Browsing by Subject "4IR"

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    Open Access
    At the intersection of automation, unemployment and inequality in South Africa
    (2024) Farouk, Fazila; Sitas, Ari
    The emergence of the digital economy in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis and its intersection with the mainstream economy has led to significant labour market instability and social uncertainty. Heralding an ontological shift in the global economy, these changes coincided with the announcement of a Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) by the World Economic Forum, which, despite being riddled with inconsistencies as a theory of change, was adopted by the South African government as a policy guide. This gave rise to a sociological debate amongst South African scholars that problematises the 4IR as a historical force, whilst raising concerns about its neoliberal ideology. Despite the vital epistemic contribution of this debate, to date, there has been no evidence-based study that analyses the digital economy in relation to South Africa's post-apartheid transformation. This is the knowledge gap that this thesis addresses, whilst posing the question: Will the 4IR, as a metaphor for the digital economy, make a difference to how post-apartheid South Africa responds to its crisis of social and economic inequality? This question prompted a multifaceted study of three sectors, which includes: 1) an ontological study of the tech start-up sector as the driver of digital innovations; 2) a study of automation and technological unemployment in the banking industry as the fastest digitalising sector in the economy; and 3) a study of the platform economy both as a new source of jobs and as the ex-post manifestation of the sharing economy within which post capitalist tendencies exist. This thesis is a study of technological and social change that draws on Marxist phenomenological and social constructivist theories to explore power and inequality in the digital economy. It applies mixed research methods and is initiated by a survey of 120 tech start-ups, which is an original contribution to the literature. This is augmented by 15 in-depth interviews across the three sectors. The significance of this study is that it moves the field forward by gathering empirical evidence to reveal the material expression of the 4IR in South Africa. The study finds that far from being a disruptive force that reduces inequality, the 4IR as a metaphor for the digital economy, instead extends historic injustices by inventing new technologies that amplify the destructive tradition of value extraction in the South African economy—thereby, preventing economic and social change for shared prosperity.
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    Open Access
    Navigating equitable technological empowerment: insights from Ghana and Rwanda on digital literacy and the fourth industrial revolution
    (2025) Adotey, Sampson; Hall, Martin
    The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is reshaping global economies and societies. Triggered by several factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, assuming its dynamics in developing countries will mirror those in wealthy economies is perilous. With its unique challenges and opportunities, Africa requires a tailored strategy for the 4IR. At the core of this strategy is achieving widespread digital literacy, a critical factor for technological empowerment and inclusive development. However, the urgent need for improved digital literacy in many parts of Africa poses a significant barrier to progress. This dissertation explores the key factors and strategies for fostering equitable technological empowerment across sub-Saharan Africa through digital literacy. For this purpose, Ghana and Rwanda have been chosen as case studies. To answer this question, we compared the experiences a sample of students in tertiary institutions in both countries before their enrolment. We uncovered several critical constraints on achieving adequate digital literacy, thereby highlighting the necessary policy changes and practice reforms required for Africa to thrive in the 4IR context. Through this comprehensive analysis, the dissertation seeks to contribute to developing an Africa-wide 4IR strategy that leverages digital literacy as a cornerstone for sustainable growth and development. The outcomes of this study have been conceptualized into a praxis model for 'Equitable Digital Literacy Community Centres.' This model, which offers a practical and actionable approach to implementing the required changes, aims to provide accessible, inclusive, and sustainable digital literacy training and resources to communities across sub-Saharan Africa.