Paul Mashatile, Deputy President of South Africa, has cautioned that the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence could deepen existing socio-economic inequalities if not managed through inclusive and people-centred policies.
Speaking on, Tuesday, April 14, at the launch of a digital innovation lab at Gert Sibande TVET College in Mpumalanga, Mashatile highlighted structural challenges such as the digital divide, limited access to education, and high unemployment, warning that these could leave many citizens behind in the evolving digital economy.
He urged stakeholders to avoid replicating the inequities of past industrial revolutions, advocating instead for systems that ensure technology drives opportunity, social cohesion, and shared prosperity. The new innovation lab, he noted, represents a strategic alignment between education and industry demands.
Mashatile emphasized that the transformative potential of AI must be harnessed through investments in data literacy, cloud computing, and the integration of digital skills into artisan training. While acknowledging that AI may displace millions of jobs, he underscored its capacity to generate new opportunities, enhance productivity, and stimulate innovation if effectively leveraged.