The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has been awarded a R1.5 million research grant by the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) to spearhead a transformative project aimed at South Africa’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
The initiative seeks to breathe new life into TVET institutions, which have historically struggled with infrastructure deficits and funding gaps, by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sustainability (ESG) into their core curriculum and operational DNA.
The Visionary at the Helm
Leading this high-impact research is Professor Tankiso Moloi, the Executive Dean of UJ’s College of Business and Economics (CBE). As a renowned expert in digital transformation and risk management, Prof. Moloi has been appointed as the Principal Investigator for two interconnected studies designed to align vocational training with the modern, tech-driven economy.
Dual Research Pillars: Capacity & Sustainability
The grant funds two distinct projects aimed at solving South Africa’s most pressing developmental challenges:
- Strengthening Institutional Capacity & Industry Alignment: This project focuses on modernizing TVET colleges to ensure graduates possess the specialized skills required by the insurance and financial sectors—specifically in AI and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance).
- The Just Energy Transition (JET) & AI Intersection: This study explores how AI can drive ESG criteria within the context of South Africa’s shift toward a sustainable energy future, ensuring a “Just Transition” where no community is left behind.
A Blueprint for National Progress
Professor Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya, UJ’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, hailed the grant as a milestone for society-centered research. She emphasized that this work is an “academic blueprint for national progress,” designed to refine the country’s approach to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
“We are committed to producing insights that are both practical and transformative, ensuring that AI and ESG principles are integrated into the fabric of South African business and education.” — Professor Tankiso Moloi
