Experts Debate AI's Role in Education
Education leaders and industry experts gathered in Hyde Park to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping learning and work in South Africa.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Language Learning
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Education leaders and industry experts met in Hyde Park to discuss AI and education. The gathering also marked Emeris' 84th anniversary and its first year under its new identity.
Why it matters
Panelists agreed that AI is changing both what learners study and how they learn, making the link between education, technology and employability a pressing concern for South African learners and employers. The discussion points to how qualifications may need to keep pace with these shifts.
The event marked Emeris' 84th anniversary and its first year under a new identity. No further quantitative data on AI adoption in South African education was provided in the discussion.
The players
South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
SAQA is the national body that oversees South Africa's National Qualifications Framework and periodically reviews qualifications to keep them aligned with industry needs.
Nadia Starr
Nadia Starr is the chief executive of SAQA and took part in the panel on AI and education.
Emeris
Emeris is an education-focused organisation that marked its 84th anniversary and first year under its new identity at the event.
The details
The panel included SAQA CEO Nadia Starr, Emeris head of communications Sarnelia Mandapalli, Vega School lecturer Anthony Wingfield and media entrepreneur Lebo Lion, who facilitated the conversation. SAQA oversees South Africa's National Qualifications Framework, and qualifications are reviewed regularly to stay aligned with industry needs and technological developments.
Timeline
3 November 2026: Panel discussion held at the Hyde Park event and article published
Framework Review
South Africa's National Qualifications Framework, overseen by SAQA, already requires regular review of qualifications against industry needs and technology. The panel's AI discussion suggests that review process may increasingly need to address how learners are taught as well as what they learn.
Learners choosing courses may find that qualifications are reviewed to reflect newer technologies, which can affect which skills are worth prioritising. Those already studying can consider how AI tools fit into their own learning routines.
The takeaway
Learners and educators should treat AI as a change to both the content and the method of learning, and keep an eye on how qualifications are updated to reflect it.
Further reading
Explore more on Language Learning and how education is adapting to new tools.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Citizen.
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