Mabuza fails EFF’s fourth industrial revolution test
Opposition MPs on Tuesday chastised deputy president David Mabuza for showing breathtaking ignorance on the fourth industrial revolution and its implications for the country.
Several studies have shown that the fourth industrial revolution — which involves a fusion of artificial intelligence and automated machines — has the potential to disrupt every industry in the world.
The underlying technologies of the fourth industrial revolution include artificial intelligence, blockchain, nanotechnology (the use of science and engineering to create and support applications in all areas of human activity) and the internet of things.
Earlier in 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed members of a presidential commission on the fourth industrial revolution to recommend policies, strategies and plans to position SA as a competitive player in the digital space.
During a question-andanswer session in parliament on Tuesday, EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi pointed out that the country’s leaders do not understand what the fourth industrial revolution entails and how it will affect society.
“There is very little understanding in the country and I think across the world about what we mean by the industrial revolutions. For clarity, so that we are all on the same page, can you say what the first three revolutions are, and secondly, how will nanotechnology affect medical diagnosis,” Ndlozi asked in a supplementary question to the deputy president.
Mabuza dodged the question on what the first three industrial revolutions had entailed, and also the one on the implications of nanotechnology.
“Well, in terms of the first, the second and the third industrial revolution, probably that is a new question because [your] question is looking at the fourth industrial revolution. Now you are taking me back to the feudal way of doing things; I must start from the first industrial revolution to the third industrial revolution that will take a lot of time. But I am not very sure as a country whether we are in the third industrial revolution or second industrial revolution,” said Mabuza.
The deputy president continued and stated that the fourth industrial revolution “in the main is characterised by the introduction of information technology, easier way of doing business, the introduction of robotics in our industrialisation process to enhance our competitiveness”.
The previous three industrial revolutions transformed society. The first one, also known as the age of mechanical production was characterised by the advent of the steam engine and machine tools.
The second industrial revolution was the age of science and mass production. Methods of communication were also revolutionised with the invention of the telegraph and the telephone and so were transportation methods with the emergence of the automobile and the plane.
The third gave rise to the era of high-level automation.
It was also largely about the rise of the internet, which saw electronics and information technology beginning to automate production and take supply chains global.
The first industrial revolution relied on water and steam to mechanise production, the second utilised electric energy to create mass production and the third used electronics and information technology to automate production.
DA chief whip John Steenhuisen said it was evident the deputy president has a limited understanding of the previous revolutions and the fourth industrial revolution.
“I think the deputy president needs to phone a friend,” Steenhuisen said.
Ndlozi said SA faces an uncertain future with leaders such as Mabuza.
“I really want to impress upon you, deputy president, do not come to parliament to speak about things that you do not understand. It’s wrong.
“Please go take time to understand [the fourth industrial] revolution, because it is upon us as a country, and if we are not prepared, particularly the leadership, then you cannot lead us,” said Ndlozi.
I WANT TO IMPRESS UPON YOU, DO NOT COME TO PARLIAMENT TO SPEAK ABOUT THINGS YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND