AI malfunction exposes concerted misinformation about SA
Sandile Mdadane is the Editor of the Sunday Tribune
Image: File
IN a notable calamity for the technology magnate Elon Musk, the South African-born billionaire's artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, Grok, caused a stir by incorrectly responding to unrelated queries with alarming references to a supposed 'white genocide' in South Africa.
This incident not only highlights issues surrounding the accuracy and biases inherent in AI systems but also raises questions about Musk's preoccupation with his home country.
The chatbot's malfunction has become a flashpoint for fierce debate, with some critics asserting that this could be a deliberate weaponisation of Musk's platform, particularly in light of his bullish aspirations to launch Starlink in South Africa.
[WATCH] Billionaire Elon Musk's Artificial Intelligence chatbot Grok has found itself in the middle of a misinformation storm related to false claims of a white genocide in South Africa. Social media users flagged Grok's repeated mention of the term, including under posts that… pic.twitter.com/UraWvje3ym — SABC News (@SABCNews) May 20, 2025
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Such aspirations take on a more sinister tone in the wake of Grok's erratic behaviour, as it presents a troubling glimpse into the attitudes and narratives shaping Musk's AI ventures.
It's an ironic coincidence that Grok's errors happened during the recent arrival of 49 Afrikaners who were granted refugee status by the US after falsely claiming to flee from the government's persecutions against whites.
It's the same lies that were repeated by US President Donald Trump, for his own ulterior motives.
The genesis of such misleading rhetoric can be traced back to South Africa's case in the International Court of Justice against Israel's actions in Gaza.
The malfunctioning of Grok serves as a potent reminder of the limitations of AI, which can often produce misleading results or 'hallucinate' and spew out unrelated answers.
Widespread misinformation propagated by platforms like Musk's Grok could exacerbate racial divides and push society toward civil unrest. South Africa needs to stand firm against the manipulation and misinterpretation of its redress policies and ensure that the truth is not compromised for sensationalism.
As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to meet Trump, South Africa shouldn't waver and kowtow to Trump's antics. What happened with Grok underscores the need for the regulation of AI and its potential in waging future civil wars and polarising societies.
Perhaps the exposure of Grok's misinformation is a blessing for those who seek the truth.
Sandile Mdadane is the Editor of the Sunday Tribune. The views expressed are his own.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE
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