South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday simultaneously delivered an address for the first 4th Industrial Revolution SA – Digital Economy Summit at two locations.
As Ramaphosa physically spoke to an audience at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, a live holographic projection of his likeness was transmitted 80 miles away to the Rustenburg Civic Centre in the North West.
“However, beyond Gallagher Estate, I wish to acknowledge our colleagues and friends who are gathered in Rustenburg in the North West this morning and are experiencing this Summit via a holographic broadcast,” Ramaphosa said during his address.
Ramaphosa joked he was pleased that the 4th Industrial Revolution had not yet reached a stage where a physical President has been rendered obsolete.
The office of the president said in a statement that the move, the first of its kind, was aimed at showcasing the advancements in technology and immense opportunities of the digital economy.
Attending the inaugural Digital Economy Summit this morning. I’m advised that they will have me addressing two venues at once, in two provinces, via #hologram. This demonstrates a technological advancement that presents immense opportunities for the digital economy. #4IRSA #DES pic.twitter.com/nI6fkVslWv
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) July 5, 2019
The 4IRSA partnership seeks to develop an inclusive, coherent, national response to the 4th Industrial Revolution for South Africa, based on research and to complement and support other national activities relating to the 4th Industrial Revolution.
