Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing industries and raising concerns about its impact on employment, especially in creative fields. While South Africa recently saw a 1.4% drop in unemployment, the country still faces significant job creation challenges. At the same time, AI is reshaping how work is done, sparking debate about its benefits, risks, and the ethical considerations it brings.
“AI is transforming how we work and innovate,” says Prof. Amit Kumar Mishra from the University of Cape Town’s Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. “But it also raises ethical and employment questions we must address to harness its full potential responsibly.”
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Balancing AI’s benefits and risks
AI tools are increasingly taking over tasks traditionally performed by humans. This trend has heightened fears of job losses, particularly in sectors where creativity and innovation are essential. However, there’s also a growing need for AI-related skills. Over the last three years, demand for these skills has surged by 94%.
“Future workers will need to embrace AI to stay employable,” explains Prof. Mishra. “But this shift must be accompanied by efforts to mitigate potential harm, such as addressing biases in AI systems and ensuring fair access to opportunities.”
Prof. Mishra suggests that AI should not be seen solely as a replacement for human effort. In creative industries like Design Thinking, AI can act as a partner. “Co-creation between humans and AI produces the best results,” he says. For example, AI-powered tools can assist with brainstorming by offering ideas that humans might overlook.
“AI also speeds up prototyping,” he notes. “It can quickly generate models and simulations, allowing designers to test and refine their ideas more efficiently.”
Ethical questions around AI
While AI holds promise, ethical concerns must be a priority. Prof. Mishra highlights key questions: “Who owns AI-generated art? How do we ensure AI tools don’t perpetuate biases present in the data they are trained on? These are critical issues we must address.”
Establishing ethical frameworks and industry standards is essential for responsible AI use. “Balancing innovation with integrity is non-negotiable,” he adds. By addressing these concerns, industries can ensure that AI enhances creativity without compromising fairness or accountability.
South Africa’s potential to lead
Prof. Mishra believes that Africa, and South Africa in particular, has a unique opportunity to lead in integrating AI into creative industries. “By leveraging AI in Design Thinking, we can solve complex problems while fostering innovation,” he says.
Equipping students, researchers, and professionals with AI skills will be key. “This knowledge will empower future generations to navigate a rapidly evolving world,” says Prof. Mishra. “It also lays the groundwork for tackling unemployment by creating new opportunities for work.”
A partnership for the future
Prof. Mishra envisions a future where humans and AI work together to drive innovation. “AI’s evolution should empower human creativity, not replace it,” he emphasizes. By combining human ingenuity with AI’s capabilities, South Africa can build solutions that address real user needs and solve pressing challenges.
“This partnership holds great promise,” he says. “It’s about developing tools that are not only efficient but also ethical, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future for all.”
