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IOL News
13 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Deploying Artificial Intelligence to Achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Enablers, Drivers and Strategic Framework
Professor Arthur G.O. Mutambara is the Director and Full Professor of the Institute for the Future of Knowledge (IFK) at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. Image: Supplied The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 interconnected goals designed to address the world's most pressing challenges by 2030. Adopted in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the SDGs cover a wide range of issues, including poverty eradication, quality education, gender equality, clean energy, climate action, and reduced inequalities. Each goal is supported by specific targets and indicators, providing a measurable framework for progress. The SDGs are universal, apply to all countries regardless of income level, emphasise the interconnectedness of global challenges, and thus require holistic solutions. The SDGs are important because they provide a shared blueprint for global action and cooperation, uniting governments, businesses, and civil society to address critical challenges. By focusing on multidimensional goals, the SDGs encourage comprehensive strategies to tackle interconnected problems such as economic disparity, environmental degradation, and social inequities. They are vital for ensuring a sustainable future, reducing global inequality, and enhancing the quality of life for millions. Moreover, the SDGs emphasise leaving no one behind, targeting the most vulnerable populations, and ensuring progress benefits everyone. However, there are challenges and complications. Progress towards achieving the SDGs has been mixed and uneven across different countries, regions, and goals. Indeed, significant advancements have been made in areas like poverty reduction, access to electricity, and improved healthcare. For example, global poverty rates declined steadily before the COVID-19 pandemic, and millions gained access to basic services such as clean water and education. Nevertheless, intractable problems are prevalent. Climate change continues to accelerate, inequality is rising, and many environmental targets, such as biodiversity conservation, are lagging behind. The COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, such as the unnecessary and avoidable wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, have further slowed progress by disrupting economies, increasing inequalities, and redirecting resources away from SDG initiatives. A significant barrier is inadequate funding. Achieving the SDGs requires trillions of dollars in investment annually, but many countries, especially low-income nations, lack the financial resources. Additionally, some regions' political instability, corruption, and poor governance hinder progress. The interconnected nature of the SDGs also means that failure in one area can impact others. For example, climate change exacerbates poverty and inequality, while conflicts and pandemics disrupt global efforts. Many countries' lack of data and monitoring capacity makes it challenging to track progress and identify effective solutions. The target date for attaining all 17 SDGs is 2030. It is a short five years away, yet according to the United Nations' 2024 SDG Report, only 17% of the SDG targets are currently on track to be achieved by 2030. Nearly half of the targets show minimal or moderate progress, while over a third are either stalled or regressing [132]. 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 ✕ Ad loading Professor Arthur Mutambara's book "Artificial Intelligence: A Driver of Inclusive Development and Shared Prosperity for the Global South." Image: Supplied Indeed, the SDG agenda is characterised by an existential global crisis. So, what should be done? This book seeks to contribute to the resolution of this predicament. It aims to provide solutions to the challenges that have impeded the achievement of the SDGs by exploring broad and holistic interventions, technology-driven remedies, and, more specifically, the deployment of AI—the implementation of human intelligence in machines or systems programmed to perform tasks such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. It is instructive to note that AI is just one tool. It is not a silver bullet. Achieving the SDGs by 2030 will require broader efforts and solutions than the use of AI systems. Attaining the SDGs will depend on enhanced global cooperation, increased funding, improved infrastructure, and economic integration. Innovative solutions, such as leveraging technology and enhancing public-private partnerships, will be essential. The book proposes the acceleration of SDG progress by prioritising SDG implementation through stronger political commitment, integrated policies, and increased investment. There is a need to strengthen governance and policy frameworks. This ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, corruption is minimised, and accountability is upheld in implementing development programmes. Strong institutions, transparent decision-making, and inclusive policymaking are essential to ensure that progress towards the SDGs benefits everyone, particularly marginalised and vulnerable populations. Countries must align their national strategies, policies, and budgets with SDGs, devising long-term plans to address interconnected challenges while ensuring inclusive and equitable policies. This includes enacting laws and regulations that promote equity, sustainability, and environmental conservation. Governments must introduce incentives for renewable energy adoption, enforce labour laws to reduce inequalities, and enhance land-use planning to protect biodiversity. There is a need to adopt innovations such as renewable energy for