The Presidency has assured the public that it will not utilize the artificial intelligence (AI) tool ChatGPT to write President Cyril Ramaphosa’s speeches. This statement comes as the office investigates allegations that part of a recent speech was generated using AI technology.
Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for the Presidency, confirmed that an internal inquiry is underway after a social media post claimed that portions of a speech delivered at a department of basic education (DBE) event were potentially written using AI. Magwenya emphasized that the first issue at hand is the unreliability of such tools.
The first problem we have is that it is well documented that these tools are not reliable. However, that being the case, we then requested the department of basic education, which submitted the initial draft, to assist us in determining whether those parts of the speech were indeed developed via AI — [and] if so, why, and who was involved — so that the necessary actions can then be taken, Magwenya stated.
Further investigation is necessary to establish the role, if any, of ChatGPT in composing President Ramaphosa’s speech. The Presidency has recognized the need to determine whether AI was employed and, if so, to identify the individuals responsible. This information will aid in determining appropriate measures moving forward.
While ChatGPT and other AI language models have the capability to generate text, their reliability and accuracy have raised concerns in various sectors. In the context of political speeches, many argue that the human touch and nuanced understanding of political dynamics cannot be easily replicated by AI.
The Presidency’s caution underscores the importance of maintaining transparency and ensuring that political speeches are crafted with genuine intent and human empathy. As technology advances, it is essential to strike a balance between leveraging AI’s potential and preserving the authenticity of political communication.
In conclusion, the Presidency is diligently investigating the allegations that AI was utilized to write President Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech. By closely examining the situation and involving the department of basic education, the office aims to determine the veracity of the claims and take appropriate action accordingly. As the investigation progresses, it is clear that the Presidency is committed to upholding the integrity and trustworthiness of President Ramaphosa’s speeches, affirming the significance of human influence in political discourse.
