wholesale job losses which will further entrench inequalities. Several studies have shown that the fourth industrial revolution-which involves a fusion of artificial intelligence and automated machines-has the potential to disrupt every industry. A McKinsey report published in November 2017 projected that by 2030 at least one-third of the activities of 60% of occupations could be automated. Another recent study by global consultancy firm Accenture found that close to 6 million jobs in SA will be at risk over the next seven years due to automation. The study highlighted that both blue and white-collar jobs are at risk. These occupations include those of clerks, cashiers, bank tellers, construction workers, mining, and maintenance staff.
A report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development released earlier in 2018 highlights that the occupationa...
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