The majority of South Africans do not feel it’s imperative to appoint a minister dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI).

This emerged from a survey ITWeb conducted on social media platform LinkedIn on 6 May. The LinkedIn poll asked the respondents: “Does South Africa need a Minister of AI?” Over three days, 388 people participated, with 32% supporting the idea and 68% opposing it.

The poll followed comments by businessman Andile Ngcaba, who called on government to appoint a minster of AI in the next administration.

Ngcaba made these comments at the 30 years of ICT in a democratic South Africa celebration hosted by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies recently.

For the poll, the respondents voiced diverse opinions, with one suggesting “Focus on the basics first. I would be behind a minister of data as this would allow us to focus on how we manage data in this country. Get the data right and AI will follow.”

“As long as it won’t be a political appointment…I certainly think a ministry of technology is certainly required someone with a proven background and a pioneer in bringing smart solutions in the corporate space and they must also be able to implement digital solutions across all government departments,” said another respondent.

As AI continues to grow in importance, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the first country to appoint an AI minister in 2017.

Last year, in Romania, the country’s prime minister reportedly unveiled an honorary government adviser joining his team – run entirely on AI.

Only if they know A.I is the new generation of technology that is going to take the world to the next level of amazing things

How is AI their priority in South Africa?..

Now I see why Nigerians are considered the smartest in Africa.. If not for White presence in SA, the country would have been like any other developing nation in Africa.

flokii:
How is AI their priority in South Africa?..

Now I see why Nigerians are considered the smartest in Africa.. If not for White presence in SA, the country would have been like any other developing nation in Africa.

How is preparing for the future a dumb thing to do? No wonder Japageria is stuck in the 70s and your ultimate dream is to japa. Whoever told you you're the smartest clearly passed out his brain while gutter pooping 🇳🇬👎🏾

flokii:
How is AI their priority in South Africa?..

Now I see why Nigerians are considered the smartest in Africa.. If not for White presence in SA, the country would have been like any other developing nation in Africa.

I think you need to replace "smartest" to "delusional". God Jesus I've never encountered a more delusional nationality

IronGalaxy:
I think you need to replace "smartest" to "delusional". God Jesus I've never encountered a more delusional nationality

😂😂😂

I would like to know how many countries havw minister of AI before I jusge

Don't they have a minister for science and tech...or ICT?

There should be an umbrella ministry.
You can't turn every subject into a whole department