climate action and digital tools for education and healthcare. SDG progress can be driven by improving human capital through investments in education, healthcare, and social protection systems. Increasing funding for vocational training and public health campaigns can empower communities to address SDG-related challenges such as unemployment and public health crises. International organisations, such as the United Nations and World Bank, must continue to support capacity-building and financial assistance for low-income countries. Achieving the SDGs requires bridging gaps between emerging or least industrialised economies and highly industrialised ones. There must be collaboration within the Global South and partnerships between the Global North and Global South. Global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and economic inequality require coordinated international efforts. Enhancing international cooperation and financing mechanisms is foundational to addressing funding gaps and sharing knowledge and resources for SDG implementation. Highly industrialised countries must honour commitments to provide financial aid and technical support to emerging and least industrialised economies, mainly through mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund and the Global Partnership for Education. There is a need to develop innovative climate financing models, including those based on carbon pricing such as carbon taxes, cap-and-trade systems, carbon markets, and green bonds. Fostering public-private partnerships can unlock investments in sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and other critical sectors. International trade policies should also be reformed to ensure fair market access for low-income countries. Strengthening multilateral institutions like the United Nations and World Bank is essential to coordinating global efforts, reducing systemic inequalities, and accelerating progress towards achieving the SDGs. The arduous SDG journey towards 2030 will rise or fall on leadership. There is a need for visionary leadership at organisational, national, regional, continental, and global levels—characterised by the ability to create and articulate a clear, compelling future vision that inspires and motivates others to achieve the shared SDGs. It is essential for those driving the SDG agenda to have a unique blend of foresight, passion, and innovation, enabling them to see beyond the current reality and anticipate future trends and challenges. All this must be anchored by our shared common humanity and global interests, not narrow national, sectarian, or hegemonic interests. Unfortunately, events in the United States in early 2025 have signalled a shift from global collective leadership to isolationist, national interest-driven paradigms. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, the World Health Organisation, the UN Human Rights Council, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. He is also reviewing the country's role in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and has moved to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development. Achieving the SDGs in 2030 demands a different type of global leadership. Technology (not necessarily Artificial Intelligence (AI)) is pivotal in advancing the SDGs by providing innovative solutions to global challenges. For instance, renewable energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and hydropower systems are critical for achieving affordable and clean energy and combatting climate change. Similarly, advancements in water purification and sanitation systems directly address water and sanitation by ensuring access to safe drinking water and reducing waterborne diseases. Medical technologies, such as vaccines, portable diagnostic kits, and telemedicine platforms, are instrumental in advancing good health and well-being by improving healthcare access and disease prevention. Desalination plants, water filtration systems, and wastewater recycling have significantly improved water security in arid and drought-prone regions. Drip irrigation schemes, bioengineered crops, and precision farming tools are transforming food production systems and reducing hunger. Emerging and least industrialised economies must move up the global value chains by implementing beneficiation and value addition. These two processes enhance the economic value of raw materials through local processing and manufacturing, generating higher revenues, creating jobs, and igniting sustainable development through the attainment of the SDGs. The most significant contribution of this book is the use of AI to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs. Artificial Intelligence—the development of computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation—is briefly introduced, and its unprecedented transformative nature is explained. The AI revolution is here. There were bold announcements on AI and its infrastructure in January 2025 from global leaders, such as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, then US President Joe Biden, and current US President Donald (immediately after his inauguration). Artificial Intelligence has become a key driver of competitiveness in every sector, and countries are unleashing massive investments in AI infrastructure. China's release, in the same month, of a ground-breaking open-source, low-cost, and less energy-intensive large language model called DeepSeek-R1, whose functionality is comparable to US offerings such as OpenAI's ChatGPT-4, Google's Gemini, and xAI's Grok 4, dramatises the equal-opportunity nature of the technology. AI systems have the potential to provide innovative solutions to complex global challenges that impede the attainment of SDGs worldwide. For instance, AI-driven data analysis and predictive modelling can enhance decision-making processes across multiple SDG targets. In