Latest news with #RONAI
IOL News
06-06-2025
- Science
- IOL News
Top scientist wants to prevent AI from going rogue
The winner of the Turing Award, also known as the Nobel Prize for computer science, has been warning for several years of the risks of AI, whether through its malicious use or the software itself going awry. Image: RON AI Concerned about the rapid spread of generative AI, a pioneer researcher is developing software to keep tabs on a technology that is increasingly taking over human tasks. Canadian computer science professor Yoshua Bengio is considered one of the godfathers of the artificial intelligence revolution and on Tuesday announced the launch of LawZero, a non-profit organization intended to mitigate the technology's inherent risks. The winner of the Turing Award, also known as the Nobel Prize for computer science, has been warning for several years of the risks of AI, whether through its malicious use or the software itself going awry. Those risks are increasing with the development of so-called AI agents, a use of the technology that tasks computers with making decisions that were once made by human workers. The goal of these agents is to build virtual employees that can do practically any job a human can, at a fraction of the cost. "Currently, AI is developed to maximize profit," Bengio said, adding it was being deployed even as it persists to show flaws. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Moreover, for Bengio, giving AI human-like agency will easily be used for malicious purposes such as disinformation, bioweapons, and cyberattacks. "If we lose control of rogue super-intelligent AIs, they could greatly harm humanity," he said. One of the first objectives at LawZero will be to develop Scientist AI, a form of specially trained AI that can be used as a guardrail to ensure other AIs are behaving properly, the company said. The organization already has over 15 researchers and has received funding from Schmidt Sciences, a charity set up by former Google boss Eric Schmidt and his wife Wendy. The project comes as powerful large language models (or LLMs) from OpenAI, Google and Anthropic are deployed across all sectors of the digital economy, while still showing significant problems. These include AI models that show a capability to deceive and fabricate false information even as they increase productivity.
IOL News
30-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Incorporating AI into workforce planning: optimising skills for the SA workforce of the future
By leveraging AI for talent acquisition, process optimisation, upskilling, and structural alignment, South African organisations can address unemployment, inequality, and inefficiencies across the value chain. Image: RON AI The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into workforce planning is revolutionising how organisations prepare for the demands of the future. In South Africa, where unemployment stands at 33% (Stats SA, 2024) and skills mismatches persist, AI presents a transformative opportunity to align workforce capabilities with economic needs. By leveraging AI for talent acquisition, process optimisation, upskilling, and structural alignment, South African organisations can address unemployment, inequality, and inefficiencies across the value chain. This article, grounded in peer-reviewed academic studies, explores how AI can be embedded into workforce planning, with practical examples tailored to the South African context. Part 1 focuses on talent acquisition and process optimisation, while Part 2, to be published next week, will explore upskilling, workforce structures, and human resource challenges. The South African Workforce Context Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ South Africa's workforce faces significant challenges, including high unemployment, a youth unemployment rate exceeding 60%, and persistent skills shortages (Stats SA, 2024; Bhorat et al., 2020). The global economy is shifting towards digitalisation, with industries such as mining, retail, and financial services increasingly adopting AI-driven technologies (Schwab, 2019). Yet, only 22% of workers possess intermediate or advanced digital skills, exacerbating the skills gap (OECD, 2020). Historical inequalities further complicate workforce planning, with Black women facing unemployment rates of 40% (Stats SA, 2024). AI can bridge these gaps by enabling data-driven strategies to identify, develop, and deploy skills, fostering inclusive growth. AI in Workforce Planning: Key Applications Talent Acquisition and Skills Matching AI-powered recruitment platforms streamline talent acquisition by matching candidates' skills to job requirements with high accuracy. Research indicates that AI can reduce hiring biases by up to 30% when algorithms are designed to prioritise skills over demographic factors (Dastin, 2018). In South Africa, where affirmative action and employment equity are critical, AI can ensure fairer hiring by anonymising candidate data and focusing on competencies. Standard Bank, one of South Africa's largest financial institutions, implemented an AI-driven recruitment platform in 2022 to address skills shortages in data analytics and cybersecurity. Using a tool similar to IBM Watson Recruitment, the bank analysed candidates' qualifications, certifications, and informal skills gained through online courses or freelance work. This approach enabled Standard Bank to identify talent from underrepresented groups, such as Black graduates from rural universities, reducing hiring time by 25% and improving diversity metrics (Standard Bank, 2023). The platform also integrated with South Africa's Employment Equity Act requirements, ensuring compliance with affirmative action goals. South African organisations should adopt AI-driven recruitment platforms tailored to local contexts. These platforms must be trained on diverse datasets, including informal qualifications and non-traditional career paths, to tap into underrepresented talent pools like rural youth or informal sector workers. Partnerships with platforms like Pnet or Career Junction can enhance local relevance. Process Optimisation Across the Value Chain