TLDR: The 4th Annual Future of Work National Dialogue, hosted by the Tshwane University of Technology’s Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW), will convene in Pretoria from October 1-2, 2025. The event will focus on enhancing South Africa’s global competitiveness through collaboration, technological innovation, and skills development, with a significant emphasis on the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on the evolving workplace.
Pretoria, South Africa – The Tshwane University of Technology’s Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW) is set to host its 4th Annual Future of Work National Dialogue from October 1-2, 2025, at The Maslow in Pretoria. This year’s dialogue will place a critical emphasis on ‘building global competitiveness through collaboration,’ a theme deemed paramount amidst current geopolitical shifts and evolving economic landscapes.
Tseliso Mohlomi, Senior Director of TUT’s IFOW, highlighted the urgency of the dialogue’s focus. ‘At last year’s National Dialogue, our competitiveness and the need for collaboration to enhance it were raised during talks. However, global developments have now made these issues a top priority,’ Mohlomi stated. He further elaborated on the challenges, noting, ‘Questions have been raised around whether we can survive the impact of new US tariffs, and South Africa’s global competitiveness in general – particularly in the field of technological innovation.’ Mohlomi stressed the need for South Africa to reduce its dependency on technology imports and cultivate its own innovative capacities.
The dialogue aims to foster a comprehensive social compact, bringing together stakeholders from government, industry, and academia. This collaborative effort is crucial for rebuilding the South African economy, enabling higher growth, and boosting global competitiveness. Mohlomi emphasized the necessity for increased collaboration in research and development, commercializing innovations, and developing policies that support innovation and progress.
Key discussions at the event will revolve around tackling emerging challenges and opportunities in the evolving workplace, with a strong focus on technological advancements, skills development, and inclusive economic growth. The transformative impact of automation and artificial intelligence on industries and employment landscapes will be a central theme, featuring keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive workshops designed to deliver actionable strategies for a resilient and future-ready workforce.
The growing prominence of the National Dialogue is evident in its attendance figures. This year, over 900 individuals applied for the 400 available seats, underscoring the high demand for insights into the future of work. Plans are already underway to double the event’s capacity for the next year to accommodate a larger audience.
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The event serves as a pivotal platform for thought leaders, policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to engage in meaningful conversations and develop practical solutions for a sustainable and inclusive future of work in South Africa and beyond.
