Emeris Dialogue Highlights AI’s Role in Expanding Opportunities for South African Youth

Emeris, a private higher education brand in South Africa, recently hosted a Skills and Education Dialogue in Cape Town to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) could help create more opportunities for young people in the country. This event also marked Emeris’s first anniversary since uniting several well-known education institutions under one name.

At the dialogue, experts from education and industry discussed how AI is reshaping learning, skills development, and the job market. One key message was that higher education needs to go beyond just sharing knowledge. Instead, it should help students think critically, be creative, adapt to change, and stand out in a competitive work environment.

Emeris brought together its leadership and guests including Chesare Pillay, head of partnerships and technology at CAPACITI, and Alex Pryor, founder of Top Pryority. They stressed the importance of stronger links between education and employment to widen access to jobs and economic growth in South Africa.

Emeris itself is a brand formed by merging several private colleges under The Independent Institute of Education. It is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training and focuses on active, industry-aligned learning that includes ethical digital literacy. This means students learn to use AI tools wisely while understanding when human judgement remains essential.

The dialogue fits into a broader national context where the government and private sector are working to equip young South Africans with digital and AI skills. Earlier this year, the Department of Higher Education and Training signed an agreement with Google South Africa to expand AI training across universities and colleges, including offering thousands of scholarships.

However, official reports remind us that while temporary earning opportunities linked to these skills are growing, they do not guarantee permanent jobs. The challenge remains to turn new skills into lasting employment.

Emeris’s event highlighted the promise AI holds in education and work, but also the need for thoughtful strategies to ensure young people can benefit fully from these changes.