AI enhances efficiency across the organisational value chain by automating repetitive tasks, improving decision-making, and reducing costs. In South Africa's mining sector, AI-driven predictive maintenance reduces equipment downtime by 15–20% (McKinsey, 2021). In retail, AI optimises supply chain management by forecasting demand and minimising waste (Chui et al., 2018). Anglo American, a leading South African mining company, deployed AI-powered predictive maintenance systems at its Kumba Iron Ore operations. By analysing sensor data from mining equipment, the AI system predicted maintenance needs, reducing unplanned downtime by 18% and saving millions in operational costs (Anglo American, 2022). At the macro level, this aligned with South Africa's National Development Plan 2030 by enhancing productivity in a key economic sector. At the micro level, the system optimised workforce allocation, allowing technicians to focus on high-value tasks rather than routine checks. In the retail sector, Shoprite, South Africa's largest supermarket chain, implemented an AI-driven supply chain management system in 2023. Using a platform similar to SAP Integrated Business Planning, Shoprite forecasted demand for perishable goods across its 2,900 stores, reducing food waste by 12% and improving stock availability (Shoprite Holdings, 2023). This optimisation required upskilling employees to interpret AI-generated insights, highlighting the need for integrated workforce training. South African organisations should deploy sector-specific AI tools for process optimisation, such as predictive maintenance in mining or demand forecasting in retail. Collaboration with government and SETAs can align these tools with national skills development initiatives, ensuring macro-level coherence. Training programmes should accompany AI adoption to equip workers with data interpretation skills. Looking Ahead Part 1 has outlined how AI can revolutionise talent acquisition and process optimisation in South Africa's workforce planning. Next week, Part 2 will explore how AI supports upskilling, optimises workforce structures, and addresses human resource challenges such as inequality, workforce anxiety, and data privacy. By integrating these strategies, South Africa can build a workforce ready for the future. Dr Chris Blair, Group Director at 21st Century. Dr Chris Blair, Group Director at 21st Century. Image: Supplied.
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
AI gave us tools, now it's time to build the right thing
Researchers explore the role of AI in transforming mental health care. Image: RON AI The 29th of May will see Cape Town host Specno's annual Innovators Den forum, offering a space and opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators operating in the tech industry to interact and learn from one another. The theme of this year's event is 'Is South Africa ready for Ai?,' a topic with great relevance and importance for businesses, corporates and anyone operating in the tech industry today. The wider and growing trend of business and public use of artificial intelligence presents a pertinent moment for the tech industry in our country. If we all have access to AI, then we should be asking questions around uptake: what separates the fleeting from the transformative? What makes a digital product not just functional, but valuable, adopted, and revenue-generating? New tech, like new tools, is only useful when used by a skilled and purposeful wielder. With the rise of AI — via platforms such as ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Copilot — people have not been given access to a single tool, but a sandbox of possibilities from which to build and create. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ For many, AI remains a means of distraction or as entertainment — but in the right hands, it offers the means to prototype, iterate, and launch digital products and services. Building something new is now easier than ever — placing ever-more emphasis on true innovation. With this democratisation in the ability to build, the tech landscape is growing to favour true value, regardless of origin. The challenge now is not to build something, but to build the right thing. For SMEs, building products with the help of AI tools requires more than technical know-how: it requires insight, strategic guidance, and relentless user-focus. The market place is easily inundated with products and services vying for the loyalty and uptake from potential customers. But quantity does not equal quality, as many of the services, tools, and products lack usability, scalability, or value. SMEs need to acknowledge the fact that as product development and rollout becomes synonymous with speed, strategic and purposeful thought and design becomes a competitive edge. Marketing, modern presentation, and the sleek designs produced by AI-aided processes are nice, but they do not ensure that great tech lives up to the moniker. Instead, great tech is born out of the ability to understand not just what users say they need, but what they actually need — often discovered only through iterative testing and the guidance of experienced product teams. After all, even the most impressive of AIs need to be led in the right direction by those in the know. And the most important direction is one which leads to users. The best tech solutions are exactly that: solutions. They are envisioned and designed around the need to address a real, well-defined problem that affects a clearly defined group of people. Africa is often lauded for its uptake in online banking, mobile money apps, and tech-enabled micro finance — all of which work in the context of an underserved market facing problems in transacting. No AI can tweak for contexts the way an expert can, allowing for SMEs to take operational constraints, cultural nuances, and regulatory environments into account when building and refining. Specno, by leading the Innovators Den, has made this approach a foundational aspect of its processes. The work done between Specno and companies like Wardworx, in collaboration with Dr. Peta-Anne Browne, offers a great case study. Wardworx was built as a South