Cape Town – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has renewed calls for artificial intelligence (AI) to become a central feature of South Africa’s classrooms, arguing that traditional teaching tools such as chalkboards should be phased out to better prepare learners for the future.
Lesufi made the remarks on 12 January while addressing top achievers at a matric breakfast and awards event in Johannesburg, following the release of the 2025 National Senior Certificate results.
He urged government to fully embrace AI as a developmental resource for both learners and educators, cautioning that the technology should not be dismissed as a distraction but recognised as a powerful educational tool.
“We must make it easy for learners to use AI for education. It’s here, it’s real… it’s surrounding us,” Lesufi said, stressing the need for schools to adopt modern learning methods that reflect global technological advancements.
The premier argued that South Africa has fallen behind in integrating technology into its education system and called for a comprehensive strategy that includes free Wi-Fi, smart devices and digital learning tools.
“Imagine a school without connectivity. Imagine a child without data, a smart board, a laptop, or a tablet,” Lesufi said, outlining the scale of the challenge while pointing to where future investment should be directed.
“Chalkboards and dusters should belong in museums,” he added, underscoring his view that outdated tools have limited relevance in a rapidly evolving world.
‘If we can’t get education right, we’ll never get the country right,’ says Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.https://t.co/av9hlD4OLk pic.twitter.com/veJY6e6rQd
— eNCA (@eNCA) January 12, 2026
Lesufi also linked education reform to broader national development, emphasising the role of modernised learning in economic growth.
“If we can’t get education right, we’ll never get the country right. If we can’t get education right, we’ll never get the economy right,” he said, framing the push for technology in schools as critical to South Africa’s long-term future.
Using light-hearted examples to illustrate the importance of innovation, Lesufi suggested that AI could one day empower learners to develop everyday technologies that go beyond current systems.
“Some of these children, one day they will develop that fridge that when you are still at work, you just send a text message to your fridge and say, Dear fridge, please defrost this meat,” he said, highlighting the creative potential he believes AI can unlock among students.
IN PICTURES | Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, has set a bold vision for the future of education, calling for a comprehensive integration of technology and artificial intelligence in the classroom. Lesufi was speaking at the Ministerial Breakfast hosted at the MTN Innovation… pic.twitter.com/fBhX9YWnPq
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 12, 2026
Lesufi’s remarks come amid ongoing national debates about how best to integrate digital tools into the education system.
Experts have noted that while AI and digital platforms can enhance personalised learning and support teachers, successful implementation will require sustained investment, proper teacher training and clear policies to protect data and ensure equal access across schools.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
