General population interest in the Metaverse in South Africa

Familiaritv with the Metaverse: The Statista (2024) market insights for the Metaverse in South Africa indicates that the user penetration rate is estimated to be 12.0% for 2024. A significant increase is expected, and the penetration rate is predicted to reach 34.9% by 2030. The number of users in the South African Metaverse market is expected to reach 22.5m users by 2030. This indicates a growing interest and adoption of the Metaverse market platform among users. Overall, the Metaverse market presents a promising opportunity for growth and development, within South Africa being a part of this evolving landscape. Interest in Metaverse related products, events and solutions is surging upward, but is restricted to already technologically literate people.

South African Business interests and awareness: The Virtual Reality South Africa Association (VRSA) was established in 2016 with the mission to "harness the transformative power of virtual reality (VR) technology for the benefit of South African businesses and software developers". The VRSA aims "to lead the South African VR industry towards global recognition, fostering a community where technology meets human-centric design, and where every virtual experience contributes to real-world progress" (VRSA 2024).Large South African firms are investing increasingly in Metaverse related functions. This growing interest is positioning South Africa as a leader in the Metaverse market for the African continent. Startups and SMME's have an important role to play in the Metaverse economy and are responsible for fast tracking innovation and expansion (Research and Markets 2023).The technology is still in its early stages of development, but already the digital media industry is being transformed by innovative design, IT and engineering companies.

Expected Metaverse Applications This Linkedln post (Rotenda, 2023), titled "#MetaverseSeries 4. Transforming South Africa with 3D Modeling and World Building in the Metaverse," highlights the potential of 3D modeling and world building to revolutionize South Africa's digital landscape. It emphasizes the importance of developing a robust digital infrastructure to ensure broad accessibility for this technology. The post goes on to discuss the need for targeted educational programs skill-building workshops to equip South Africans with the necessary expertise to thrive in the metaverse. Additionally, it underscores the significance of establishing clear policies and regulations for online interactions and content creation within the metaverse .The author emphasizes collaboration between tech companies, educational institutions, and the government to foster an environment conducive to innovation in the metaverse space. The post concludes by outlining various exciting opportunities within the metaverse, including the creation of multi-user virtual environments, immersive experiences through VR and AR, the development of social and gaming experiences, and the utilization of digital currencies and data-driven personalization within the metaverse.

Located in Johannesburg's Keyes Art Mile, The Mixed Reality Workshop (TMRW) isn't your typical gallery. Founded as a non-profit, TMRW connects South African artists with The Digital Foundry, a team dedicated to exploring the intersection of art and virtual reality (VR) technologies. Established in 2018, TMRW has facilitated collaborations like Mary Sibande's "A Crescendo of Ecstasy" exhibition, showcasing various mixed reality installations and VR experiences until 2022 (Wood, 2018).

Electric South, a non-profit organization based in Cape Town, South Africa, empowers African artists to tell stories in new and exciting ways. Through workshops, production support, and funding, they help artists create immersive and interactive experiences using virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other digital tools. Their 2022 New Dimensions AR/VR Lab offered demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies like Touch Designer, 3D scanning, VR content capture, and virtual sculpting. The workshop also explored the potential of social VR experiences and animation workflows within the Metaverse (Electric South, 2022).

The University of Johannesburg's Virtual and Augmented Reality STEM Education (VARSTEME) hub promotes the burgeoning trend of creating a metaverse in South Africa, propelled by local entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, and educators utilizing Immersive Technology (IT) such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). While global tech giants like Meta, Google, and Microsoft are investing heavily in virtual world development, South Africa is carving its own path by leveraging IT to address African needs and tell African stories. Filmmaker Dylan Valley's documentary "Azibuye — The Occupation" illustrates the potential of Immersive Technology in storytelling, offering viewers an immersive experience that explores complex social issues. Meanwhile, entrepreneur Mic Mann is developing Africarare, a virtual marketplace showcasing African art and culture within the metaverse. Other ventures like Astra in Nigeria are also emerging, offering platforms for African fashion and cultural expression. In education, initiatives like the University of Johannesburg's VARSTEME hub are utilizing VR to enhance STEM education, providing students with immersive learning experiences. The ultimate goal is to expand access to virtual labs in schools across South Africa, althou challenges such as affordability remain (Boffard, 2022).

