Author: Charles Cheng
South Africa’s G20 Presidency arrives as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes the organising principle of global competitiveness. Across markets, AI is no longer a pilot or a promise; it is moving into core operations and national strategies. The question for South Africa is how we shape this shift to advance the country’s priorities, of growth, jobs, exports and inclusion. Our starting point is strength. AI is already unlocking clear value in the engines of South Africa’s economy. In mining, AI-driven predictive maintenance and safety analytics reduce downtime and improve performance. In manufacturing, machine learning optimises production lines, quality control and energy…
South Africa’s Youth Day is a powerful reminder that progress doesn’t rely on memory alone, it depends on how we equip the next generation to shape what comes next. While the past was defined by the fight for equal education, today’s challenges centre on access, opportunity, and agency in a world increasingly shaped by technology. Young South Africans are brimming with potential, yet too many still face systemic barriers to participation. With youth unemployment among the highest in the world, the idea of freedom has an opportunity to evolve to include the ability to create, solve problems, and build industries…