Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Blade Nzimande has stressed the importance of South Africa embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) to remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.
Speaking at the National System of Innovation Transformation Summit in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, last week, Nzimande highlighted both the opportunities and risks posed by AI, particularly in a country grappling with high unemployment.
The latest Statistics SA data shows South Africa’s unemployment rate stood at 31.9% in the last quarter of 2024, one of the highest in the world.
While AI continues to transform industries, concerns persist that these advancements could lead to widespread job losses, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable.
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"Major advances in science and technology have been transforming many aspects of the global economy and bringing with it huge disruptions in labour markets," Nzimande said.
He added that the Fourth Industrial Revolution as a key example, noting how it is blurring the boundaries between physical, biological, and digital systems.
"The disruptive changes brought by these advancements are being felt most acutely by the poor and working-class," he warned.
Nzimande also emphasised that emerging technologies, such as AI, robotics, blockchain, and machine learning are reshaping capital accumulation and economic structures.
"Whilst no section of society will be left unscathed, the worst effect of these disruptive changes are being felt by the most marginalised section of society, particularly the poor and the working class"
The minister called for deliberate policy interventions to ensure technology serves social justice, inclusivity, and equality.
"There is nothing inherently democratic or equalising about technology. To achieve those ends, we must consciously and deliberately direct these tools to create inclusive and equitable outcomes," he concluded.