African medical app designed by doctors for doctors to streamline patient task management in hospital settings. It enables healthcare professionals to create and manage patient lists, track patient locations and information, and assign, prioritise, and complete tasks efficiently. The app fosters secure team collaboration, ensuring all members are updated on patient care activities. With its user-friendly interface, Wardworx aims to enhance efficiency and organisation in medical wards, while reducing reliance on traditional paper-based methods. This is where the value of digital innovation agencies and seasoned venture builders becomes critical. Agencies like Specno don't just build — they validate, guide, and de-risk projects alongside those who want to build solutions that will change lives and ways of working. These are consultants that offer expertise in user experience design, technical feasibility, market positioning, and growth strategy, by asking the hard questions and challenging assumptions. This process ensures that whatever gets built is something people actually want — and are willing to pay for. For SMEs and entrepreneurs operating in the tech space, Specno's Innovators Den is more than just a showcase — it's a collaborative ecosystem. It's a place where ideas are challenged, innovations are born, and partnerships are formed. It offers a platform through which industry stakeholders and leaders can actively create the infrastructure required for sustainable innovation. The Innovators Den is one of the many foundational layers contributing to greater tech success across the country. At previous events, companies like JOBJACK, OfferZen, and Naked Insurance have shared how strategic guidance, iterative development, and a focus on impact helped them go from concept to market. Ultimately, with the change and adoption of new tech, those who are informed and committed to clever adoption are the ones who lead the way. While every industry is clamouring for greater AI integration, tech companies are in a place of privilege, nestled at the heart of the debate. In recognition, this year's Innovators Den promises even deeper discussions around the opportunities and risks that come with AI-fuelled development. Ultimately, it is not tools and materials that build skyscrapers, but professions and communities of like-minded people. Daniel Novitzkas, Chairman of Specno. Image: Supplied.
IOL News
21-05-2025
- IOL News
Surge in burglaries threatens ICT infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal schools
Schools in KwaZulu-Natal are facing a surge in burglaries targeting their information and communication technology infrastructure. Image: IOL / RON AI KwaZulu-Natal schools are under siege from criminals targeting their information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure. A string of schools has been robbed and their ICT infrastructure has been taken. KZN Education Department spokesperson Mlu Mtshali said the department is aware of these incidents. He stated that although schools have security measures in place, they are insufficient, as criminals manage to break in and overpower the guards. 'We need to do more to protect schools,' Mtshali said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ He said criminals were targeting schools with ICT infrastructure, which was concerning for the Department of Education. 'We're engaging with our stakeholders, police, CPFs, traditional leaders, and communities, about how we can better improve school safety,' Mtshali said. The Public Servants Association (PSA) expressed concern over the recent spate of burglaries at Pietermaritzburg schools. Mentioning a few incidents, the PSA's Charles Ngubane said that at Inzuzwenhle Full Service School, thieves stole eight laptops kept in a safe, 11 computer towers, a Wi-Fi sim card, and an extension cord. At Sibongumbomvu Combined School, thieves stole 22 laptops, a television set, Wi-Fi routers, and other products after a high-tech application was launched. 'These burglaries are another blow to digital education efforts in KwaZulu-Natal, as the equipment was meant to bridge the gap in accessibility to technology, especially in previously disadvantaged rural schools,' Ngubane said. He said the PSA is concerned about school thefts, as it is a serious matter requiring the department's attention and intervention. 'The PSA urges the department to implement stringent security measures, using tracking software so that even if resources are stolen, these can be traced, and educating learners, staff, and communities to report crime as it disrupts education,' Ngubane said. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, five computers, five laptops, and several confiscated cellphones were stolen from Zamazulu Secondary School in Pietermaritzburg. School governing body (SGB) chairperson Nonhlanhla Mabaso said that when the incident occurred, one security guard was patrolling while another was in the guard room. Both guards were robbed of their cellphones, panic button, and tied up before being taken with the robbers through the school. She said they were asked for staff room keys, but the guards said they did not have them. They then broke the locks and took the guards. They entered the principal's and deputy principal's offices and broke locks and stole what they wanted. They then asked the guards for keys to the computer lab. Again, they did not have them. 'When they broke into the lab, the alarm sounded, disturbing them. Then they heard a vehicle at the gate and ran away,' Mabaso said. She said the vehicle was from a security company that tried to pursue the suspects but could not find them. Mabaso said this crime will affect pupils using computers. On the teaching side, she said all the school's information was on the laptop and computer in one of the offices. 'It's an ongoing operation to break into schools and take computers. In other schools, they took tablets, so it's an ongoing criminal operation,' Mabaso said after hearing about other school robberies. She said she hopes the criminals are apprehended and that police increase visibility to deter criminals. Police have been approached for comment.