agriculture, AI systems can optimise crop yields by analysing weather patterns, soil quality, and pest activity, supporting the fight against hunger. These systems can guide farmers on when and where to plant crops, helping to reduce resource waste and adapt to climate-induced agricultural challenges. Similarly, AI-powered tools in supply chain management can minimise food loss and waste, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and equitably. AI also plays a critical role in improving healthcare systems, contributing to good health and well-being. Machine Learning algorithms are used to detect diseases early, predict outbreaks, and personalise treatment plans based on patient data. For example, AI applications in medical imaging have proven highly accurate in diagnosing conditions like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, AI-driven tools enable the analysis of large-scale epidemiological data to predict the spread of infectious diseases, allowing governments to implement timely interventions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AI was leveraged to track the virus's progression, develop vaccines, and optimise healthcare delivery in overburdened systems. Furthermore, AI can advance climate crisis mitigation by supporting climate modelling and environmental monitoring. AI-powered tools can analyse satellite imagery to monitor deforestation, track changes in land use, and measure carbon emissions. These insights help policymakers implement targeted conservation efforts and design effective climate adaptation strategies. Additionally, AI can optimise energy use by managing power grids, improving energy storage, and integrating renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the grid. By reducing energy waste and emissions, AI technologies contribute to the global transition towards a low-carbon economy. For quality education, AI-powered adaptive learning platforms provide personalised education tailored to individual learning styles and needs, making quality education accessible to marginalised communities. AI also supports gender equality by identifying and addressing systemic biases in hiring processes and enabling women entrepreneurs to access financial services through AI-based credit scoring. Moreover, AI-driven financial inclusion initiatives, such as mobile banking and digital payment systems, empower underserved populations, advancing decent work and economic growth. By deploying AI thoughtfully and equitably, governments and organisations can harness its transformative power to address global inequalities and achieve the SDGs. The book addresses AI safety, regulation, legislation, governance, risk mitigation, and carbon footprint while reviewing the AI semiconductor industry. It also assesses AI's potential negative impact on the SDGs and examines the challenges of AI deployment. It emphasises aligning all national, regional, or continental plans with the AI-enabled SDG agenda. Summaries of AI-for-SDG experiences from six countries are outlined, and emerging best practices are harvested. Details of enablers of AI deployment for SDGs are proposed and discussed—robust digital infrastructure and connectivity; awareness, education, and capacity building; regulations and ethical governance and accountability; guardrails; high-quality local data; financial resources and investment; beneficiation and value addition; research and development; and an accountable, capable, ethical developmental state. Similarly, critical mutually reinforcing drivers are presented: process efficiency and effectiveness; innovation and technological advancements; scalability and replicability; data-driven decision-making; addressing complex challenges; inclusivity and accessibility; partnerships and collaboration; private sector engagement; and policy support, governance frameworks, and global commitment. Furthermore, it is essential to develop an AI ecosystem; embrace AI users' voices and insights; champion participatory approaches to AI design and deployment; incorporate diverse perspectives; and adopt feedback and iterative improvement mechanisms. There is efficacy in leveraging AI-enabled leapfrogging for SDGs, where emerging and least industrialised countries can bypass traditional stages of technological evolution and move directly to more advanced cutting-edge AI solutions. It is essential to embrace decoloniality in AI—a theoretical and practical framework aimed at dismantling the structures, knowledge systems, and power dynamics established during and after colonial rule, and likely to influence the essence and content of AI systems. In the same vein, it is imperative to democratise AI—making AI technologies, tools, knowledge, and opportunities accessible to a broader range of people, communities, and organisations beyond a privileged few. Global governance for AI is vital. The key recommendations of the UN Secretary-General's 2024 AI Advisory Final Report are discussed. The strengths and flaws of this report are presented and explained. The principles of AI regulation/legislation and AI risk verticals are presented, while exemplary cases of AI legislation, such as the 2024 European Union AI Act, are reviewed, drawing lessons for other jurisdictions. However, the limitations of regulations and legislation as AI management tools are articulated, while the sociology of AI policy and adoption is also investigated. While the book emphasises the need to embrace a broad range of enabling technologies, with a special focus on AI, it acknowledges the risks of technology-driven challenges such as digital imperialism and data colonialism, particularly in emerging and least industrialised economies. An incisive and robust case is made for decoloniality in AI on the SDG journey—a theoretical and practical framework aimed at dismantling the structures, knowledge systems, and power dynamics established