At the University of Pretoria, the Department of Mining Engineering has implemented a VR training program called the "blast wall" at the VR Centre. This program creates a realistic training environment where participants can practice their blasting skills virtually. It works by projecting an image of a blast wall onto a screen. Trainees then use VR tools to mark the wall, design the blast plan, and detonate the virtual explosives in the correct sequence (UP, n.d.).

The University of Pretoria is piloting exam writing in the Metaverse, with built-in biometric identification to verify students and deter cheating, potentially leading to fairer and more reliable results. A table (not shown here) compares traditional exam costs with Metaverse exam costs for a class of 100 electrical engineering students. Metaverse exams, despite requiring biometric scanning equipment, are estimated to be R6,000 cheaper due to reduced reliance on paper and staff for physical exam administration. The text argues that the Metaverse offers broader benefits beyond cost savings for South African universities. These include increased accessibility for students, greater exam security, and potentially even a more personalized learning experience. Ultimately, the Metaverse could transform exam writing into a more engaging and efficient process, leading to improved student performance and future career success (Thango, 2024).

An ITWeb survey, in partnership with KnowBe4, explored South African businesses’ perspectives on emerging technologies. While most companies (82%) haven’t adopted blockchain yet, a surprisingly high number (540/0) plan to participate in the metaverse. This suggests an openness to virtual and augmented reality experiences, despite limited current usage (AR/VR headsets). The survey received 176 responses, mainly from executives and managers across various sectors (finance, government, telecoms being prominent). Interestingly, while blockchain adoption is low, 83% of companies plan to implement it in the future job, 2023).

Industrial and consumer applications of the metaverse in South Africa
Below are listed a few examples of contemporary practices making use of AR, VR and XR technologies, ranging from simple AR frame designs for photo booths to complex events installations: Speak Geek?: VR Training solutions for Forestry South Africa: https://youtu.be/K42Q1GmrieA?si=753PXv301hDI2KMg Speak Geek?: 3D Interactive AR: https://youtu.be/rLBOQiN4cUI?si=j3HMF8dY0DCG48We
Augmented and Virtual Reality South Africa: Custom Games for events: https://youtu.be/L6_Fqa9L1O8?si=X2GkOGMXKhG6EZp- Chillie Media: Simple AR frame designs: https://chiIIimedia.co.za/ar-designs/ BizAR: WebAR marketing campaigns such as this Toyota campaign: https://www.bizarreality.co.za/toyota-webar/ 360 Degree VR: https://www.bizarreality.co.za/kzn-film-commission/
Social Media AR campaign:
https://youtu.be/8CG62jpjRj8 TechVed:
AR automobile support application: https://www.techved.com/south-africa/case-study/user-experience-design/ar-a utomobile/

One of the examples listed above include the VR training developed for the Forestry South Africa. The Forestry Department, in cooperation with the Naledi3d Factory also developed VR training solutions for the forestry industry. The Naledi3d Factory reports “successful use of VR in training people in the forestry industry in the wider South- ern African region. They report using VR for skills development, particularly in local mines, as well as supporting the development of rural communities” (IQBusiness 2018: 8). As illustrated by the examples given above, digital marketing agencies are driving the adoption and implementation of AR and VR technologies for a variety of purposes, even beyond marketing. These agencies work closely with businesses to leverage the potential of AR and VR technologies achieve a brand’s specific objectives. Digital marketing agencies develop AR and VR solutions as an integral part of a brand strategy,which then drives the creative content creation and technical implementation. AR and VR marketing therefore requires strategic thinking, creative innovation and technical expertise and specialised knowledge. (Van Schalkwyk 2023).

The example of using VR, AR and XR to digitise and augment cultural tourism experiences in Egypt and Tunisia reveals investment opportunities in Africa thought the promotion of the history and culture of the continent (Markopoulos, Luimula, Benahmed & Suominen, 202J: 2). VR, AR and XR applications were used in Tunisia’s Bardo National Museum, for example, to steer the user through specific locations while providing information and “education needed to understand the area, the culture and the people in a safe at low-cost way” (Markopoulos, Luimula, Benahmed & Suominen, 2021: 4).

