Premier David Makhura says the unfolding 4th Industrial Revolution is shaping the economy, giving birth to new industries and young people are taking advantage of this.  

Tabling the fourth Political Report at the Gauteng Provincial Government on Thursday, Premier Makhura said the fourth industrial revolution was bringing with it enormous opportunities and major threats.

He explained that the fourth industrial revolution has placed artificial intelligence, big data and knowledge at the centre of future production processes and ecosystems.

“It is self-evident that combination of the ICT revolution and emergence of new media platforms is giving rise to new industries at the centre of which is the energy and creativity of the youth.

In this regard, Makhura commended Cassper Nyovest, who was his guest of honour at the legislature, for his recent #FillUpFNBStadium initiative.  Cassper set a gold standard in attendance of hip hop concerts through #FillUpFNBStadium, by packing Soccer City Stadium with 68 000 young people.

“I would like to congratulate Cassper for employing 70 young people who are interns to help with mobilisation and marketing for #FillUpFNBStadium,” he said.

To this end, Cassper has also contributed R50 000 to the student fundraising initiative at Wits University and another R100 000 to the campaign against xenophobia and he is one of the young ambassadors against women abuse and gender-based violence.  

Premier said the story of Casper and many young creative minds of South Africa was an economic inspiring example of how the creative and cultural industries of our province offer huge economic opportunities to many young entrepreneurs and talented artists.

He further noted that since December 2014, 437 000 young people have benefitted from Tshepo 1 Million.

“Our target is to reach one million young people by 2019. Working with the private sector and young people like Cassper and his peers in the cultural and creative industries, we can surpass this target.

“I would like to commend all forty companies who have signed up for groundbreaking public-private partnership and further call on others to join this initiative to give hope to our youth,” said Makhura.

He also commended some media establishment who have joined hands with government in giving hope to the youth.

Issued by Gauteng Provincial Government