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IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
The State's commitment to BEE is in doubt
Sandile Mdadane is the Editor of the Sunday Tribune Image: File The proposed policy direction by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technology to relax the broad-based black economic empowerment (BBEE) terms to enable billionaire Elon Musk's Starlink to enter the South African market without fully complying with the law is not only a travesty of justice but also sets a bad precedent. The move undermines the transformation agenda of BBBEE, which aims to address the historical inequities. The government gazette proposal follows hot on the heels of an Oval Office meeting between US President Donald Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa, where the latter continued to push his baseless white genocide claim. Musk, who was born in South Africa, has repeated the false claim that his Starlink has been blocked from operating locally because he is white, omitting the fact that it has to be BEE compliant. It is particularly sad that on Africa Day, celebrated on May 25, the South African government's commitment to redress policies is in doubt as it bends over backwards to feed the impulses of the richest man in the world. A businessman who's made it his mission to spread lies about a country of his birth. Despite all the evidence that has been presented, Musk has continued with the lie that white South Africans are being targeted for mass murder and their land and property are being taken away from them. Yet the South African government has chosen to bend the rules for Starlink. In the Oval Office meeting, the richest man in South Africa, Johann Rupert, who was part of Ramaphosa's delegation, openly bid for Starlink. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Recently, Musk's chatbot Grok malfunctioned and exposed how it's being manipulated to spread false narratives. This shows how dangerous Musk is to South Africa's national security and social cohesion if his Starlink is allowed to operate locally without any scrutiny and full compliance. The speed with which the government showed in wanting to relax the rules for Starlink is at sharp odds with how it treats many small black businesses, some who've gone belly up because their invoices remain unpaid. Sandile Mdadane is the Editor of the Sunday Tribune. The views expressed are his own. SUNDAY TRIBUNE
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
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… — SABC News (@SABCNews) May 20, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 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
IOL News
10-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Redress policies aren't reverse discrimination
Sandile Mdadane is the Editor of the Sunday Tribune Image: File THE Democratic Alliance opposing the Employment Equity Act to a point of wanting it scrapped by the courts is a clear sign of who it truly represents despite identifying itself as a non-racial party. This is part of the necessary legislation that is aimed at addressing the historical and systemic inequalities faced by certain groups in the workplace. Without employment equity, fair representation on of under-represented groups such as black people, women, and people living with disabilities wouldn't be guaranteed. Looking at the racial makeup of people in management in most companies and businesses in the private sector, you would swear that white males are the majority in this country. Employment Equity isn't discrimination against a specific race, but given South Africa's history, it's meant to promote diversity and to break down barriers and eliminate obstacles that hinder certain groups from succeeding. It's quite strange that anyone can oppose diversity because in the workplace it offers different perspectives, ideas and experiences. While the issue of opposing incompetence is valid, not all employment equity beneficiaries are the same. We can't view redress policies as reverse discrimination, but quota targeting carries the risk of hiring less qualified individuals and promoting people who don't have enough leadership or management skills. The DA and all those who support its court application need to ask themselves why they are against transformation policies. It is disappointing and a regression to see the DA so emboldened in its fight against race-based policies. The population breakdown is 80% black, 9% coloured, 8% white and 2.5% Indian. Per Employment Equity Report 2023/24 the top management breakdown is: 68% white, 16% black, 10% coloured and 4% Indian. Senior management positions: white (55%), black (23%), coloured (13%) and Indian (7%).