Africarare is a new Metaverse hub that will connect Africa to this “booming arena of the global economy, stimulate growth and create multiple new jobs, such as digital designers, creators and architects. Additionally, it will enable South African artists to showcase their talent to the world and monetise their distinctive creations” (Mann as cited by Malinga 2022).
https://www.mondaq.com/southafrica/trademark/1315942/the-metaverse-retail-and-br and-protection
Metaverse is gaining strong prominence among brands as well as consumers in South Africa. From retailers to financial services providers, businesses across industry verticals are seeking to boost their presence in the metaverse. This has resulted in a growing demand for virtual land in South Africa. https://www.gIobenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/04/25/2653585/28124/en/Sout h-Africa-Metaverse-Market-Report-2023-Large-Telecom-Giants-are-Launching-Metavers e-Platforms-and-Events-to-Drive-the-Popularity-of-the-Virtual-World.html

Africarare is a new Metaverse hub that will connect Africa to this “booming arena of the global economy, stimulate growth and create multiple new jobs, such as digital designers, creators and architects. Additionally, it will enable South African artists to showcase their talent to the world and monetise their distinctive creations” (Mann as cited by Malinga 2022). https://www.mondaq.com/southafrica/trademark/1315942/the-metaverse-retail-and-br and-protection Metaverse is gaining strong prominence among brands as well as consumers in South Africa. From retailers to financial services providers, businesses across industry verticals are seeking to boost their presence in the metaverse. This has resulted in a growing demand for virtual land in South Africa. https://www.gIobenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/04/25/2653585/28124/en/Sout h-Africa-Metaverse-Market-Report-2023-Large-Telecom-Giants-are-Launching-Metavers e-Platforms-and-Events-to-Drive-the-Popularity-of-the-Virtual-World.html MTN Group, the South Africa-based leading telecom operator in the region, launched a new metaverse platform aItMTN, and is hosting a music concert in November 2022. The launch of the platform and event is part of the firm’s strategy to unlock the potential of immersive experiences by driving the popularity of the metaverse among its strong network of 34.5 million subscribers in Africa. https://www.g obenewswire.com/en/news-re ease/2023/04/25/2653585/28124/en/Sout h-Africa-Metaverse-Market-Report-2023-Large-Te ecom-Giants-are-Launching-Metavers e-Platforms-and-Events-to-Drive-the-Popularity-of-the-Virtual-World.html  

The ICT department of Vaal University of Technology investigated the level of readiness to adopt AR and VR in the education sector for South African schools. The results indicated a high level of readiness to adopt AR and VR in schools in Gauteng, and also developed understanding of AR and VR as an e learning platform and offered recommendations on how South Africa can fully utilise these cutting-edge technologies (Moyo, Harmse & Zuva, 2024).

Centre of Digital Transformation and Innovation Africa: CXl-Africa specialises in providing comprehensive 41R skills training and development that focuses on the growing critical scarce skills area of XR, which encompasses real and virtual environments generated by wearable devices to provide an immersive experience. cxi-africa.com
With reference to the impact of skills development in South Africa,CXl-Africa in partnership with Chemical Industry and Education Training (CHIETA) SETA rolled-out a program in 2022 based on a signed MOA as reference to the below. Three focus area are: Virtual Reality (VR), which uses head-mounted display gear to provide a simulated digital environment that makes users feel as if they are really there. Augmented Reality (AR), which uses smart devices to overlay sounds and digital graphics in the real world. Mixed Reality (MR), which encompasses the co-existence of both real world and digital objects.
https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/chieta-partnership-delivers-extended-realitydevelopment-to-sector-2022-04-12

