Biggest South African tech stories of 2024, according to AI

While conversational chatbots powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI) have impressive capabilities, they are not yet adept at relaying key news events in South Africa’s tech industry.

MyBroadband asked five of the world’s top AI-powered chatbots, “What were the biggest tech news stories in South Africa in 2024?”

In general, we were disappointed at the lack of detail in the responses, with the tools mostly just feeding back general topics or categories of tech stories, many of which were not all that relevant to South Africa.

Based on the citations provided, the tools only grabbed information fro a handful of sources, where a more thorough analysis of dozens of articles would have been necessary to confirm a story was widely reported and had a significant impact.

Another problem was that several of the tools were limited in terms of what content they could access on the web.

The world’s most well-known AI tool — OpenAI’s ChatGPT — was unable to access any new information beyond October 2023, its knowledge cutoff date.

Nonetheless, it gave the longest answer of the five tools by focusing on potential newsworthy developments based on trends up to that point.

ChatGPT correctly “predicted” that South African mobile networks would continue 5G rollouts and expansion and that there would be increased cryptocurrency regulation.

However, it overestimated the South African government’s ability to keep its promises, as it also expected the state to roll out mobile apps or online portals to improve efficiency, reduce corruption, and provide citizens with greater access to services.

Google’s Gemini was able to give an example of a specific newsworthy development — the Reserve Bank opening up its payment system to fintechs — which occurred in the past 24 hours.

However, its second biggest tech news story in South Africa was a strange one — Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger resigning, which it said could potentially have an impact on the country’s tech sector.

Microsoft Copilot, which also runs on OpenAI’s GPT large language model, provided more specific stories than ChatGPT but contained an obvious mistake.

It said that SpaceX’s Starlink service had launched in South Africa, when it had still not received approval or rolled out locally.

These were just a few of the issues we identified in the responses.

One of the biggest tech news stories that none of the chatbots mentioned was the key revision number rollover event that required millions of prepaid electricity meters in South Africa to be updated to continue accepting electricity vouchers.

Other important stories that were not mentioned anywhere included:

• The launch of Amazon’s South African e-commerce marketplace in May 2024
• The Chinese e-commerce players Shein and Temu are gaining popularity, with a subsequent crackdown on their import tax practices
• The Competition Tribunal’s unexpected decision to block the big Vodacom-Maziv fibre deal.
• Widespread SRD grant fraud facilitated by poor technical systems
• The National Health Laboratory Service hacking
• Simultaneous undersea cable breaks that severely disrupted Internet connectivity and online services in South Africa for weeks
• Nkosana Makate being willing to accept R9.4 billion in compensation for his “buzzing option” idea that ultimately became Vodacom’s Please Call Me service
• Government discussions with SpaceX around Starlink approval
• The longest break in load-shedding in several years due to the significantly improved performance of Eskom’s generating fleet and increased solar uptake

Below are the responses we received when asking the AI chatbots “What were the biggest tech news stories in South Africa in 2024?”

It should be noted that these responses were not modified, edited, or fixed in any way and can, therefore, contain inaccuracies.

ChatGPT (OpenAI)

As of my knowledge cutoff in October 2023, I don’t have access to real-time news.

However, I can highlight some potential tech trends and areas of focus in South Africa that were gaining attention, which could shape the tech landscape in 2024.

Here are some areas that might have been significant:

1. 5G Rollout and Expansion

South Africa has been gradually rolling out 5G, and by 2024, the expansion of 5G networks might be one of the biggest tech stories.

Major telecommunications providers like MTN and Vodacom were actively working on increasing 5G coverage in urban centres, and in 2024, this could have expanded significantly, improving mobile internet speeds and enabling new technologies like IoT, smart cities, and remote work innovations.

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation

South Africa has been investing in AI and machine learning technologies. Startups and large companies in the country have been exploring how AI can improve sectors like agriculture, healthcare, finance, and retail. By 2024, we could have seen breakthroughs in AI-powered solutions that address local challenges—like the use of AI in improving efficiency in industries, energy management, or providing better healthcare solutions.

