Navigating the impacts of generative AI in South Africa: challenges, opportunities and ethics

Abstract

In April, the HSRC hosted a webinar to discuss the impact of generative artificial intelligence tools in South Africa, with a focus on employment, equality, and ethical considerations. This article, produced with the assistance of ChatGPT (which summarised the recorded webinar transcript), presents a comprehensive analysis of the webinar's key points and insights. Like many other countries, South Africa is grappling with the digital divide, which has created inequalities in access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has the potential to either bridge or exacerbate these inequalities. In a society marked by stark resource disparities, the use of AI technologies could further widen the gap between the haves and the have-nots, particularly in respect of employment and access to essential services. On 12 April 2023, the HSRC hosted a webinar that explored the potential impact of generative AI on South Africa, with a focus on the opportunities and challenges it presents and the ethical considerations that must be addressed.