“As a continent and developing world, Africans have missed out on the first, second and third revolutions, which is why we must make sure we don’t miss out on the 4IR,” he said, adding that Wits University is determined to lead the way on the current technological wave.
“We cannot be passive players (we) must play a role in knowledge production, ensuring we become drivers, not passengers,” he said.
As the first African partner on the IBM Quantum Computing (IBM Q) Network, Vilakazi told University World News that Wits plans to become the focal research hub for academics across South Africa and for the 16 universities belonging to the African Research Universities Alliance (Arua).
Scholars from Wits and Arua institutions will be able to conduct research using a 20-qubit IBM Q quantum computer with advanced quantum computing systems and software for teaching quantum information science and exploring early applications.