College of Science, Engineering & Technology

An increase in job polarisation

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Prof Hossana Twinomurinzi

The inaugural lecture of Prof Hossana Twinomurinzi, Computing, titled Man (humans) vs/and machine (robots): Sharing is caring, took place on 28 August 2018.

He says that the rapid advancements in science and technological innovations are leading to an increase in job polarisation. Middle-range routine jobs are being destroyed, while there is an increase in highly-skilled low/high ends and those that require social and interpersonal skills.

Most workers in transportation and logistics occupations, together with the bulk of office and administrative support workers, and labour in production occupations, are at risk, points out Twinomurinzi. The biggest danger for developing countries, which are not able to invest in the technological innovations, is that investments are moving to countries that are better prepared for the technology changes.

He proposes a number of solutions for South Africa and Africa:

  1. Re-think the educational paradigm

    1. Prepare the workers at risk for re-allocation into new jobs and non-employment
    2. Prepare the unemployed for new job types
    3. Invest in new IT curriculums across all industries

2.         Transdisciplinarity

    1. Get more creative
    2. Invest in the sharing economy - collaborative consumption

You can read the lecture here.


The man behind the professor


Technology: Friend or foe?

Neither. Like money, it is an instrument that skilled hands can use for great benefit or havoc.


What’s playing in your car right now?

The Next Episode (Dr Dre ft Snoop Dogg) - the clean version. Please don’t judge me.


Your life would be meaningless without…

…family.


What advice can you give for people who aspire to be where you are?

Do what you love, and if you can’t, love what you do. If necessary, date what you do until you love it.


What keeps you enthused about your career?

The ability to make a meaningful difference in society, people and myself.

* Compiled by Sharon Farrell, Editor: Internal Communication, Department of Institutional Advancement

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Publish date: 2019-03-27 00:00:00.0

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