Stories from South Africa

South Africa's Minister for Communications and Digital Technologies has withdrawn a draft set of AI ethics guidelines after discovering they contained fabricated citations. Experts identified the non-existent references as digital hallucinations that appeared plausible and authentic. The responsible ministry is now revising the draft from the ground up. The minister stated, 'As government, we have to take responsibility.' A machine learning and artificial intelligence expert stated that the errors in the draft guidelines can likely be corrected quickly. The expert told news channel ENCA that the situation should be viewed as a learning opportunity rather than a reason to discard the entire initiative. The expert suggested the government should receive some recognition for the attempt. The ministry acknowledged a lack of robust oversight regarding the document.

The University of Cape Town is marking five years since a fire destroyed parts of the Jagger libraries and several other campus buildings.

The newly revamped Boutelezzi Mall is scheduled to officially open its doors tomorrow in the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast region. Minister Valen Kossina-Klubbys stated the mall was renamed in honor of the late IFP founder, Prince Mangatu Dubutelesi.

Public opinion in South Africa is divided regarding the primary drivers of social tension. Some citizens argue that the country's main issues are unemployment, inequality, and crime rather than xenophobia.

An estimated four to five million undocumented African migrants are currently in South Africa, according to a report discussed on BBC WS backup. The lack of transparency is causing frustration among South Africans facing high unemployment, inequality, and crime.

A government-related artificial intelligence guideline in South Africa was found to contain fabricated sources and numerous errors. The document was reportedly created using AI but included invented citations. Correspondent Stefan Überbach reported that the case may have implications beyond South Africa. The incident is currently being viewed as a matter with potential consequences for the government. Minister Solly Malatzi has withdrawn the draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy. Kusele Diku, chairperson of Parliament's Communications and Digital Technologies Committee, stated that Malatzi will soon be summoned to Parliament to account for the withdrawal. Kusatu indicated they will continue to engage the government regarding the policy's future.

The Northern Cape High Court granted the Hawks Asset Forfeiture Unit a forfeiture order exceeding R100,000. The order targets two Zimbabwean nationals, Takundumakuduro and Lydia Pabepeda, who were arrested in Kimberley.

A South African court fined Bellamine Mugabe, the youngest son of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, $36,000. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed the successful prosecution of Bellamane Maccabi and Tobias Maldonado. The sentencing includes a total of three years of jail time for three additional charges. A co-accused individual received a three-year prison sentence for the attempted murder of an employee at Robert Mugabe's Johannesburg home. A social media post, reportedly from the son of Bellamine Mugabe, claims Bellamine Mugabe was fined 600,000 Zimbabwean dollars. The post states that President E.D. Mnangagwa has already paid the fine on Mugabe's behalf. Bellamine Mugabe paid a fine to avoid custody and is currently being deported from Sardinia, according to Professor Dirk Kossiw. The individual was given the option to either pay the fine or face custody.

A South African court fined Bellamine Mugabe, the youngest son of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. Mugabe pleaded guilty to pointing a firearm. The court also ordered his deportation from South Africa.

A South African court has fined the youngest son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe. The court also ordered his deportation. The specific amount of the fine was not disclosed.