3. Cybersecurity Concerns and Innovations

With an increase in cyber threats globally, South Africa likely faced heightened concerns around cybersecurity, especially with the rise of online banking, e-commerce, and government digitization. Cyberattacks on major businesses, healthcare institutions, or government systems might have been a critical news point, and responses such as new regulations, cybersecurity startups, or national initiatives to combat these threats could have been key stories.

4. Renewable Energy and Green Tech

South Africa has been exploring innovative energy solutions, particularly solar and wind power, due to the country’s struggles with power shortages and the need for sustainable energy. By 2024, tech companies focused on renewable energy technologies, smart grids, and energy storage systems could have gained prominence, especially with a push towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Government policy and private sector investments in green technologies would likely be important in the tech landscape.

5. Tech Regulation and Data Privacy

Data privacy and regulation were significant topics globally, and South Africa has been working on strengthening its own data protection laws. The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) was enacted in 2021, but 2024 could have seen its more widespread enforcement and the emergence of new regulations for tech companies, particularly those dealing with large volumes of user data. The rise of ethical concerns over AI and data usage might have influenced new laws and tech company practices.

6. Startups and Tech Investment Growth

The South African startup ecosystem, especially in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, was showing signs of growth. By 2024, there might have been a surge in local innovations, particularly in fintech, healthtech, and edtech, attracting investment from both local and international investors. The rise of venture capital firms and seed funding opportunities for South African tech startups could have been a focal point.

7. Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Adoption

Cryptocurrency has had a growing presence in South Africa, with a strong interest in blockchain and digital assets. By 2024, South Africa could have seen more regulation around cryptocurrencies, as well as innovations using blockchain in sectors such as finance, supply chain, and governance. The rise of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) could have been another story impacting the tech ecosystem.

8. Digital Government Services and e-Government

South Africa’s government might have made significant strides in digitizing public services, especially in areas such as healthcare (eHealth), education (eLearning), and public administration. A key tech story in 2024 could have involved digital platforms aimed at improving efficiency, reducing corruption, and providing citizens with greater access to services through mobile apps or online portals.

9. SpaceTech Developments

South Africa has been a player in the African space sector, particularly through the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). The country’s involvement in satellite technology, space exploration, and partnerships with other African nations might have made headlines, particularly in advancing Africa’s presence in space technology.

10. Tech-driven Education and Skills Development

As the demand for tech skills continues to grow, South Africa could have made significant progress in education, particularly in upskilling its youth in areas like coding, data science, and cybersecurity. Initiatives to close the tech skills gap, particularly for disadvantaged communities, may have been a key part of the country’s tech news in 2024.

If you’re looking for the latest updates in South African tech news specifically for 2024, I recommend checking local news outlets, tech blogs, or government reports for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Claude AI (Anthropic)

I apologize, but I can’t provide a comprehensive review of South African tech news for 2024 with absolute certainty, as my knowledge base was last updated in July 2024.

While I have some general information, the most recent and specific details about tech developments in South Africa might be limited.

However, I can share some potential areas of technology and innovation that were likely significant in South Africa in 2024:

1. Renewable Energy and Tech: South Africa has been working on addressing its energy challenges, so advancements in solar, wind, and other renewable technologies were probably notable.
2. Fintech Development: The country has a robust fintech ecosystem, so continued growth and innovations in digital banking, mobile payments, and financial technologies were likely important.
3. Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation: Like many countries, South Africa was likely exploring AI applications across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and agriculture.
4. Telecommunications: Ongoing developments in 5G networks and digital connectivity would have been significant.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information about South African tech news in 2024, I recommend:

• Checking local tech news websites
• Consulting recent reports from South African technology associations
• Looking at publications like BusinessTech or TechCentral

Gemini (Google)

2024 was a year of significant tech developments in South Africa. Here are some of the biggest news stories:  

