BUA Vol 8 Issue 2_April_Monday

The TUT 20 th
Anniversary Lecture
By Nosipho Mnyandu
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) marked its 20 th
anniversary with a thought-provoking lecture on April
10 th at the TB Hall. The event focused on the crucial
relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and universities.
TUT aspires to be a leader in integrating AI to propel societal
progress across various sectors, including education, healthcare,
agriculture, and manufacturing. Professor Anish Kurien, Acting
Director of the TUT AI Hub, emphasized the importance of
embracing AI and adapting educational methods to this evolving
landscape.
Established in March 2023 through collaboration with the
Department of Communications and Digital Technologies
(DCDT), the TUT AI Hub spearheads projects in diverse areas
like healthcare, farming, manufacturing (including the 4th
Industrial Revolution - 4IR), transportation, telecommunications,
education, and tourism.
Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, Vice Chancellor and the Principal of
TUT said, "We need to use these machines as we use calculators"
which resonated with the audience, highlighting the importance
of AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, human capabilities,
addressed the audience alongside the keynote speaker, Professor
Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University.
Professor Marwala championed AI's integration into universities,
advocating for accessibility across all faculties. However, he
issued a critical reminder, “AI can be a powerful tool, but it
is vital to approach information with a discerning eye. Factchecking
and background verification remain essential skills in
the age of AI”, Professor Tshilidzi explained.
One of the AI Hub sectors at the TB Hall
The lecture hall itself embodied this message, showcasing
cutting-edge advancements like incubators, drones, robots, and
even a smart mirror that transforms into a television set.
TUT's dedication to building AI
capacity through innovative projects
is unwavering. This 20th-anniversary
celebration marks a turning point in
TUT's journey "from Good to Great,"
ensuring its students are equipped to
thrive in a world increasingly shaped
by AI while remaining critical and
discerning users of this powerful
technology.
Acting Director of AI Hub, Prof. Anish Kurien
Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, rector of the United Nations University
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