Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 91 | Page 68

t cht lk been slow to adopt digital technologies , reducing the demand for workers with specialised digital skills . organisations , and actively promote diversity and inclusion in the technology sector .

t cht lk been slow to adopt digital technologies , reducing the demand for workers with specialised digital skills . organisations , and actively promote diversity and inclusion in the technology sector .

Online learning platforms , such as Coursera , Udemy , LinkedIn Learning , and Google Digital Garage , provide affordable and accessible courses and tutorials in various digital skills areas .
Additionally , companies like Perplexity offer internship and apprenticeship programmes that provide hands-on experience and training in digital skills , often targeting recent graduates or individuals looking to transition into the technology industry .
These training opportunities cater to individuals at different skill levels , from beginners to experienced professionals , and play a crucial role in bridging the digital skills gap in South Africa .
Both the industry and the South African government have crucial roles to play in spearheading digital skills initiatives to address the skills gap . Industry players can collaborate with educational institutions , government agencies , and non-profit organisations to develop and deliver digital skills training programmes tailored to the needs of the workforce .
They can also support digital literacy initiatives aimed at underserved communities , schools , and non-profit
The government , on the other hand , can develop a comprehensive national digital skills strategy that outlines objectives , targets , and action plans for addressing the skills gap . This strategy should involve input from industry stakeholders , educational institutions , and civil society organisations .
The government should also invest in improving education and training infrastructure , including schools , universities , TVET colleges , and vocational training centres .
South Africa can learn valuable lessons from other markets that have successfully implemented digital skills initiatives , such as the United States , United Kingdom , Singapore , and Estonia .
These lessons include the importance of collaboration between government , industry , and educational institutions , the need for flexible and adaptive training programmes , and the value of lifelong learning initiatives to keep pace with technological advancements .
Addressing the digital skills shortage in South Africa requires a multi-faceted approach involving investments in education and training , promoting digital
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