Fourth Industrial Revolution readiness among Sector Education and Training Authority training providers in South Africa’s maritime transport sector: Needs, challenges and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment alignment

Background: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is fundamentally transforming global maritime logistics, yet the preparedness of South Africa’s skills development ecosystem remains under-researched. Objectives: As the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) system undergoes significant reform, understanding the readiness of accredited training providers is critical for national competitiveness. Method: A convergent mixed-methods design was employed, in which quantitative and qualitative data were collected concurrently via a single Google Forms survey instrument administered to 254 SETA-accredited providers. Closed-ended items yielded quantitative data analysed through descriptive statistics, while open-ended responses were subjected to thematic analysis. Both data strands were analysed independently and then integrated to develop a comprehensive understanding of 4IR readiness. Results: Findings reveal a significant readiness gap: 53.1% of providers allocate less than 5% of their budget to 4IR initiatives, and 43.6% feel unprepared for delivery. While artificial intelligence awareness is high (81.1%), adoption is low, with 38.7% utilising no 4IR technologies in curriculum delivery. Furthermore, 74.1% lack concrete Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment strategies for equitable 4IR access. Conclusion: The SETA ecosystem faces systemic inertia driven by prohibitive costs, slow accreditation processes and a disconnect from labour market demands. Urgent intervention is required to prevent a new digital divide in South African skills development. Contribution: This study provides the inaugural empirical assessment of 4IR readiness among South African SETA providers. It offers actionable recommendations, including the establishment of a ring-fenced 4IR Transformation Fund and modernised accreditation reforms.