The Commission

PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION ON THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

Meet the Commissioners

 

The President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa during his  2018 State of Nation Address called for the establishment of a Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) which is inclusive of the private sector and civil society to ensure that South Africa is in a position to seize the opportunities and manage the challenges of rapid technological advances. The commission will chart a path that will position SA to take advantage of the digital opportunities and dividends, as well as opportunities brought upon by 4IR.

Subsequently, on 7 February 2019, during his State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the appointment of the Commission.The Commission will serve as a national overarching advisory mechanism on 4IR and leveraging on advances brought upon by technologies in sectors of the economy. The expertise levels for members of the Commission is in the following areas of focus: technology start- ups and social entrepreneurs, academia, cybersecurity, research and innovation, social scientists, additive manufacturing and Industry 4.0 experts and other related areas covering the key sectors.

The President also mentioned that due to the nature of 4IR as a cross cutting domain. this initiative requires effective planning, coordination and implementation at all levels of society and government. For this to happen, government has to be  better  organised to provide effective leadership throughout the value chain of the 4IR and the digital economy.  He  further  announced  that the Commission would have operational support, which will be provided by a capable Secretariat consisting of officials from various national departments, led by the Department of Communications.

 

Therefore, it is important that a coordination mechanism be established at cabinet level to coordinate overall coordination of planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and review of interventions to position South Africa as  one of the leading nations in the digital economy and the 4IR. The establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on 4IR was then approved on 27 March 2019

Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala

Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala

Expertise: Theory and Application of Artificial Intelligence to Engineering, Computer Science, Finance, Social Science and Medicine Qualifications: PhD (Engineering in Artificial Intelligence) Sector: ICT/Telecoms Institution: University of Johannesburg Criteria:...

Dr. Busisiwe Mbuyisa

Dr. Busisiwe Mbuyisa

Expertise: Innovation and Technology Management, program and portfolio management, IT Consulting, systems design and development, financial planning and management. Qualifications: DPhil, Masters (IT), BCom (Hons) (informatics), BCom (IS) Sector: Banking Institution:...

Mr Aubrey Tshabalala

Mr Aubrey Tshabalala

Expertise: Telecom, Broadcasting, Postal Courier, IT, Labour Relations Qualifications: Marketing Management Sector: Communication and Technology Institution: COSATU Criteria: Community/Labour

Dr. Nompumelelo Happworth Obokoh

Dr. Nompumelelo Happworth Obokoh

Expertise: Business strategy development, planning and implementation, organisational development, capacity building, Project budgeting, Intellectual Property Development and Protection, R&D Qualifications: PhD in Plant Molecular Biology, MSc in Plant...

Mr. Baxolile Mabinya

Mr. Baxolile Mabinya

Expertise: Telecommunications Strategy, Data Science and Analytics, Digital Transformation, Thought Leadership, Skills Development Qualifications: MComm (Computer Science), MBA Sector: ICT/Telecoms Institution: Deviare Criteria: Private Sector

Dr Sibongiseni Thotsejane

Dr Sibongiseni Thotsejane

Expertise: Big data analytics; ICT policy; ICT technology innovation and development Qualifications: PhD, MSc, BSc (Information Systems) Sector: ICT/Telecoms Institution: Walter Sisulu University
Mr. Joseph Ndaba

Mr. Joseph Ndaba

Expertise: Corporate, Entrepreneurial Development and Advisory Roles Qualifications: NDip (IT), Marketing Diploma Sector: ICT/Telecoms Institution: Mahikeng Innovation Hub Criteria: Private Sector

Mr. Ben Venter

Mr. Ben Venter

Expertise: Labour Law Qualifications: B. Com, BCom Hons, Post Graduate Diploma in Labour Law Sector: Labour Institution: COSATU Criteria: Trade Union

Mr. Gerhard Van Deventer

Mr. Gerhard Van Deventer

Expertise: Fintech Analyst, IT Risk Analyst, ICT Audit Qualifications: BCom, BSc, BA; BCom Hons, MA, MBA Sector: Fintech Institution: SARB (SA Reserve Bank) Criteria: Public Sector

Mr. Andile Ngcaba

Mr. Andile Ngcaba

Expertise: Policy & Regulatory expert, technology strategist, Chairman and founder of companies. Qualifications: Honorary DCom, MCom (Information Systems) Sector: ICT/Telecoms Institution: Convergence Partners Criteria: Private Sector

Dr. Thulani Humphrey Dlamini

Dr. Thulani Humphrey Dlamini

Expertise: Chief Executive Officer, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Sector: Science, Technology and Innovation Qualifications: PhD Chemistry, MBL/Science and Technology Institution: CSIR Criteria: Research / Public Sector

Mr. Rendani Mamphiswana

Mr. Rendani Mamphiswana

Expertise: Innovation ecosystems, national system of innovation, technical advisory and product development, engineering, construction, project management, research, technology management and strategy development, social innovation, process engineering and design....

Ms. Marinda Kellerman

Ms. Marinda Kellerman

Expertise: Research, Product Development and Advisory Roles Qualifications: B.Sc Agric (Hons) Sector: Agriculture Institution: SA Women in Farming (SAWIF) Criteria: Private Sector

Mr. Tervern Liaan John Jafhta

Mr. Tervern Liaan John Jafhta

Expertise: Business and Technology Incubation Qualifications: BA Admin Sector: SMME Institution: SEDA Criteria: Public Sector

Ms. Charmaine Houvet

Ms. Charmaine Houvet

Expertise: Policy Development, Thought leadership, Strategy and Planning, Advisory, Regulation, Telecommunications, Research Communication, Digital skills development, Programme Management, Business Analysis Qualifications: MBA, Business Administration Degree Sector:...