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Addressing SA's foot-and-mouth disease: The need for strategic vaccination and traceability
Meat and dairy farmers have been suffering economic setbacks for months due to the restrictions on the movement of livestock. Image: IOL/ RON AI The solution to ridding South Africa of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) lies in traceability, strategic vaccination, domestic production and accurate scientific information. The Department of Agriculture said there were FMD outbreaks in KwaZulu-Natal, which have spread to Mpumalanga and Gauteng. One farm in Mpumalanga was identified as part of trace-forward exercises from a positive auction in Utrecht, KZN, while another farm was reported in Gauteng. That was according to the Freedom Front Plus MP and chief spokesperson on agriculture, Dr Wynand Boshoff, who said meat and dairy farmers have been suffering economic setbacks for months due to the restrictions on the movement of livestock in parts of northern KZN and the Eastern Cape. 'The problem is the requirement that milk from animals in affected areas must be double-pasteurised. Cattle in the affected areas may also not be sold at all,' Boshoff said. 'Commercial and subsistence farmers in the affected parts of KwaZulu-Natal have been unable to sell any livestock since February this year. This has led to the illegal transport of animals and subsequent contamination in other provinces.' Boshoff said South Africa was once FMD-free due to careful, nationwide vaccinations. However, over the past decades, state veterinary services and Onderstepoort Biological Products, which manufactured the vaccine, declined significantly. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'The most pressing issue is that the strict measures imposed by the Department of Agriculture are not based on science. While foot-and-mouth disease is deadly and catastrophic for the entire agricultural ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere, this is not the case in South Africa,' Boshoff said. He said that in a written response in Parliament, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen confirmed that no cattle died in the latest outbreak and that the disease has not been detected in sheep or goats. Yet the imposed restrictions apply to all cloven-hoofed animals. 'The problem is exacerbated by the high cost of vaccines that are being imported from Botswana, even though South African facilities can produce them at much lower costs. Accreditation remains the major hurdle for these laboratories,' Boshoff said. He said that at current prices, it would cost approximately R5.4 billion over three years to eliminate the disease from the country. 'The solution would only be temporary, though, as buffaloes also carry the disease, and cattle move freely between South Africa and neighbouring countries,' Boshoff said. 'The solution lies in traceability, strategic vaccination, domestic production and accurate scientific information. 'Targeted traceability would ensure that restrictions are only imposed on affected farms.' Meanwhile, during a portfolio committee meeting last week, Department of Agriculture Deputy Director-General Dipepeneneneng Serage said they were going to have to prioritise funding, which they do not have enough of, to procure vaccines and have them shipped into the country. 'Our Agricultural Research Council is able to produce some vaccines but albeit not on a large scale. We've started a process of ensuring that we double the capacity at the Agricultural Research Council to produce additional vaccines so that we rely on our own South African-produced vaccine and no longer rely on vaccines from Botswana,' Serage said. He said some farmer organisations and farmers approached the department and asked it to allow them to purchase vaccines themselves. 'We are going to allow one farm, farmer or farming business this next week or so for them to purchase vaccines directly, but under the supervision of our veterinary services to ensure that they don't wait on state resources, which are dwindling,' Serage said.
