University of Johannesburg Launches New Centre for Digital Transformation to Accelerate 4IR Skills Development in South Africa
The University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s Johannesburg Business School (JBS) and the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) have joined forces in an innovative research project to address the critical skills development needs of the nation.
This partnership aims to enhance research capabilities and foster innovation, ensuring both short and long-term solutions in a country where skills shortage is stark. Of utmost importance is equipping the youth with essential 4IR and digital skills to future-proof careers and drive the country’s development agenda. At the core of this collaboration is the establishment of the CHIETA/UJ JBS Centre for Digital Transformation, backed by the CHIETA Research Chair’s substantial investment of R5 million. This initiative highlights the steadfast commitment of UJ and CHIETA to spearhead digital transformation efforts across South Africa, marking its official launch on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024.
Leadership insight
Arnesh Telukdarie, a Professor of Digital Business at UJ, and head of the Centre, highlighted the Centre’s mission, stating, “We aim to accelerate digitalisation within the chemicals sector by providing support and fostering rural and peri-urban development, while also aiding large and medium-sized businesses.” He pointed out that while the Centre’s primary focus is on the chemical sector, its impact is set to extend to broader economic sectors in South Africa. “Our overarching goal is to position South Africa as a global leader in digital transformation, aligning closely with national development objectives,” Prof Telukdarie said.
In addition, Mr Yershen Pillay, CEO of CHIETA, added that the new impactful partnership is to cultivate more doctoral graduates, thereby fortifying South Africa’s research economy and fostering innovation. “This initiative will go a long way in bridging the global digital innovation divide. We are proud to collaborate with an institution that produces more research outputs than any other university in the country. We look forward to the new transformation initiatives on skills development and sustainable livelihoods from this Centre,” said Pillay.
Expansion of UJ’s research capacities
The CHIETA/UJ JBS Centre for Digital Transformation will focus on research objectives that include Virtual Reality, Business Intelligence, Skills Forecasting, Grants Management Systems, Business Process, Skills Development, TVET, Rural Development and SME among others.
With this addition, the University now boasts an impressive array of more than 70 research centres, 26 SARCHi and Industry Chairs, and hosts over 301 NRF-rated researchers.
Mrs. Nolwazi Mamorare, the Chief Financial Officer at UJ, highlighted the importance of adapting and embracing the transformative power of digital technologies. “This occasion stands testament to the enduring commitment of UJ towards innovation, education and the advancement of knowledge. The establishment of this groundbreaking Centre symbolises our unwavering commitment and dedication to staying at the forefront of technological evolution and advancement.”
The Centre is also aimed at growing the research outputs of both CHIETA and UJ and represents a nexus where academia and industry converge to shape the future of digital transformation.
She continued: “This is particularly important to UJ towards our own strategic objectives. UJ has been recognised, by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)’s sector Report on the Evaluation of the 2022 Universities’ Research Outputs, released earlier in 2024, as the leading producer of accredited research outputs in South Africa. With initiatives such as this, I have no doubt this trend will continue. Research is a cornerstone of any university, and a truly reputable institution prioritises it.”