Pandemic amplifies trend toward inclusive modernisation – South Africa The Covid-19 pandemic has forced mining companies to âfundamentally rethinkâ the way they operate, says Minerals Council South Africa modernisation and safety senior executive Sietse van der Woude. He adds that the shift to remote working and flexible working hours has highlighted humanityâs dependence on digital technologies, while demonstrating how technology can be leveraged to benefit society as a whole. âBecause of Covid-19, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), which was already in play and is characterised by automation and digitalisation, is taking a quantum leap. Pandemic amplifies trend toward inclusive modernisation – South AfricaHIWI042020-10-23T15:10:12+02:00