Could AI create a new form of inequality in South Africa?
This article explores how generative AI might create a 'relational apartheid' in South Africa by replacing human-to-human interactions with machine-mediated ones. It argues that the loss of human connection threatens the cultural value of ubuntu, which emphasizes dignity through relationships.
Why it matters
It highlights the intersection of emerging technology and historical social inequality, questioning the impact of AI on human dignity.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI), and especially large language models deployed as chatbots and digital assistants, are now part of everyday digital life.
These models are being framed as a helpful assistant, a patient tutor, a customer service agent and even a source of emotional support . But what happens when even more human encounters are mediated by machines?
This question matters especially in South Africa, where apartheid not only separated people by law, but also shaped who was seen, heard and recognised as fully human. Its legacy still lives in unequal access to education, healthcare, work, technology and public services.
This is also why ubuntu has become such an important part of South African debates about social life. Ubuntu is a way of thinking about personhood. It sees personhood as relational. It reminds us that dignity is not only individual. It is also formed through mutual belonging.
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