South Africa is poised to raise widespread computational fluency
The government introduces artificial intelligence and programming in public schools
The South African government has recently announced its latest initiative – the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute. The purpose of the new institution is to enhance the teaching of robotics and coding in public schools.
It is a joint initiative created in close collaboration between the industry, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies, as well as institutions of higher learning, in particular the Johannesburg Business School of the University of Johannesburg and the Tshwane University of Technology.
Curiously, the Ministry views it as the responsibility of the government to serve as a catalyst for change and advance accessible public services, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, noted that the project is highly important in Africa where the less fortunate remained unconnected and excluded from basic services, such as education, healthcare and ability to work.
