New AI qualification in the works at Emeris: What to expect
Starr says SAQA currently has one qualification with AI in its title on the national register.
Emeris, a private higher education institution, is developing an artificial intelligence (AI) qualification that aims to focus on the skills needed to implement AI in the workplace. The qualification's specific modules have not yet been finalized, as it is still in the "ideation phase." The institution discussed this development during a panel at the Education & Skills Dialogue, where questions were raised about how qualifications can keep pace with technological advancements and the future of work.
Sarnelia Mandapalli, Emeris' head of communications, emphasized that the qualification's focus is on implementing AI in work environments, including organizations that use the technology in lieu of some human functions. She also acknowledged that the qualification is in the early stages and could take between two to four years to be approved by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Currently, SAQA has only one AI-related qualification on the national register, an Occupational Certificate: Artificial Intelligence Software Developer.
During the discussion, Anthony Wingfield, a senior national lecturer at Emeris, emphasized that students who learn to experiment with AI will be more employable than those who do not. He argued that AI should be viewed as a tool to facilitate problem-solving and ideation skills rather than a threat to employment. Wingfield compared the emergence of AI to previous technological shifts, stating that not using AI would be akin to not using the internet.
The panel also discussed the integration of AI into various disciplines, with digital marketing as an example. The need for graduates to remain curious, adaptable, and critical thinkers was emphasized, especially as AI tools become more widespread. South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) CEO Nadia Starr noted that qualifications in South Africa have a lifespan of up to five years, allowing institutions and regulators to assess whether they remain relevant to changing needs.
The next step for the planned Emeris AI qualification is to develop it further and secure regulatory approval before students can enroll.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