during and after colonial rule and likely to influence the essence and content of AI systems. Furthermore, the book puts a premium on democratising AI in pursuit of the SDGs— making AI technologies, tools, knowledge, and opportunities accessible to a broader range of people, communities, organisations, countries, and beyond a privileged few individuals, institutions, and economies. A key contribution of the book to AI adoption and thought leadership is the Strategic Framework for AI Deployment, which has six distinct but related components: Vision, Strategy, Policy, Governance, Legislation/Regulations, and Implementation Matrix (inclusive of Monitoring, Measurement, Evaluation and Feedback). In pursuit of the SDGs, every continent, regional bloc of states, country, organisation, or community must develop and adopt such a framework, where these structures dynamically influence each other. Within this context, the role of both regional and continental integration and political unity is articulated. The African Union's 2024 Continental AI Strategy is reviewed. Its strengths and weaknesses are discussed. The book provides details on deploying AI to achieve all 17 SDGs. Each goal is examined, its challenges are assessed, and detailed proposals for AI interventions to facilitate attainment are posited. AI adoption challenges and ethical considerations specific to the goal are discussed, and policy recommendations are proffered. The potential future envisioned in the 2030 SDG agenda—a world free from poverty, hunger, and environmental degradation—is slowly becoming elusive, if not illusory. That desired future— complete attainment of the SDGs—is not inevitable. It is contingent on immediate and transformative action. Political and business leaders, policymakers, academics, civil society activists, and ordinary citizens must reignite momentum towards the SDGs, ensuring that 2030 becomes a milestone of achievement rather than a moment of regret. Global cooperation, regional/continental integration, moving up global value chains, inclusive economic transformation, addressing the climate crisis, and use of advanced technology (in particular AI) can play a significant role in the arduous journey to 2030. Of course, there is the danger that AI will widen global inequality. Left unchecked, AI can intensify global disparities by consolidating power and wealth in affluent nations while exploiting labour and resources in emerging and least industrialised countries. There is a real possibility that AI will entrench existing inequities, leading to heightened political instability, environmental degradation, and cultural dominance by a select few. This book seeks to mitigate these challenges. AI must serve as a transformative force for the collective good, benefiting the entire planet and all its inhabitants in an equitable manner. Harnessing this transformative technology to advance the SDGs in every country offers a strategic and practical starting point. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, is right: 'We must never allow AI to stand for advancing inequality.' This is an excerpt from the book "Artificial Intelligence: A Driver of Inclusive Development and Shared Prosperity for the Global South." * Professor Arthur G.O. Mutambara is the Director and Full Professor of the Institute for the Future of Knowledge (IFK) at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
Business Insider
15 hours ago
- Business
- Business Insider
‘Empires die slow': A South African expert warns of painful Western decline
In the last few years, Russian influence has seen tremendous growth in Africa, particularly after the formation of the BRICS group of nations. This has led many to deduce that the West is slowly becoming irrelevant on the continent, as highlighted by David Monyae at the Valdai Russia-Africa conference in Pretoria. Russian influence in Africa has grown significantly in recent years, largely influenced by the formation of the BRICS group. David Monyae, of CACS at the University of Johannesburg, suggests that the Western post-1945 world order may be gradually weakening. South-South cooperation and trade in local currencies are presenting alternatives to traditional Western-dominated systems such as the U.S. dollar and SWIFT. David Monyae, Director of the Centre for Africa-China Studies (CACS) at the University of Johannesburg, suggested that the West's grip on power may be loosening. SEE ALSO: Africa emerges strategic 'testing ground' for China's currency ambitions 'I think the most important thing to say is that as much as we see the crumbling of the post-1945 world order, empires do not just die overnight, they die, what I call, a painful death, a slow death, and we see the U.S. and Western countries that crumbling comes with cracks in the pillars' he stated. 'When you talk here in terms of the dollar itself, I mean that's the central pillar, and we see more and more countries trading in local currencies, we see alternatives to SWIFT, and the creation of global public goods that is very innovative,' he added. He then went on to point out the relevance of the growing influence of the BRICS group, highlighting the significance of South-South interaction as nations like as Russia and South Africa increase their collaboration within BRICS and prepare for the forthcoming G20 conference in Johannesburg, as reported by Sputnik. 'I think if we have more conversations, among global south countries and BRICS as they are doing, I think it's preparing the ground for such eventuality, to ensure that should the U.S. economy collapse, we don't start from ground zero.' The Valdai Discussion Club The Valdai Discussion Club, in collaboration with the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), has kicked off the third Russian-African Conference on July 28 in Pretoria, South Africa, with the theme "Realpolitik in a Divided World: Rethinking Russia-South Africa Ties in a Global and African Context." The conference's objectives are to create and foster networks of Russian and African experts interested in collaboration, discuss key global issues in confidence, and formulate recommendations for effective foreign policy work.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Is Black Tax Holding You Back? Experts share strategies for balance
