AI Ethics and the Future of Work Take Centre Stage at GenAI Training in Limpopo

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept reserved for global tech capitals — it is rapidly reshaping how municipalities operate, how businesses serve communities, and how citizens engage with public services. That was the central message delivered by Mr Asiti Pheeha, Manager for Systems and Automation Projects at Capricorn District Municipality, during the Generation AI Non-Technical Skills Training hosted at the Richfield Polokwane Campus in partnership with Fetsi Impact Hub.

Addressing a diverse audience of students, entrepreneurs, professionals and community members, Pheeha unpacked one of the most pressing conversations of our time: how to harness AI responsibly while preparing the workforce for rapid technological change.

Ethics Before Efficiency

Pheeha emphasised that while AI tools can dramatically improve productivity, automation and service delivery, ethical governance must guide implementation — particularly in the public sector.

“Technology must serve people,” he noted. “If we automate without accountability, transparency and safeguards, we risk deepening inequality rather than improving efficiency.”

He highlighted key ethical considerations including data privacy, algorithmic bias, responsible use of public data, and the importance of maintaining human oversight in automated systems. In a municipal context, where digital systems increasingly manage billing, service requests and infrastructure monitoring, ethical AI adoption is not theoretical — it has real consequences for communities.

Participants were encouraged to think beyond simply using AI tools and to interrogate how those tools are built, trained and deployed. Issues of fairness, accessibility and inclusion were framed as critical pillars of sustainable digital transformation.

The Changing Nature of Work

Turning to the future of work, Pheeha challenged the widely held fear that AI will replace jobs wholesale. Instead, he argued that roles will evolve — and adaptability will become the most valuable skill.

“AI will not replace people,” he explained. “But people who understand AI will replace those who do not.”

He underscored that digital literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving and ethical reasoning will define employability in the coming decade. As automation handles repetitive tasks, human workers will increasingly focus on decision-making, strategy, creativity and oversight.

For municipalities such as Capricorn District, automation presents opportunities to streamline service delivery, improve response times and strengthen operational efficiency. However, workforce upskilling must occur alongside technological upgrades to ensure employees transition into higher-value roles.

Community-Level Digital Empowerment

The Generation AI Non-Technical Skills Programme was designed to demystify artificial intelligence for non-technical audiences. Over three days, participants explored real-world applications of generative AI — from research and writing to productivity tools — while also engaging in conversations about ethics, governance and long-term economic implications.

By bringing municipal leadership into the training environment, the programme demonstrated a growing alignment between public institutions and digital skills development initiatives. It reinforced the importance of preparing communities — not just coders — for AI-enabled economies.

The collaboration between Richfield Polokwane Campus and Fetsi Impact Hub continues to position Limpopo as an emerging node in South Africa’s digital transformation journey. With contributions from leaders such as Mr Asiti Pheeha, the conversation around AI is shifting from abstract hype to practical, community-centred readiness.

As the training concluded, one message resonated clearly: the future of work will not be defined solely by machines, but by how ethically, inclusively and intelligently people choose to use them.