According to Gartner Research, the worldwide RPA software market is projected to continue to experience double-digit growth in 2023, growing 17.5% year over year, to top $3.3 billion.
But the advent of this technology comes with huge responsibilities, especially in a country like South Africa where unemployment is at record levels.
Businesses in South Africa need to be sensitive to the fact that RPAs can reduce headcount, but where this happens, it is imperative that the staff in those roles are upskilled for more meaningful work.
In this regard, RPAs are a disruptive force, but they can also be a force for good by placing an emphasis on companies to upskill and further develop their staff.
There are many options in this regard, with programmes in South Africa ranging from adult matric to other accredited certifications in aspects such as accounting and HR, among many more.
Furthermore, companies in South Africa can receive tax rebates and additional B-BBEE points for upskilling their staff. In fact, the skills development pillar of the B-BBEE Act can contribute up to 20 points of a company’s BEE rating.
Our early education system, for children between Grade R and Grade 12, will also need to be adapted and made future-fit for a world in which technology takes over more day-to-day tasks.
The power lies in our hands to use technology to become better and more efficient at what we do. Crucially, the power also lies in our hands to make this transition as smooth as possible for our society so that it’s a win-win situation for all.