The University of Johannesburg secures over $400,000 to spearhead a digital overhaul in South Africa’s technical colleges through the initiative named “Project Pro-TELDE (Promotion of Technology-Enhanced Learning and Digital Education).” This project, led by Professor Tankiso Moloi, the Research Chair in 4IR at the Johannesburg Business School, UJ, aims to empower South African TVET lecturers in business and economics. It seeks to assist them in creating digital teaching resources by leveraging open digital sources using technology-enhanced learning (TEL) methods. Professor Moloi emphasized that “Project Pro-TELDE recognizes the need for TVET institutions to equip their students with digital skills and competencies essential for success in the modern workplace.”
The University of Johannesburg has garnered recognition for its research performance in AI, ranking sixth among African universities. In December 2022, the institution announced its decision to mandate artificial intelligence courses for all qualifications offered, aiming to enhance its students’ proficiency in this field. Additionally, to fortify the security aspects associated with certification, the university introduced blockchain-based certificates for its graduates, aiming to thwart fraud and counterfeit activities. This innovative approach ensures that the qualification document issued contains a QR code specific to the holder, enabling anyone to verify the details on the certificate through scanning.
Moreover, South Africa has demonstrated consistent commitment to AI adoption across various industries. In November 2022, the government established the Artificial Intelligence Institute of South Africa (AIISA) in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg and the Tshwane University of Technology. The institute aims to promote AI technologies, invest in human capital development, and prepare for the digital future.
The nation’s dedication to educational excellence and technological advancement has been globally recognized. In 2023, South Africa ranked fourth globally for its best educational systems and emerged as the most technologically advanced country in Africa.
South Africa boasts a robust digital landscape, with 43.48 million Internet users at the beginning of 2023, constituting 72.3% of the country’s Internet penetration rate.
Source: Techpoint