University of Western Cape (UWC) The UWC offers a comprehensive Postgraduate Diploma (Level 8) in E-Skills Development, Immersive Skills Stream. This qualification is aimed at people from a variety of backgrounds but require an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification as entry requirement. The course is a 12-month, full time course, focusing on creating 360 degree footage using the Vuze+ 360 camera, XR development with Unity, and software training on 3DS Max,JiG, PhotoShop and others (UWC 2024).
IIE Vega Students at the IIE Vega "engage with AR and VR technologies in two qualifications, namely the BCIS in game design and development and in the Bachelors of Experience Design. In both programmes, the focus is on exploring the possibilities, potential social impact and the ethical and legal implications of using these technologies to create Extended and Mixed reality experiences" (Saltilhano 2024). 
Open Window Institute This private institution integrates AR, VR and XR education into existing programs, using the latest tools and technologies to design intricate logic systems for various development platforms such as mobile, desktop, console and Virtual Reality. AR is incorporated in creative technologies courses, including UX Design and Interactive Development (Open Window Institute 2024).

For SA businesses, the metaverse presents unprecedented opportunities. You can connect with your clients on a whole new level and reach new markets. Service, production, distribution and other operations can be transformed in embracing the exciting possibilities that this blending of worlds offers. The metaverse also offers a compelling opening for the advertising and marketing industries. Virtual reality beyond gaming can support immersive learning. South Africans have immediate contact with the whole world through the metaverse. https://wondernet.co.za/home/what-opportunities-does-the-metaverse-present-in-sa/


Commenting on this is Faiez Hartley, head of Information Technology at Business Partners Limited, who says: "While our idea of the metaverse is still being formed, in its more mature form it will present many opportunities for small businesses to thrive in the digital space and compete on a global scale. In South Africa, its efficacy will, however, depend on factors such as accessibility, user adoption, and the development of suitable tools and platforms." https://www.abizq.co.za/the-opportunities-that-the-metaverse-holds-for-sa-small-businesses/

Environmental Opportunities:
Companies can save costs, expedite innovation, and curtail emissions by charting their industrial systems and identifying the ideal operation methods. Transport companies can utilize the Metaverse for network modelling, resulting in fewer trucks on the roads and grounded planes. Furthermore, by minimizing energy consumption in specific locations like kiosks and hotels, emissions can be noticeably lowered. Besides positioning them as a green alternative, the implementation of the Metaverse can also make these small businesses more attractive to investors and consumers.  

Social Opportunities: Currently, metaverse-type experiences have been largely confined to the world of gaming and e-sports. But as more brands begin to invest in next-generation technology, the metaverse is expected to encompass commercial sectors such as retail, healthcare and entertainment. https://www.abizq.co.za/the-opportunities-that-the-metaverse-holds-for-sa-small-busin esses/

Enablers of Metaverse in South Africa: 4th IR Presedential Commission Report.pdf Investment in critical, enablinq ICT infrastructure to develop a Diqital Economv _The Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS) has put in place some building blocks to enable South Africa to take up opportunities brought upon by 41R. This includes approval of the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper in 2016. Innovation. Research and Development A strong innovation system has been shown as key to a country's ability to adapt to rapid technological change. With the pace and scope of change of this industrial revolution, it will be crucial that the country's innovation system be strengthened. This would be in basic and applied research domains identified as the key drivers of 41R, as well as the convergence and subsequent application of new technologies. Skills development As entire industries adjust, most occupations are undergoing a fundamental transformation. While some jobs are threatened by redundancy and others grow rapidly, existing jobs are also going through a change in the skill sets required to do them. According to the WEF, the impact is likely to be highly specific to the industry, region and occupation in question, as well as the ability of various stakeholders to manage change (WEF, 2016).

SMME, Entrepreneurship and Localization The South African Government Gazette of 2018 posits that the implementation of 41R paradigms has the potential to greatly enhance the manufacturing competitivenes the country, but warns that it equally "has the potential to further widen between the formal and secondary economies if focus is placed purely on the established manufacturing". It is therefore imperative that innovative solutions are encouraged and that technological training and education be rolled out across a wide spectrum of industry and business. AR/VR solutions lead to different types of innovation in SMEs, i.e. for innovating product or service offerings, business processes or even the business model, When AR/VR extends to the company business logic it has the potential to trigger different types of innovation. There is a threat in organisational issues hampering implementation of technological innovation (Pessot, Zangiacomi & Sacco 2023). Labor market restructuring The 41R will clearly transform the way we live and work. As more individual tasks become automatable through artificial intelligence and sophisticated algorithms, jobs are being redefined and re-categorized. Some jobs will disappear, others will grow and jobs that don't even exist today will become commonplace. By one popular estimate, 65% of children entering primary school today will ultimately end up working in completely new jobs that don't exist yet (WEF, 2016)

