The Science, Technology and Innovation Department has moved to allay fears that the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will further push the unemployment rate higher in South Africa.

Speaking at the official launch of AI educational robot teacher, IRIS, in Durban on Tuesday evening, Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina urged people to embrace technology that comes with AI, dismissing the assertion that it will further strain unemployment in the country, as most businesses will reduce their reliance on intensive labour and opt for AI.

Gina said the department has started a campaign to demystify the wrong perception people have about AI and urged them to see it in a positive light

“It’s high time that we embrace technology, particularly AI. We must change our mindset and accept that life is evolving. As a department, we must demystify the perception that science is for specific people or learned people. We live science on a daily basis,” said Gina.

She further stated that the country must take pride that IRIS was invented by a South African, and more so by a woman, particularly one from the deepest rural area of KwaZulu-Natal.

She added that the bigger problem in the country is that for a long time, people produce what they don’t consume and consume what they don’t produce, and that must change.

She noted that when the government introduced Shesha lanes at tollgates and bank cards, many were sceptical, believing this would lead to job losses.

However, today everyone is happy with these changes because they enhance convenience.

The department pledged to support the innovation and work hand in hand with its founder, Thando Gumede.

Speaking at the event, Gumede said she experienced gender-based challenges with her innovation because some men saw a potential girlfriend more than a business partner.

Born in Hluhluwe in the north-east of the province, the businesswoman’s tech company, BSG Technologies, made history by becoming the first in the country to design an educational tutor robot that possesses knowledge of subjects from Grade R to tertiary level, in all 11 official languages of South Africa.

She said her robot will revolutionise the education sector and bridge the digital gap in the country, particularly in the fields of science and technology. The innovative robot will provide personalised learning, interactive lessons, and real-time feedback, empowering students to reach their full potential. 

Gumede also founded a school, BSG Technologies Combined School, where she teaches science and technology, coding, and robotics from Grade R to 12. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and Hydrology.

She has won several awards for her digital innovation skills and has represented the country in several countries, including Dubai and Thailand.

willem.phungula@inl.co.za

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