Creative sector set to benefit from 4IR

The technological revolution must improve and advance the lives of South Africans.

There seems to be light at the end of the tunnel for small film-makers, broadcasters and people involved in the creative space who embrace the opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

The 4IR can be described as the rise of the technological age, and will provide developing and emerging economies like South Africa, an opportunity to advance the application of science and innovation.

With the country propelling itself into the digital age, the Minister of Communications, Telecommunications and Postal Services, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams recently met with members of the creative industry in Johannesburg.

The one-day engagement, under the theme ‘Leveraging on digital platforms for 4IR creatives’, focused on broadcasting, audio-visual and new platforms, as well as 4IR.

Topping the agenda was how job creation and income generation from 4IR technologies can become a reality.

Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams called on those in the industry to work with the department in making 4IR a key factor in how creatives do business.

“Please walk this path with us so that as we are developing policies for 4IR, we are able to move from an informed view,” she said.

The Minister was accompanied by her deputy, Pinky Kekana, and the Minister of Small Business Development, Lindiwe Zulu.

Lungisani Mthethwa, a film-maker, said young people want to build rather than just consume products. “We are sick and tired of being consumers; we want to be identified as the manufacturers,” said Mthethwa.

Minister Zulu responded by explaining that the South African Creative Industry Incubator and Media Incubator have been identified as core drivers to pioneer the commercialisation of technology.

The SA Creative Industry Incubator is a creative hub providing technical skills training, business and arts incubation.

“Incubators must focus on creating a new generation of start-ups that will drive the creation of disruptive industries at its core,” said Minister Zulu.