Education for the Future (Educating for 2030)

The South Africa Foresight Exercise for Science, Technology and Innovation (SAForSTI) (2019, NACI Synthesis Report, Department of Science and Innovation. Republic of South Africa) identified the education for the future domain as one of the priorities for the new decadal plan for STI to achieving the vision of the National Development Plan 2030 which aims to improve the quality of life of all South Africans by addressing social and economic challenges in an inclusive and sustainable way. This chapter discusses the findings from the second phase of SAForSTI (2019, NACI Synthesis Report, Department of Science and Innovation. Republic of South Africa) exercise. Specifically, the chapter will focus on the issues and drivers for the education for the future domain and the findings from the second phase of SAForSTI (2019, NACI Synthesis Report, Department of Science and Innovation. Republic of South Africa) exercise focussing on the three STI thrusts that were identified and prioritised, namely, Skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), Inclusive Innovation and Development and Curriculum Development 2030. The impact of Covid-19 on the education for the future domain will also be discussed. It is also encouraging to see that while there are still several challenges in the education system in South Africa and in providing the skills required by the economy, the South African government and industries are already busy deliberating and planning for developments and challenges that are expected with 4IR. South Africa is on the right trajectory, and with political will and commitments in terms of funding and policy implementation, the education for the future looks positive.