Navigating black tax and balancing family support as well as personal financial goals. Image: Pexels The concept of Black Tax is deeply ingrained in society, where individuals who achieve financial success frequently take on the duty of aiding their extended relatives, which can sometimes put their personal financial objectives at risk. This financial obligation can cover numerous expenses, ranging from tuition fees to everyday living costs and utility bills. At times, the pressure of Black Tax can slow personal financial progress and hinder one's efforts to focus on long-term financial aspirations, like buying a house or planning for retirement. Speaking to IOL, Boniswa Siwundla, a Senior Lecturer, Researcher in Family Financial Socialisation at the University of Johannesburg, said there are practical ways to deal with family members' requests without crippling your budget. "The first step is awareness because knowing exactly what your financial landscape looks like, that is, what comes in, what goes out, and what you are being called to support, gives you something solid to work from. Mapping out a monthly plan that includes both personal goals and family support helps reduce guilt and allows you to act intentionally rather than reactively," she said. 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 ✕ Siwundla added that it's important for individuals to set firm and realistic commitments on both fronts without jeopardising their interests. "Even if you're contributing to family expenses, your future deserves a line item, even if it's R100 a month. It is less about the amount and more about the habit. Small, automated savings build momentum," she said. She added that helping out family members should be made part of the budget so that it doesn't come as a surprise every month because this creates visibility and structure and prevents overshadowing other priorities. "This does not mean your personal goals are less important; it simply acknowledges your full reality and allows you to work within it, not against it." Siwundla added that it's also important for individuals to be transparent and not make commitments they can't fulfill. 'I'm not able to give the full amount, but I can contribute something smaller this month' is one way to stay in a relationship without overextending yourself. The key is consistency. Boundaries are not just about what you cannot do; they are about creating stability so you can continue to show up in a way that can be maintained," she explained. Even though the journey looks different for everyone, as a researcher, Siwundla said it was possible to carry the weight of Black Tax and still be successful. "Many young people I've spoken to described learning to redefine what success means. For some, success is being able to support others and move forward at their own pace. It's not about perfection or comparison; it's about progress with integrity. It may take longer, but it is absolutely possible." To assist individuals with their savings, Siwundla said they can use models like stokvels, or group savings plans, which can be powerful, especially when they have clear goals attached. "For individual saving, tax-free savings accounts or beginner-friendly investment platforms with low fees can offer a starting point. It's less about picking the perfect product and more about building the habit of saving consistently." In conclusion, Siwundla said financial habits are shaped long before people open bank accounts; they are shaped through what they observe, feel, and carry. "Black Tax is part of that inheritance. While it can be heavy, it's also a reflection of love, care, and survival strategies passed down through generations. The goal, in my view, is not to escape it, but to respond to it with more clarity, intention, and balance," she said. Meanwhile, Psychologist DR Nombusa Gama, posted on her TikTok account and explained that Black Tax is not an issue, the issue is people pleasing and lack of boundaries. "Black Tax involves gaslighting, coercion, and family members don't force you to go over and beyond for them, they just manipulate you and guilt trip you into believing that you are the only one that can save them, and you are selfish for saying no,'' she said. Gama further explained that the desire to feel wanted and the fear of being labelled a bad person makes people to give in to demands from their family. "Your yes enables their behaviour, you teach them that it's okay for them to expect you to bend backwards for them. You teach them to run to you as their saviour," she said. According to Gama, buying your parents food and taking care of their basic needs, can't be classified as Black Tax, it's considered as being responsible. "Some people talk about being coerced to build houses at home because they had job. They talk about taking loans to fund those projects because their family didn't listen when they explained that they don't have money. And in order to keep the peace, they took out loans and now they are drowning in debt because of those decisions," she said. Evelinah Nkunah, 30, who works as a clerk, is the only one employed in her family. He salary feeds her two children, two siblings and her elderly mother back in Middleburg, Mpumalanga. Nkuna works at a hospital in Gauteng and sends money to her family every month and she's also building her mom a house. For Nkuna, it's not Black Tax, but she appreciates her mother and the sacrifices she made while raising her and her siblings. "My father left us when we were young, my mom was unemployed. Instead of sitting and doing nothing, she went to Joburg and found a job as a maid. She visited us every month while we were staying with our grandmother and always made sure that we are fed and we had everything we needed for school. She made us her priority and because of that, she neglected herself and didn't even build herself a house "She stopped working because of health issues and I can't neglect her because now I'm in a good position. Me building her a house is how I show my appreciation. Also, sending money every month is not an issue because she's taking care of my children, and my siblings are still trying to get jobs and I understand their position, unemployment is rife is South Africa," she said. IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- Health
