Young people urged to take advantage of fourth industrial revolution opportunities
Leaders who addressed the North West BRICS outreach programme have called on young people in the province to unleash their potential and take advantage of opportunities that are presented to them by the fourth industrial revolution. They were addressing the gathering which was held at Potchefstroom – JB Marks Local Municipality, as part of the roadshows in different provinces before the 10th BRICS Summit to be held in Johannesburg.
South Africa is a member of the BRICS; five developing countries namely - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, which is recognised as a new institution of global governance. It aims to provide mutual support for the nations to achieve both their domestic as well as international relations developmental objectives.
When addressing the gathering hosted under the theme “BRICS in Africa: Collaboration for Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity in the 4th Industrial Revolution,” MEC for Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development Wendy Nelson said she believes BRICS hold a key to the development of South African youth.
“We want young people to take advantage of the fourth industrial revolution opportunities that are presented to us through this BRICS roadshow and the partnership itself. BRICS also has a development bank that is also intended to assist us to acquire funds and create businesses that can shake the world and create jobs. So with BRICS the future looks bright” said MEC Nelson.
CEO of North West Development Cooperation (NWDC), Mr Tshepo Phetla says through BRICS they are on the right path of promoting economic development by creating job opportunities and wealth for the people of the province.
“Companies that are exhibiting here today are companies that we are looking at assisting them. We also want to ensure that those companies have the market in the North West and also in BRICS. We are also match making with BRICS countries to expose all innovation to them and see if we can’t get investors so that we can make the necessary global impact” said Phetla.
Higher Commissioner for Rwanda Vincent Carenga believes Africa has the potential to lead in opportunities available in the fourth industrial revolution.
“South Africa is a door to Africa in BRICS initiatives. We have the biggest young population in the world on a massive land and vibrant cultures. We need to continue to consolidate our markets and skills by doing more social investment. There are markets that are selling to us very expensive products which come from our mines. We need to change that if we want to lead and attract investments in Africa” said Carenga.
One of the exhibitors Samuel Mamathuntsha (28) of Hydro SA wants their renewable energy project to be funded to become an alternative source of power.
“In South Africa there’s a need for alternative source of power because of the environmental impact that the production of energy has. So this source of energy is renewable which is green other than coal which we know it produces emissions and things” said Mamathuntsha who is optimistic that BRICS Summit will assist them in locating the investor.
In two weeks’ time (25 – 27 July 2018), delegates from BRICS countries together with potential investors will converge in South Africa for the 10th BRICS Summit. The summit will provide a strategic platform for South Africa to expose BRICS partners to a dynamic, and diverse experience on the Southern tip of the African continent.
Enquiries:
Brian Setswambung
Cell: 076 012 4501
E-mail: bsetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
