The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has become a watchword across every industry that exists today. Experts warn that unless organisations embrace 4IR, they will not be future-fit, and so most executives are grappling with how they will digitise their businesses or where they should be leveraging data, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Employees, on the other hand, are worried about what automation will mean for their job security.
Recent surveys reveal that South African workers are apprehensive about the impact of automation on job security. In 2023, 72% of workers expressed concern that automation is threatening many jobs. 4IR is not going away, and for most businesses it provides a necessary competitive edge. Instead, workforces need to adapt to new technologies and develop their skills to align with the changing job market, particularly since 4IR now includes agentic AI, which is expected to enter the workforce in 2025.
The local digital transformation market is experiencing robust growth, with projections indicating a significant increase in market size. The market value is expected to expand from approximately R340 billion in 2023 to R1 trillion by 2030, growing at a 16.7% compound annual growth rate. The sector is taking off – but skills are being left behind, which the South African government recognises. Not only can 4IR technologies address socio-economic issues and stimulate economic growth, but there is an increasing emphasis on digital literacy programs and tech education to meet the growing demand for advanced digital capabilities. Public-private partnerships are investing in digital literacy, coding, and tech-related skills, particularly in AI, data science, and cybersecurity – and agentic AI is now joining the mix.
The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey from Statistics South Africa shows that total employment increased by 201,000 persons (1.2%) from Q3 2023 to Q3 2024. However, the unemployment rate remains high, especially among youth.
Unemployment is not the only issue. There is a skills gap, and it’s only widening. According to the World Economic Forum, 230 million jobs will require digital skills by 2030 in Africa, which means the continent faces a huge digital skills gap. This doesn’t only dilute economic opportunities and development. It impacts the ability of workforces to adapt to new circumstances as they arise, and the cornerstone of 4IR is that we should expect continuous change.
To remain agile in the face of 4IR-driven disruption, organisations need to focus on:
Agentic AI is a fundamental shift in enterprise technology, moving beyond traditional AI, primarily focusing on pattern recognition and predictive analytics. Gartner’s report, Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2025, calls agentic AI a breakthrough innovation, highlighting its ability to initiate actions, make decisions, and execute complex workflows with minimal human oversight.
Business leaders responsible for reskilling and upskilling employees — particularly HR and IT managers — must prepare their organisations for AI-driven transformation. Deloitte’s research highlights the workforce and talent gap as a major challenge for implementing agentic and generative AI (GenAI). Finding and retaining skilled professionals remains a critical barrier despite AI-driven automation promising efficiency and innovation. As we’ve seen, many organisations struggle with technical skill shortages, change resistance, and a lack of AI literacy among employees.
Demand for AI, machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and data engineering professionals far outstrips supply. Companies competing for top AI talent face high salary expectations and poaching from tech giants.
Business leaders, managers, and employees often lack AI literacy, even with hired technical experts. Many are unfamiliar with AI’s workings, limitations, and impact on their roles, leading to hesitation in adoption.
Workers fear job displacement from AI automation. Many employees worry AI will replace their roles, leading to low adoption rates and a lack of enthusiasm for AI-driven initiatives.
AI talent is often concentrated in IT and data science teams; however, to succeed, AI must integrate with operations, HR, marketing, finance, and customer service. A lack of cross-functional AI expertise hinders full-scale adoption.
HR and IT managers must rethink workforce planning to overcome these challenges. Here are key strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining AI talent while supporting smooth adoption across the organisation.
Instead of relying on external hires, companies should invest in upskilling their workforce. Providing AI and GenAI training for technical and non-technical employees embeds AI literacy across the organisation.
Companies struggling to find AI talent can strengthen their partnerships with universities, coding boot camps, and AI research institutions. At Torque IT, we don’t donly specialise in providing vendor-authorised and instructor-led training, enablement, and certification solutions for technology and software platforms, but we focus on change management and agile training as well.
With AI talent in short supply, businesses should prioritise candidates with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, even without deep AI expertise. Traditional software developers can transition into AI roles with the right training.
Organisations can accelerate AI adoption by creating a dedicated AI CoE as a hub for best practices, governance, and training. This approach supports cross-functional collaboration and helps employees integrate AI tools into workflows.
Leaders must position AI as a tool for augmentation, not replacement. Encouraging AI experimentation and recognising employees who successfully integrate AI into their work can drive adoption.
To attract top AI professionals, companies must offer:
As a leading training provider, TorqueIT equips businesses with the knowledge and expertise needed to navigate the current (and future) digital landscape. Through vendor-authorised training, agile change management programs, and tailored AI and cybersecurity education, we help organisations build resilient teams that are prepared for the future.
By investing in AI and digital literacy across all departments, businesses can improve workforce adaptability and support a culture of innovation. Upskilling and reskilling employees not only closes critical skill gaps but also ensures that organisations remain competitive in a technology-driven market. Torque IT also provides industry-recognised training programs that support compliance and certification, reinforcing the credibility and expertise of professionals within an organisation.
The future of work is changing rapidly, but with the right training and strategic workforce planning, businesses can harness the power of 4IR to drive efficiency and innovation.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) refers to the rapid technological advancements integrating artificial intelligence (AI), automation, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) into industries. Unlike previous industrial revolutions, which focused on mechanisation, mass production, and digitisation, 4IR is characterised by intelligent automation and real-time data-driven decision-making, transforming the way businesses operate and how people work.
An agile workforce is crucial in the 4IR era because technological advancements are reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace. Employees and businesses must be adaptable, continuously learning new skills and embracing change to remain competitive. Organisations that foster agility can respond quickly to emerging technologies, shifting market demands, and evolving customer expectations.
Businesses can develop an agile workforce by investing in continuous learning, fostering a culture of innovation, and providing employees with opportunities to upskill and reskill. Encouraging cross-functional collaboration, embracing digital transformation, and supporting flexible work environments help employees adapt to new challenges and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
To succeed in a 4IR workforce, employees need a combination of technical and soft skills. Digital literacy, data analysis, AI and automation knowledge, and cybersecurity awareness are increasingly essential. Additionally, critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and emotional intelligence play a vital role in navigating an ever-evolving work environment.
Automation and AI streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce manual workloads, allowing employees to focus on higher-value tasks. While some fear job displacement, AI also creates new opportunities and roles that require human oversight and creativity. A workforce that embraces AI and automation as tools for augmentation rather than replacement becomes more agile and future-ready.
An agile workforce enables organisations to stay ahead of industry trends, quickly adapt to market changes, and drive innovation. Companies with adaptable employees can implement new technologies seamlessly, improve productivity, and remain competitive. Workforce agility also enhances employee engagement and job satisfaction, reducing turnover and supporting long-term success.
Organisations can ensure employees remain adaptable by prioritising lifelong learning, offering training programs, and encouraging a growth mindset. Providing access to upskilling opportunities in AI, automation, and digital transformation ensures that employees stay relevant. Leadership support, mentorship programs, and a culture of continuous improvement further enhance workforce adaptability.
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