South Africa Warns Against 'Not Very' A.I. Fearmongering

South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has issued a public warning against what it calls “Not Very” A.I. fearmongering, urging citizens to adopt a more forward-thinking approach to technology. The statement comes amid growing public anxiety over artificial intelligence’s impact on employment, particularly in sectors like manufacturing and services. The ministry’s head, Dr. Zinhle Mkhize, said the government is preparing a national A.I. strategy to ensure the country remains competitive in the digital age.

What Is 'Not Very' A.I. Fearmongering?

The term “Not Very” has emerged as a cultural and linguistic critique in South Africa, often used to describe attitudes that lack ambition or progressiveness. In the context of A.I., it refers to the tendency of some individuals and groups to dismiss the potential of artificial intelligence in favor of outdated notions of human labor. Dr. Mkhize explained that while the government acknowledges the risks, it believes the focus should be on upskilling rather than resisting change.

“We must not let fear dictate our future,” she said. “A.I. is not a threat; it’s an opportunity. We need to be agentic, not reactive.” The phrase “agentic” has been increasingly used in policy discussions to describe proactive, self-directed action, especially in the context of development and innovation.

How A.I. Is Reshaping the Job Market

South Africa’s unemployment rate stands at 32.9%, according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey, making fears about job displacement particularly sensitive. However, the government argues that A.I. can be harnessed to create new roles, especially in data analysis, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. In Johannesburg, the city’s tech hub has already seen a 20% increase in A.I.-related startups over the past year.

“A.I. is not just about replacing workers; it’s about enhancing productivity,” said Sipho Khumalo, a digital transformation consultant based in Durban. “The key is to invest in education and retraining programs that prepare people for the jobs of the future.”

The Role of Education in A.I. Adoption

Education is central to South Africa’s A.I. strategy. The Department of Basic Education has announced plans to introduce A.I. literacy modules in secondary schools, starting in 2025. This initiative aims to equip students with the skills needed to navigate a rapidly changing job market. The University of Cape Town has also launched a new A.I. research center, backed by a R150 million government grant.

“We need to move away from the ‘Not Very’ mindset,” said Professor Noma Mokoena, director of the UCT A.I. Centre. “This is not just about technology; it’s about building a society that can thrive in the 21st century.”

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the optimism, challenges remain. Many rural areas still lack reliable internet access, and there is a shortage of skilled A.I. professionals. The government has acknowledged these gaps and is working with private sector partners to expand digital infrastructure. Meanwhile, organizations like the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers are advocating for more inclusive A.I. policies that prioritize equitable access.

“A.I. should not be a privilege for the few,” said Thandiwe Mabaso, a policy analyst at the African Development Bank. “It must be a tool for inclusive growth across the continent.”

What to Watch Next

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is expected to release its full A.I. strategy by the end of the year, with a public consultation process to follow. In the meantime, the debate over “Not Very” A.I. fearmongering is likely to continue, especially as more South Africans engage with the technology in their daily lives. The coming months will be critical in shaping the country’s approach to artificial intelligence and its role in the broader African development agenda.