Aligning Relevancy Of Current Academic Studies with Future Markets – From Subjects, Through Courses, To Opportunities.

Rationale: It is apparent that the arrival of the Fourth Industrial Revolution era is shaking the world. Robotics and Artificial Intelligence are now threatening income streams of middle and lower-class households. Human Resources are substituted, leading to job losses. Businesses that are no longer relevant are closing, also leading to job losses. This begs the question: How Can The Youth Prepare or Equip Themselves To Generate Income in This Changing Economy? To answer the question in this article, I had the privilege of interviewing an expert in the subject matter, Morakane Madiba.

Article: On the 23rd of February, 2024, an insight webinar on unpacking the current important trends and growing job skills for employment readiness was hosted by an industry expert, Ms. Morakane Madiba (PhD Candidate at Rhodes University, and the founder of Uhunu Career Guidance and Learning Organisation). During the webinar, Activators and general attendees asked questions and gave insights on the theme based on their own observations and experiences which piqued my interest in interviewing the host, for in-depth solutions that I hope would ease one’s career choice decision-making in the current and future markets. Below are questions and answers extracted from the Q&A Interview Session held with Ms Morakane Madiba after the webinar.

Q: Which high school subjects are more relevant now for the promising job opportunities in the future?

A: In this context, I advocate for young people to carefully consider the socio-economic dynamics of their communities when selecting academic subjects. It is crucial that they recognize the importance of harnessing their creativity and innovation to address the specific challenges faced by their communities. By doing so, they can contribute meaningfully to solving local problems and promoting sustainable development. It is worth noting that many academic subjects and career paths often prioritise solutions tailored to urban or semi-urban settings [and mostly serving the advanced countries], neglecting the needs of rural and marginalised areas. Therefore, it is imperative for young people to reflect on how their academic choices can serve the broader socio-economic and ecological interests of their communities, ensuring inclusivity and equitable development.

Therefore, in South Africa, high school subjects such as mathematics, physical sciences, computer science (e.g. AI), natural science (e.g. renewable energy, biotechnology), social sciences and languages (preferably international languages for example Swahili, Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic and Russian), are highly relevant for promising job opportunities. Additionally, subjects that foster creativity, communication, and collaboration, such as languages and arts, are also essential for navigating dynamic work environments and contributing to innovation and entrepreneurship.

Q: Which tertiary school courses would you recommend that students choose in order to secure promising jobs in the future?

A: Tertiary school courses in fields such as engineering, technology, climate change, environmental education, agriculture, data analysis, healthcare, finance, and communication are certainly important, yet it is imperative to highlight the significance of selecting courses that have the potential to be transformed into viable business ventures. This may be achieved by empowering individuals to create their own opportunities for financial independence.

My proposal is to initiate the process of entrepreneurship early in one’s academic journey. It is like this: While pursuing studies, ideally around the midway point of the first year, students should begin conceptualising or brainstorming a business idea – informed by the modules’ content provided by the universities or colleges. During university breaks or holidays, these ideas can be piloted and tested within their communities. By the

Second year, the groundwork for establishing a business entity should be laid and students should aim to formalise their business endeavours by establishing/registering a Private Company, an NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) or an NPC (Non-profit Company).

Throughout this period, ongoing piloting and refinement of the business idea should be conducted to gauge its viability and potential. Even in instances where the direction may not be entirely clear, persistence is key. By the peak of a three or four-year degree program, tangible progress should ideally have been achieved. This may involve securing resources and establishing networks within the industry. Consequently, upon graduation, if traditional employment opportunities are scarce, individuals can transition seamlessly into pursuing their entrepreneurial endeavours. This proactive approach ensures that embarking on a project is not borne out of desperation, but rather from a position of preparedness and foresight. Moreover, interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary courses that combine technical expertise with soft skills, such as leadership, communication, and adaptability, are increasingly valued in the modern workforce.

Q: Which industries seem to require skills that only the current youth would be fit for?

A: Youth of today seem to be interested in the industries requiring skills that are particularly about digital marketing, social media management, app development, e-commerce, and content creation. The digital age has created new opportunities for young people with proficiency in digital technologies, social media platforms, and online communication tools. These industries prioritise creativity, innovation, and adaptability, characteristics often associated with younger generations. However, this industry may become saturated quickly. To create a niche, they must try to align these skills with the industries mentioned earlier.

Q: Which industries does South Africa lead in and could continue leading in the future?

A: South Africa could continue to lead in the future with advancements in technology and sustainable practices. It has a competitive advantage in several industries where it leads and could continue leading in the future. These include mining and minerals, agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, and information and communication technology (ICT).

South Africa is rich in mineral resources and has a well-developed mining sector, particularly in platinum, gold, and coal production. The country’s diverse climate and natural landscapes support a thriving agricultural sector, while its cultural heritage and natural attractions contribute to a robust tourism industry. Additionally, South Africa has made significant strides in renewable energy development, with projects in solar, wind, and biomass energy contributing to the country’s energy transition. Furthermore, South Africa’s growing ICT sector, coupled with a young and tech-savvy population, positions the country as a leader in digital innovation and entrepreneurship (World Bank, 2021). Nevertheless, this advancement occurs amidst a widening socioeconomic disparity between the affluent and the underprivileged.

Q: What is it that you think only South Africans can offer to the world that the world is willing to pay for?

A: South Africa offers unique cultural experiences, expertise in diverse industries, and a rich heritage that appeals to global markets (McKinsey & Company – South Africa). The country’s cultural diversity, arts, music, cuisine, and traditions attract tourists and consumers worldwide. Moreover, South Africa’s history of resilience, reconciliation, and social change has valuable lessons and insights that resonate with international audiences. In addition, South Africa’s natural resources, including minerals, wildlife, and biodiversity, offer opportunities for sustainable development and ecotourism. Furthermore, the country’s contributions to literature, film, sports, and academic research showcase its talent and creativity on the global stage (South African Tourism, 2021).

Q: Any statistics on projections of current market gaps and future market gaps that the youth should lean towards?

A: Those can be found in reports from organisations such as Statistics South Africa, the World Bank, and consulting firms like PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Deloitte. These reports provide insights into emerging industries, skills shortages, and employment trends.

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About the author:

Mpho (MrSir) Matlhabegoane is one of the A! Hub Writers. He became an Activator in 2019, and through Activate! Change Drivers, he underwent educational training with Programmes such as SWITCH Entrepreneurship Programme, National Mentorship Movement with Printing SA and Citizen Journalism with The University of Witwatersrand (Wits). He is a Mental Health Awareness Advocate, and to spread mental health awareness, he published three books that have been accepted by Gauteng Department of Education as of 2023, namely: The Story of MrSir (Word For The Record), Expanding The World Of Nerds, and Views and Emotions (Poetry Journal of MrSir).