'AI could create more WCape jobs than it destroys' – Alan Winde

Artificial intelligence could ultimately create more jobs than it destroys if industries learn from past economic disruptions and adapt early, according to Western Cape Premier Alan Winde.

Speaking generally about the transformative impact of emerging technology, Winde reflected on past industrial shifts, such as the 2014 agricultural strikes in De Doorns. Although farms initially shed tens of thousands of jobs, rapid mechanisation quickly spurred a net gain in overall employment. 

"One year later, we got to 80,000 new jobs cos suddenly machines made us much more productive," Winde noted, explaining how enhanced maintenance and technical support systems created a whole new economic environment.

Delivering the opening address at this week's African Boating Conference at the V&A Waterfront, Winde stressed that businesses and industries across the board must prepare for digital transformation despite the uncertainties. "We don't know what is coming, but we need to prepare," he stated, urging stakeholders to actively anticipate technological shifts rather than fear them.

To navigate this evolving landscape, Winde issued a firm call to action for public-private-academic collaboration. He emphasised that government, the private sector, and universities must unite to examine the future of AI. "We don't know what those answers are for your industry, but we need to be engaging on them... bringing together government and private sector and universities to say, what are we doing about this?"