Mr. Vukani Mngxati

Mr. Vukani Mngxati

Expertise: Industrial, innovation and technology development Qualifications: B Com Sector: Professional Services (Consulting) Institution: Accenture Criteria: Private Sector  

Mr. Rob Shuter

Mr. Rob Shuter

Expertise: Telecommunications, Financial Services Qualifications: BCom CA (SA), PGDip Accounting & Finance (University of KwaZulu-Natal), BCom Economics & Accounting (University of Cape Town) Sector: Telecommunications Criteria: Private

Mr. Mpho Dagada

Mr. Mpho Dagada

Expertise: Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrecy, Entrepreneurship and Best-selling Author Sector: Blockchain Technology Criteria: Private

Ms. Lindiwe Matlali

Ms. Lindiwe Matlali

Expertise: Digital innovation skills development. Qualifications: Bcom (Economics and Statistics) ;Masters Technology Management Columbia University (USA). Sector: ICT/Telecoms Institution: Black Management Forum/Africa Teen Geeks Criteria: NGO
Ms. S’onqoba Vuba

Ms. S’onqoba Vuba

Expertise: Data scientist, financial services, 4IR education, SMME development, previous WEF Global Shaper, thought leader and business advisor on 4IR Qualifications: BSc Hons (Actuarial Science) Sector: Finance / SMME Development / Education Institution: Perpetu8 Criteria: Women organisations / SMMEs
Ms. Nomvula Mkhonza

Ms. Nomvula Mkhonza

Expertise: Entrepreneur in agriculture and mining. Qualifications: Diploma in Freelance Journalism Sector: Agriculture Institution: SA Women in Farming (SAWIF) Criteria: Women organisations
Mr. Leon Desmond Rolls

Mr. Leon Desmond Rolls

Expertise: Software development, entrepreneurship Qualifications: NHDip (Software Development), Diploma (Business Analysis) Sector: ICT/Telecoms Institution: Mzansi ComNet/Progressive Black in ICT (PBICT)

Prof. Christian Michael Adendorff

Prof. Christian Michael Adendorff

Expertise: Professor in Future Studies, Commerce, Entrepreneurship and Developmental Economics. Qualifications: PhD in Commerce, DBA in Future Studies, PhD in Developmental Economics, M.Com in Commerce, M.Phil. in Future Studies. Sector: Public and Private Sectors Institution: Powerhouse Strategies. NMU (Nelson Mandela University: Business School) Criteria: Senior Futurist and Philanthropy
Mr. Abdul Razak Esakjee

Mr. Abdul Razak Esakjee

Expertise: Structural Mechanics, Computer Aided Engineering, Materials Science, Circular Economy, New Venture Creation Qualifications: MBA, M.Eng. (Mechanical), B.Eng. (Mechanical) Pr.Eng. (ECSA) Sector: Science and Technology Institution: uTyala STEM Institute/AEGM Solutions Critetia Private Sector
Mr. Rendani Praise Ramabulana

Mr. Rendani Praise Ramabulana

Expertise: ICT/Telecoms Qualifications: MEng. (Elect Eng.), NDip (IT) Sector: SMME Institution: Tirisan Criteria: Private
Ms. Nomso Kana

Ms. Nomso Kana

Expertise: Nuclear scientist by trade and working as an entrepreneur in the broadband infrastructure sector Sector: ICT/Telecoms Institution: Sun n Shield 84 Technologies Criteria: Private Sector
Dr. Michael Gastrow

Dr. Michael Gastrow

Expertise: Chief Research Specialist in the education and skills development. Qualifications: PhD (Media studies), MA (English), BA (Hons) Philosophy Sector: Education and skills development Institution: HSRC (Human Sciences Research Council) Criteria: Research / Public Sector
Ms. Beth Arendse

Ms. Beth Arendse

Expertise: Social Entrepreneurship, SMME Development, Education & Skills Development, Creativity & Critical Thinking Training, Creative Industries Specialist Qualifications: NDip (Jazz), BMus(Hon) Music Communication, Social Entrepreneurship (GIBS SEP) Sector: Creative Industry Institution: SA Creative Industries Incubator / Leaders in Motion Academy Criteria: Private Sector
Mr. Xolile Christopher George

Mr. Xolile Christopher George

Expertise: Developmental economics Qualifications: MBA, Masters Candidate (Development Economics) Institution: South African Local Government Association Criteria: Public Sector/Local Government
Dr. Bernard Lewis Fanaroff

Dr. Bernard Lewis Fanaroff

Expertise: Radio astronomy; policy; former DDG in the Presidency Qualifications: PhD (Radio Astronomy); Astronomy Institution: Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Sector: Science, Technology & Innovation
Mr. Mohamed Shameel  Joosub

Mr. Mohamed Shameel Joosub

Expertise: Telecommunications & Finance Qualifications: BCompt Honours; AGA (SA); CFA (SA); MBA (Univ of Queensland); Finance & Business Sector: ICT/Telecoms Institution: Vodacom Criteria:Private Sector
Dr. Prince Senyukelo Jaca

Dr. Prince Senyukelo Jaca

Expertise: Strategic Planning, Higher Education Sector Qualifications: PhD, MSc (Maths + Ed), BSc (Ed) Sector: Education and skills development Institution: Walter Sisulu University Criteria: Academia

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