Page 58 - Annual Report A4

rof. Khumbulani Mpofu, who spearheads the DSI/SARChI in Future Transport
Manufacturing Technologies explained that Plan A, a Future Work game assists
Pleaders to understand the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The question of what
the 4IR is about is one question that needs attention in this generation. Sadly, many
people speak about the revolution; however, few understand its implications. Plan A
assists to resolve this challenge by ensuring leaders are educated on the details of this
revolution and how it impacts their growth, future viability and employee satisfaction.

He further explained that: Because
it is a serious gaming environment,
it allows decision permutations to be
explored without necessarily harming
the bottom line of the organisation, but
most critically, it allows leaders, in this
case women leaders, to focus on their
organisational vision and align it with
the possibilities provided for by the 4IR.

In her keynote address, Dr Caroline Selepe,
Director: Special Projects in the office of the
Vice-Chancellor and Principal emphasised
the direction the university is taking in
supporting women, in particular, to make
a continued and impactful contribution to
ensuring that the university is competitive.

What stood out from Dr Selepe’s address
was what she called “the fire in her belly” for
the upliftment, equality and empowerment
of women. She spoke from the conviction
of her heart and raised awareness of
the indispensable role of women in
the 4IR and that sustainable economic
growth is improbable without women
empowerment. She further emphasised
that measures for gender inclusion are
the driving factor of social progress
and economic growth for our country.

The female participants at the event
were all in agreement that the simulation
games were enlightening. They also future to further engage and explore
added that the games were an innovative technologies that will assist in the
way to engage, debate and learn. alleviation of women’s challenges in
manoeuvring the future of work and 4IR.
The WLF, SARChI FTMT and the Gibela
Research Chair are planning to host
more events of this nature in the near

54 RESEARCH CHAIR IN MANUFACTURING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2021/22