Uncategorized
By Lebone RodahMosima
Google South Africa has confirmed that AI is set to add R172 billion in creating new skills and unlocking growth opportunities for all citizens, in order to close the skills gap and empower the youth to innovate for Africa.
This announcement comes after the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Google South Africa’s headquarters in Johannesburg.
ALSO READ: Chiloane orders probe into fatal Daveyton school wall collapse
On Monday at, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) said Deputy Minister Gondwe, along with Google Country Director Kabelo Makwane have officiated the MoU signing ceremony on AI and digital skills development.
The DHET said this “represents a fourth successful public-private partnership for student and youth skills development,” by Gondwe’s office in collaboration with other units and branches within the department.
”The Google MoU seeks to enhance digital skills, incorporate AI in higher education, and promote workforce development in South Africa. It will offer access to training programmes for public universities, TVET colleges, and CET colleges, including an initial 10 000 Google Career Certificate scholarships,” the DHET said.
Gondwe expressed her eagerness to see this MoU with Google come to fruition.
“This will significantly boost digital skills development across our universities, TVETs, and CET colleges through Google’s Career Certificates, Generative AI for Educators, train-the-trainer model, and the full range of digital and AI programmes,” Gondwe said.
“Digital and AI skills are vital for navigating the modern world and securing future employment opportunities.”
ALSO READ: Manamela: Access alone won’t transform African universities
She emphasises that it is essential that students, especially those in remote and township areas, are prepared for the job market once they leave the sector and possess the right skills for employability, including self-employment and entrepreneurship.
Makwena added that Google is committed to higher education, emphasising that South Africa’s future is deeply rooted in capacity building.
“AI has moved from theory to everyday reality. Our research shows digital technology is a massive catalyst for South Africa, with Google tools alone contributing R118 billion to the economy in 2023,” Makwena said.
“Inclusivity is key; when South Africans build with tools that understand their environment and languages, technology becomes a true driver of growth.”
Both DHET and Google said the MoU will focus on skills training, including ten thousand (10 000) Google Career Certificate scholarships in various fields; AI teacher training: through programmes like Generative AI for Educators and collaborate on a train-the-trainer model to promote wider skills sharing.
Other focuses include Curriculum and Product support, such as providing relevant Google AI products to the public; Device Support; as well as AI Policy, where it’ll “include collaboration on policy and governance, sharing expertise on AI policy development and the use of AI in public institutions.”
The MoU will be executed and carried out over a period of two years.