TOBY SHAPSHAK: Bravo, Ramaphosa, for having a vision for a brave new world
For the first time SA has a president who truly understands technology and the potential it offers for the country's development
How refreshing it was to hear President Cyril Ramaphosa talking about technology and telecoms and its central role in the future of SA’s development. His emphasis on the importance of the digital economy — especially the much-hyped fourth industrial revolution — and the need to revamp our education system to train our youth to embrace these “revolutionary advances in technology” is a long-needed vision. There is no doubt the knowledge economy and technology development are a growth force the world over, as hubs in unexpected places such as Israel, India, Ireland and Lithuania have demonstrated. Ramaphosa gave a stirring vision of the importance of these key sectors in his state of the nation address last week. “The world we now inhabit is changing at a pace and in a manner that is unprecedented in human history.” By way of comparison, in 2015 former president Jacob Zuma dedicated all of 41 words to the telecoms and tech sectors. From that somnambulant, the country was pleasantly sur...
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.