The South African government is considering to introduce computer coding in its education system, communications deputy minister, Pinky Kekana said.
Addressing the IBM South Africa annual Think Johannesburg conference at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Kekana said government acknowledges that for the country to fully reap the benefits of the so-called fourth Industrial Revolution, South Africa should invest in the needed infrastructure and skills. “The time has come for us to introduce basic coding in our education system.” “We must constantly assess how we future-proof our children in a society that is constantly changing,” she said.
The IBM Think Conference is regarded as a flagship conference for innovators in the technology sector and focuses on topics such as artificial intelligence, cloud technology, the digital economy, and blockchain, among others.
IBM South Africa’s country GM Hamilton Ratshefola echoed Kekana’s sentiments, saying it’s important to remain relevant for the fourth Industrial Revolution. IBM continues to invest in the South African economy through its digital studios in Braamfontein, which Ratshefola said the company would expand.
Kekana said the growth of technology also requires the country to examine what humanity would look like in five to 15 years from now and how the country can prepare itself for that particular society.