The “Fourth Industrial Revolution” is a slogan for a cluster of digital, automation and data changes in work and production. South African schools are not uniformly ready for that cluster. Readiness here means power, devices, teacher skill, curriculum and time, not a lab opening.
Last reviewed: 31 August 2026.
Skills for the 21st century
The useful core is still literacy, numeracy, collaboration, and being able to learn a new tool. Coding and robotics can sit on that core. They do not replace it.
The three Ls
Literacy, numeracy and, in a digital setting, a third literacy: judging information and using a device without being used by it. See internet and social media literacy.
Why this matters
Employers and universities still need people who can read a problem and persist. Digital tools change the surface of some jobs. They do not remove the need for those habits.
How can South African schools prepare learners?
Fix the basics in the classroom you have. Add digital tasks where access is real. Train teachers on the tool you actually use. Do not buy a platform as a substitute for those steps.
Related: digital learning in South Africa and Foundation Phase teaching.
Schools in rural areas lacking necessary resources and even skills to comply with the use of technology are facing a dilemma with 4IR.
That’s true Ncamzo, but it is these very schools that the DBE has decided to target in digital roll-out! It will be interesting to see the success of this strategy
Hi, I am looking for formal academic literature (scientific books, academic articles, official policies) on the following two topics:
1) Is the South African curriculum promoting 21st century skills (creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication)?
2) Are South African classrooms advancing with fast changing technologies of the 4th (and upcoming 5th) industrial revolution ?
What academic resources would you recommend? I am doing research on these two topics and will be writing literature reviews about them.
Hi Chanel – these guys are doing some great research http://www.cilt.uct.ac.za/
I’d look at the papers they have published e.g. http://www.education.uct.ac.za/sites/default/files/image_tool/images/104/Tarling_et_al-2016-British_Journal_of_Educational_Technology%283%29.pdf
I’m happy to give my view on point 1 – drop me a mail with some questions
Me too😓
Schools must adopt advanced technologies to keep up with the 4th Industrial Revolution. Curriculum need to include coding and digital skills to prepare students for future job. Ongoing training is essential for teachers to effectively use new technologies. Investing in technology and internet access is crucial for modern education. Ensuring all students have equal access to tech resources prevents widening educational gaps.
Yes is true, all learner must have equal access to data and laptops so that they can be able to do research and other things