FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
AYABONGA CAWE: Inclusive future must factor in work modes for a hi-tech world
Apart from being the usual networking soiree for Africa and the world’s well-heeled, the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa presents an interesting platform for debate. At the recent 2017 Durban event, the concept of radical economic transformation was placed before a critical and sceptical audience. What has been notably absent from this debate (in so far as it has been presented) is tactical detail of the trade-offs this will involve, how the ANC government will use its existing levers (legislative, policy and regulatory) and how it will crowd in public and private investment in a manner that creates what economist Paul Rosenstein-Rodan called a Big Push. Such a Big Push in SA would not be about "catching up" to western powers, but responding to context-specific economic challenges of redress and equity. The Big Push required now happens in a world much different to what Rosenstein-Rodan described in the 20th century. Bricks, mortar, co-located and low-paid (or semi-skilled) wor...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.