South Africa Probes Claim Prez’s Speech Was Written by ChatGPT
Officials in South Africa are investigating claims that a speech given by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week was partially written by ChatGPT, according to local reports.
Speculation began circulating online after Ramaphosa spoke at a conference in Johannesburg on Nov. 21 about the importance of decolonizing education. Social media users ran sections of the speech through AI-detection software and posted seemingly damning results suggesting that a non-human chatbot had been involved in composing the text.
We must challenge colonial theories and practices to build resilient education systems that are [centered] on African perspectives and experiences, part of the speech read, according to South Africa’s Department of Basic Education. This requires a shift away from a Eurocentric worldview to embrace a more diverse and inclusive perspective. We must acknowledge and value the knowledge systems of all people and integrate them into our curricula and knowledge selection processes.
South African presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya told The South African news site that the presidency does not use AI tools for speeches but explained that some of the remarks included in Ramaphosa’s address were written by the Department of Basic Education and given to the president’s office.
Magwenya said the department has been asked to provide the source of the content included in the speech.
While we understand that there are questions about the reliability of ‘AI-detection’ tools, we nevertheless take these reports seriously, Magwenya was quoted as saying. The use of AI to produce speeches or any other material is unacceptable, and action will be taken should these reports prove to be correct.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News
What is the claim under investigation in South Africa?
The claim being investigated is that a speech given by President Cyril Ramaphosa was partially written by ChatGPT, an AI language model.
How did the speculation about AI involvement in the speech arise?
Social media users ran sections of the speech through AI-detection software and shared the results, suggesting the involvement of a non-human chatbot in composing the speech.
What was the topic of President Ramaphosa's speech?
The speech focused on the importance of decolonizing education and shifting away from a Eurocentric worldview to embrace more diverse and inclusive perspectives.
What did a section of the speech state?
According to the Department of Basic Education, part of the speech read: We must challenge colonial theories and practices to build resilient education systems that are [centered] on African perspectives and experiences. This requires a shift away from a Eurocentric worldview to embrace a more diverse and inclusive perspective. We must acknowledge and value the knowledge systems of all people and integrate them into our curricula and knowledge selection processes.
Has the South African presidency used AI tools for speeches?
The South African presidency spokesperson stated that they do not use AI tools for speeches.
What is the response from the presidency regarding the investigation?
The spokesperson explained that some of the remarks in the speech were written by the Department of Basic Education and provided to the president's office. The department has been requested to provide the source of the content included in the speech.
How seriously are these reports being taken by the South African presidency?
The reports are being taken seriously, and the spokesperson stated that the use of AI to produce speeches or any other material is unacceptable, and action will be taken if the reports are proven to be correct.
Please note that the FAQs provided on this page are based on the news article published. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult relevant authorities or professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on the FAQs or the news article.
