President Cyril Ramphosa.

The Presidential Commission on the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has presented its draft diagnostic report towards the country’s 4IR plan and opportunities available to harness it.

In a statement, the Presidency confirms the report was presented to Ramaphosa during a meeting on Thursday.

In April, the Presidency announced the 4IR commission, which is tasked with advising Ramaphosa and government as a whole on relevant policies, strategies and action plans to position SA as a smart, connected and competitive global player.

In addition, the commission is to advise government on the most optimal strategies to harness the potential of technology as an enabler to grow the economy and create much-needed jobs.

Ramaphosa chairs the commission, while professor Tshilidzi Marwala, vice-chancellor at the University of Johannesburg, serves as deputy chairman.

The president welcomed the commission’s commitment to practical and tangible recommendations, which will be developed in collaboration with, and with the active participation of, a cross section of South Africans.

“The work of this commission is critical to ensuring that we propel our country into the future. This future will be one where South Africa will have a globally competitive, inclusive and shared economy,” said the president.

The final report of the commission is expected to be finalised by February 2020 and presented to Cabinet for consideration.