By Johannah Malogadihlare
When utilising artificial intelligence technologies, new developments have to align with human values and social good, according to Sol Plaatje University Vice-Chancellor Andrew Crouch.
“We are so consumed with the advantages to be extracted, but should tread with caution, reflect and ensure that as human beings, we act in a humane way,” he said at the recent 2025 Datacentrix’s Education Indaba in Limpopo.
“This means making choices that support humanity, ensuring that the right steps are in place in terms of training and connectivity, thereby enabling South Africa to take quantum leaps through broader access to technology. Then, the sky will truly be the limit,” said Crouch.
The positive role played by AI on the automation of administrative tasks, adaptive learning through intelligent tutoring systems and AI-driven career services at institutions of higher learning were also discussed.
Econometrix director Azar Jammine, who also attended the indaba, said AI-powered student counselling and data-driven decision making would improve student success rates.
He noted that South Africa has a skills mismatch with unemployment rates remaining high and many graduates struggling to find jobs due to a lack of STEM-related qualifications.
And, AI was expected to displace 92 million jobs globally by 2030 and create 170 million new positions provided education systems were aligned with future job demands.
Jammine said AI literacy and digital adaptation were critical for future graduates and the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs survey for 2024 pointed out that the demand for abilities like analytical thinking, resilience and adaptability would outweigh technical skills alone.
He told delegates that there were concerns over issues such as job displacement, data privacy, technology dependence and the depersonalisation of education that needed to be addressed.
Crouch reminded delegates that the Covid-19 pandemic has forced institutions to fast-track digital strategies, which came at a cost, and enhance advancements in remote learning and digital readiness.
To this end, the university would equip 7000 students with notebooks.
INSIDE EDUCATION