IOL News
01-05-2025
- IOL News
Inquest into Albert Luthuli's death: A witness recounts the final moments at Stanger Hospital
The inquest into the death of Chief Albert Luthuli is continuing at the Pietermaritzburg High Court. Image: Stock images A former hospital clerk who saw Inkosi Albert Luthuli being brought into Stanger Hospital shortly before he succumbed to his injuries, recalled this week how he recognised the face of the Struggle hero. Mohamed Manjoo said that on realising that it was Luthuli who had just been brought in by an ambulance, he immediately alerted the hospital staff, who jumped into action. He said that soon after the news of the historical death, he called an editor of the Sunday Tribune and ANC officials. Manjoo, 81, grew up in Stanger before relocating to Johannesburg, where he is currently living. At the time of Luthuli's death, he worked as the hospital outpatient clerk. Manjoo became emotional and cried, leading to the adjournment of the proceeding on Tuesday. He was the third witness to testify at the Pietermaritzburg High Court, where the inquest into Luthuli's death is being held, to speak about a personal encounter and direct communication with the Nobel Peace Prize winner, who died on July 21, 1967. Others were Nozizwe Mabaso-Mhlongo, 67, who as a child lived with her parents at a shack near Luthuli's Nonhlevu general dealers, and Luthuli's daughter-in-law, Wilhelmina May Luthuli, 77. An initial inquiry, which was presided over by Magistrate CI Boswell of the Stanger Magistrate's Court at the time, concluded in 1967 that the ANC president-general was hit by a train and ruled out political motive. The inquest was initiated by the National Prosecuting Authority to prove that Luthuli was killed by apartheid operatives because of his political activities. Manjoo, who was 24 years old when Luthuli was brought in on a stretcher at the hospital, stated that the hospital incorrectly recorded that Luthuli was brought in by an ambulance driver named Peter Papayya; in fact, the driver was Zwane, whose first name he could not recall. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ He said that after he had relocated to Johannesburg, he learnt that there was a book called 'In the Shadow of Chief Albert Luthuli: Reflections of Goolam Suleman' by Logan Naidoo that was to be published. He said he offered to edit the book using his encounter with Luthuli. 'In the book, it is mentioned that Peter Papayya was an ambulance driver, which is incorrect to the best of my knowledge. 'Mr Peter Papayya was the transport superintendent for ambulance drivers, and on the day of the incident, he did not drive an ambulance, but Mr Zwane did, together with his assistant, whose name I have forgotten. 'The incorrect information was never corrected,' he said. Manjoo said on the day, he received a call from the Groutville train station master requesting an ambulance for a native who had been 'knocked down by a train'. 'I immediately contacted the transport manager. About an hour later, the ambulance (with Zwane the driver) brought the 'patient in on a trolley'.' He said he noticed that the victim, who seemed to be in pain, was moving his hands in the air and turning his head from side to side. Manjoo said he stared at the victim, who was waiting in front of him for a while to be inspected by a nurse. 'I noticed that the patient looked very much like Nkosi (Luthuli).' He said after he had been taken to a ward, he phoned Luthuli's close companion in the ANC, Goolam Hajee Suleman, Luthuli's family members, and a Sunday Tribune editor. He said when it was confirmed that the patient was an internationally acclaimed peace award winner, 'the hospital burst into action'. He said on normal days, when the hospital was not busy with emergencies, outpatients' doctors would take an extended lunch break, and the hospital superintendent would only come in for some inspection of patients. 'However, this time, not only was the superintendent (Dr Gregerson) in the consulting room, but Dr G Misra (on call and the district surgeon) also,' said Manjoo. He said the hospital treated Luthuli with discrimination compared to white patients, who would be immediately transferred to Addington Hospital in Durban if their condition was serious and required hospitalisation. 'The team battled with him for over two hours before Dr Misra came out to inform everyone that 'The Chief was no more!' Manjoo said he was able to notice that the patient on the trolley was Luthuli because during his high school years, he became acquainted with him through the parents of his friend, who was also his classmate Yusus Mahomed, whose father EV Mahomed was 'a committed Communist and very close to senior ANC officials'. He said Luthuli would often visit the Mahomed family, whom he (Manjoo) also frequented. Through his close relationship with the Mahomeds, he was introduced to the ANC Youth League. 'I engaged in discussions a few times with both the individuals (Nkosi and EV) and was given a copy of 'Introduction to Philosophy', which I read avidly,' he said. Manjoo said he also told Luthuli about his achievements as a speech writer who performed well in school competitions. He stated that as the relationship grew stronger, he would use his father's car to drive Luthuli around, avoiding being detected by the apartheid special agents. He said that through his association with the ANC at a young age, he would be engaged in the Free Mandela campaign in Stanger. However, after he was employed at the hospital, the political activities took a back seat. He said he knew Luthuli as a person with diabetes and who suffered from high blood pressure and who would sometimes feel dizzy, and 'in my initial reaction (Luthuli's passing away), I thought it was a distinct possibility that Nkosi suffered one of those bouts of dizziness.' 'That gust probably would have made him slip, or lose his balance, and fall into the path of the train.' He said he observed that Luthuli was neither disfigured nor bleeding profusely from multiple external injuries, and was semi-conscious and moving his hands and turning his head. 'The inference is: the train must have 'nicked' him and thrown him back onto the side of the track. The inquest would continue on Monday.