- TimesLIVE
South Africa launches its first vehicle emissions study in Johannesburg
The City of Johannesburg's environment and infrastructure services department, through its climate change and air quality unit, in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg's process, energy and environment technology station (UJ Peets) and the International Council on Clean Transportation, has launched South Africa's first roadside remote sensing study to assess real-world vehicle emissions. The project aims to gather accurate emissions data from vehicles in Johannesburg and the broader Gauteng region. The initiative is part of The Real Urban Emissions (True) Initiative, in partnership with Breathe Cities, and will support evidence-based policies such as clean air zones and stricter emission standards. Vehicle pollution accounts for more than 75% of nitrogen dioxide emissions in Johannesburg, making it a large contributor to poor air quality. Until now, the city has lacked detailed emissions data on which to base interventions. Using roadside remote sensing technology, the project will measure tailpipe emissions from more than 100,000 vehicles of various sizes and fuel types. Unlike previous African True campaigns that used mobile 'plume-chasing' methods, this study will use stationary equipment placed along Johannesburg roads. To kick off the campaign, UJ Peets hosted a training workshop with Opus remote sensing for city officials and local partners, followed by a live demonstration of the technology. 'The True Initiative gives us the real-world data we need to shape impactful policy and deliver cleaner streets,' said Musa Mahlatji, deputy director: air quality management. UJ Peets project leader Boitemogelo Kwakwa added: 'We're turning data into action and building local expertise in emissions monitoring.'
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Durban prodigy wins SA Open Chess Championship
SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Amrienta Gabriels is already a household name in the chess game for having amassed a number of accolades, including her KZN colours, a cabinet full of trophies, medals and certificates, indicating that she is making all the right moves. Her most recent achievement is claiming first place in the U8 division at the 2025 SA Open Chess Championship at the University of Johannesburg from June 28 to July 5. She achieved this feat on her seventh birthday, July 5, after finishing the tournament with a perfect score of five out of five. 'It felt exciting to win the tournament,' said Amrienta as she told of how she celebrated her big win. 'I went out for supper with my friends, and I had breakfast with my cousin. It was also my birthday.' The young North Beach resident and Grade One learner at Oceanview Montessori School in Durban North began learning chess with her father, Amro, at home. From there, with the support of her parents, Amrienta developed a love for sport. She entered formal tournaments in mid-2024, where she quickly made her mark — qualifying for Team KZN at the eThekwini Trials and placing in the top three at the Mzansi Interprovincial Youth Chess Championship. Earlier this year she secured a top five finish at the SA Junior Closed Chess Championship in Cape Town, earning her a spot on the SA team for the Africa Youth Chess Championship in Zimbabwe this December. She said, 'I love playing chess because it's fun and it makes my brain smart. I love it, and losing makes me learn from mistakes and I get better, and then win all my matches and get trophies.' Also Read: Manor Gardens prodigy shines at prestigious music competition Seeing her passion and love for chess, her parents Amro Gabriels and Shienta Maharaj, enlisted the help of coaches Minenhle and Sri Ram. 'I practise every day. I love to play Lichess (chess app) matches and do puzzles, because they help me to get better,' said Amrienta. Describing Amrienta as a vibrant all-rounder who enjoys reading, drawing, and exploring nature, her proud parents said she also participates in soccer, swimming, and gymnastics. They said, 'We're incredibly proud of the hard work and determination she puts in every day. No matter the result, she always maintains such a positive spirit. It's been amazing to see how chess has helped shape the confident, kind young lady she's becoming. Her sportsmanship truly stands out; she never hesitates to congratulate her opponents and let them know they played well. That humility and grace are what mean the most to us.' Following her big win at the Open, Amrienta is already strategising her next big move where she is looking to capture the Africa Youth Chess Championship title. The tournament will bring all the great minds from the continent to Zimbabwe in December. 'I'm really excited for this tournament. I get to fly in the aeroplane, and see the clouds. I also like to stay in the hotel, and I like playing against other chess kids and making new friends. I would also like to win a trophy or get a medal,' said Amrienta. For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
