There is no doubt that AI technologies are enabling personalised learning experiences, ensuring individuals receive tailored content and support based on their needs.
Richard Shrewry
IN the heart of our country, a quiet revolution is underway. This revolution - marked not by upheaval but by the gentle hum of computers and the boundless curiosity of students and innovators - is reshaping the landscape of opportunity through the power of artificial intelligence (AI).
In South Africa, the narrative around AI often raises concerns about job displacement. However, AI should really be viewed as a supportive tool designed to enhance human capabilities and create new opportunities for upskilling and upliftment. The focus needs to be on finding ways for AI to work alongside people to foster innovation, entrepreneurship and efficiency - ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
There is no doubt that AI technologies are enabling personalised learning experiences; ensuring individuals receive tailored content and support based on their needs. It is vital that we actively address bias in AI systems, especially when implementing them in early education.
Job creation
AI tools are paving the way for a new wave of entrepreneurs and innovators in South Africa. By providing access to powerful technologies, individuals are able to create unique businesses and offerings. Whether it’s developing new AI-driven products or using AI to improve existing processes, the opportunities are vast:
• Enhanced roles in business - AI is not about replacing jobs but enhancing them. For instance, in marketing, AI aids in analysing customer behaviour and optimising strategies, allowing marketers to focus on creativity and strategic thinking.
• Improving efficiency in accounting - AI applications in financial analysis and automated systems make accounting processes more efficient, enabling accountants to focus on advisory roles and complex decision-making.
• Optimising supply chains - AI in logistics and inventory management helps businesses run more smoothly, creating demand for professionals who can manage and interpret AI-driven insights.
• Agricultural advancements - In a country where agriculture plays a significant role, AI can help in precision farming, crop monitoring and yield prediction, thus improving productivity and creating jobs in tech-enabled farming.
• Healthcare improvements - AI-powered diagnostic tools and predictive analytics can enhance healthcare services, leading to better patient outcomes and creating jobs in health informatics and telemedicine.
• Educational support - AI-driven platforms can support teachers by automating administrative tasks and providing personalised learning experiences for students, allowing educators to focus on mentoring and student engagement.
• Urban planning - AI can assist in the development of smart cities, improving infrastructure and services through efficient traffic management, energy distribution and public safety, thereby creating jobs in urban planning and data analysis.
• Environmental monitoring - AI can be used to monitor environmental changes and manage natural resources more effectively, leading to jobs in environmental science and sustainable development.
Empowering tools
In innovative spaces, people engage with cutting-edge technologies that include AI, machine learning, robotics and the internet of things (IoT). These tools are not just for large corporations, but are accessible to anyone with the drive to learn and innovate.
A number of open-source and proprietary tools are available.
• Language models: Using tools like LM Studio and Ollama, individuals learn to fine-tune language models for specific tasks - enhancing their research and analytical skills.
• Advanced AI platforms: GROK, Meta AI, OpenAI - ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude provide hands-on experience in applying AI to real-world scenarios.
• Creative AI applications: Tools like Stable Diffusion for image generation and 11 Labs for voiceovers and narration encourage people to explore new forms of expression and communication.
• Presentations: SlidesAI.io, integrated with Google Sheets, helps individuals quickly create professional presentations - improving their presentation and communication skills.
Bigger picture
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is not just a concept; it’s a seismic shift that is reshaping industries and societies. In South Africa, and indeed across developing markets, the impact of 4IR technologies like AI is profound. These technologies promise to drive economic growth, transform education and revolutionise healthcare. Yet, they also bring challenges: an urgent need for upskilling, investment in digital infrastructure and ethical considerations.
By addressing these challenges through comprehensive programmes and initiatives, we can equip individuals with the skills of the future - preparing them to be leaders in this new era.
* Shrewry is Regent Business School’s iLeadLAB manager