Opportunities & challenges for Africans in the metaverse economy. I Business Insider Africa Affordability Omdia, a global advisory and research brand, reported that 12.5 million VR headsets were sold in 2021 and projected that 70 million devices would be sold by 2026. However, the top-selling Oculus Quest 2 costs $299, making it affordable to a tiny fraction of African internet users unless prices are lowered. Sectors such as corporate education, tourism, and real estate have helped South African VR content developers gain traction in the industry. However broader applications and more cost-effective options need to be developed (IQBusiness 201 8: 8).  Mobile data cost and internet speed Africans lag behind the rest of the world regarding internet speeds and data costs. Only fifty percent of the population of Africa has access to 4G mobile networks. The benefit of the metaverse to rural Africans who still rely on 2G and 3G internet remains uncertain, but certain African countries have installed 5G base stations. Safety and privacy Advertisers can collect data from clicks and time spent on a website. In the future, businesses will know how long consumers view an advertisement and whether they touched a product, with features that can scan biometric data like eye movement and facial expression from headset wearers. This suggests that the metaverse should be regulated to ensure that users' safety and privacy are maintained.

Adaptability to Disruptive technologies Key outcomes of a study investigating the impact of disruptive technologies on SME's (Tarr 2021) reveals that "SMMEs have the potential of becoming early adopters of 41R/disruptive technologies". This study, however, highlighted several factors that inhibit SMME's ability to fully engage in adopting new technologies: lack of financial resources the digital divide fast-paced technological changes automation of jobs lack of support mechanisms regulatory demands Tarr highlights the need to develop "a comprehensive digital transformation strategy that also looks at deploying agile IT infrastructure and instilling a culture of lifelong learning through investing in human capital". (Tarr 2021: ii).

To conclude, South Africa is already highly invested in Metaverse technologies and applications and taking on a leading role in this area for the African continent. Large and small businesses are seeing the economic potential of these technologies for revitalising their activities and initiating innovation. Industries such as South African Forestry are seeing the value of VR training tools, and the automobile industry is investing in AR to improve user experience. Formal education around the development, design and implementation of AR, VR and XR technologies is emerging in small pockets, but not yet fully developed for extensive reach in South Africa. There is a need to expand AR/VR/XR education across the value chain of these technologies to facilitate wider access. Currently very little provision is made for education outside of academic institutions within industries, and existing businesses, to upskill employees and empower the unemployed. Awareness is focused in urbanised areas and already individuals that already have advanced technological and digital literacy skills and access. In South Africa's uneven economic environment there is a need for reaching out beyond the confines of for institutions and make access to technological training and education available to those who are currently excluded due to location, finances or academic achievements.   

As detailed in the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy of South Africa (NDFSSSA) report, training needs in South Africa are far reaching and complex. This report highlights that young people between the ages of 18 and 35 are the generation that are growing into a digital environment, and should be able to drive the digital economy of South Africa, yet, "more than 8 million young people are not-in-employment-education-or-training (NEET)". According to the NDFSSSA, it is equally important is the focus on gender balance, and on persons with disabilities in order to ensure skills equity in 21st century South Africa (Abrahams, Burke & LINK Centre 2020: 8). The need for rollout of digital literacy, coding and robotics in the school curriculum is also highlighted in this report. Examples of VR, AR and XR technology applications and systems as used in South African and other African countries demonstrate how these technologies and strategies can be used to "open the communication borders" and disseminate education, training, awareness and cultural experiences among many other things, in an immersive, safe, and engaging way. As Markopoulos et a/ note, "the digitization of cultural heritage is one way a country can export its culture and relate it with its development strategy (Markopoulos et al., 2021 : 9).

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