Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, has called on African universities to take the lead in the global artificial intelligence (AI) revolution by becoming creators of technology and innovation, rather than passive consumers.
Speaking at the University of Zululand’s (Unizulu) 4th International Education Week at the KwaDlangezwa Campus, Gina warned that failing to integrate indigenous knowledge into new technologies could lead to the erosion of African culture. The event, hosted by Unizulu’s Internationalisation Office in partnership with the BRICS Student Commission, carried the theme “Building an African University through Collaborations and Partnerships.”
Balancing Global Collaboration With African Identity
Gina stressed that while universities should embrace globalisation and partnerships, these should not come at the expense of African identity. She urged institutions to incorporate indigenous languages and knowledge systems into AI development, stating, “We need robotics that can be fed our content and teach our children in our languages, before someone in India or China does it for us.”
She encouraged Unizulu to lead the way in curating isiZulu data for generative AI and challenged all South African universities to position themselves at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the gig economy.
AI, Innovation, and Africa’s Future
The Deputy Minister’s message aligns with the African Union’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Agenda for 2025, which prioritises strengthening STEM education, improving digital literacy, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, adapting existing technologies for local use, and fostering cross-sector collaboration.
Highlighting her recent participation in an African AI summit in Tanzania, Gina emphasised the importance of data sovereignty in shaping Africa’s innovation future. She urged universities to adapt to industry demands, embrace online learning, forge strong industry partnerships, and contribute to national innovation systems — warning that those that fail to adapt are “digging their own graves.”
Opportunities For African Universities
With South Africa’s current Presidency of the G20 and ongoing BRICS STI collaborations, Gina encouraged higher education institutions to tap into new funding streams and global research networks, especially in strategic technology sectors.
“Relevance is the cornerstone of survival and growth. But as you collaborate, do not lose yourself,” she concluded.
International Education Week at Unizulu brings together local and international scholars, student leaders, and policymakers to explore partnerships that strengthen African universities while keeping them rooted in their cultural heritage.
