Gauteng Premier calls on the government to back the use of Artificial Intelligence in schools

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said that the government needs to make a greater investment in education and technology to ensure that the return is on growing the economy.

He was addressing Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube, saying this includes allowing pupils to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their school work.

He was speaking in Johannesburg on Monday morning at the National Senior Certificate breakfast and award ceremony for the country’s 40 top achievers.

Lesufi took to the podium today to honour and celebrate the province’s top achievers.

He said that these learners have the potential to take the country forward, but to do that, a newfound focus needs to be placed on technology.

He added that pupils should no longer worry about issues like a lack of resources, desks, or electricity in classrooms, but they should focus on what they can innovate through the use of artificial intelligence.

"Some of these children, one day they will develop that fridge that when you are still at work, you just send a text message to your fridge and say Dear fridge, please defrost this meat"

He added that by building skills, learners can, in turn, contribute to the economy.