1. Reserve Bank to open national payments system to fintechs: This move is expected to revolutionize the financial landscape by allowing fintech companies to directly access the payment system, fostering innovation and competition.  
2. Pat Gelsinger steps down as Intel CEO: This high-profile resignation sent ripples through the tech industry, impacting the global semiconductor market and potentially having repercussions for South Africa’s tech sector.  
3. Online gambling surge in South Africa: This growing trend has raised concerns about social and economic implications, prompting discussions about regulation and responsible gaming.  
4. AI and cybersecurity advancements: AI-powered solutions are increasingly being adopted by businesses to enhance security and efficiency. However, the rise of sophisticated cyber threats also poses challenges for South African organizations.  
5. 5G network expansion: Telcos continued to expand their 5G networks, promising faster speeds and improved connectivity in various regions across the country.  
6. E-commerce growth: The pandemic-fueled e-commerce boom continued, with more South Africans embracing online shopping. This led to increased demand for logistics and payment solutions.
7. Blockchain and cryptocurrency developments: South Africa witnessed growing interest in blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, with various initiatives exploring their potential applications in finance, supply chain, and other sectors.  
8. Data privacy and protection: Concerns about data privacy and protection remained prominent, with new regulations and guidelines being introduced to safeguard personal information.
9. Digital skills gap: The demand for skilled tech professionals continued to outpace supply, highlighting the need for investments in education and training to bridge the digital skills gap.  
10. Renewable energy and tech: The renewable energy sector in South Africa saw significant growth, with technological advancements driving innovation in solar, wind, and other clean energy solutions.

These are just some of the major tech news stories that shaped South Africa in 2024. The country’s tech landscape is constantly evolving, and staying updated on the latest trends and developments is crucial for businesses and individuals alike.

Copilot (Microsoft)

Here are some of the biggest tech news stories in South Africa in 2024:

1. Tech Disruptions: Major outages from global services like Microsoft 365 and Facebook, as well as local telecom providers like Telkom, highlighted vulnerabilities in South Africa’s tech infrastructure.
2. Government of National Unity: The formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the end of load shedding boosted sentiment and optimism about South Africa’s future, positively impacting various sectors, including technology.
3. Yoco Table: The Yoco Table emerged as a significant innovation in the fintech sector, providing restaurant owners with a comprehensive tech solution for managing their businesses.
4. SABC Plus App: The SABC Plus app matured in 2024, becoming a primary channel for accessing public broadcaster content via mobile.
5. Africa Tech Festival: The Africa Tech Festival 2024, held in Cape Town, celebrated the trailblazers shaping Africa’s tech future, focusing on skills development, AI, and empowering communities through technology.
6. Generative AI: The widespread adoption of generative AI and its impact on various industries, including financial services and cybersecurity, was a major trend.
7. Deepfakes: The rise of deepfakes and the challenges they pose, especially in terms of spotting them, became a significant concern.
8. Starlink Launch: Starlink launched in Eswatini before coming to South Africa, offering internet services starting at R1,070 per month.

These stories reflect the dynamic and evolving tech landscape in South Africa, showcasing both challenges and innovations.

Perplexity AI (individually funded)

• Growth of Generative AI in Africa: At the Africa Tech Festival 2024, Microsoft Africa’s chief technology officer, Ravi Bhat, highlighted the transformative potential of generative AI (GenAI) in Africa. He compared its impact to that of the printing press and electricity, emphasizing its role as a general-purpose technology that can benefit various sectors. Bhat also discussed the importance of AI skills development for the youth to prepare them for future job markets.
• Business Confidence Surge: South Africa experienced a significant increase in business confidence, marking its largest year-on-year improvement since the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry reported that the Business Confidence Index rose to 118.1 in November 2024, driven by factors such as increased tourism and improved economic prospects under a new coalition government.
• Shifts in News Consumption: The 2024 Digital Media News Report revealed changing news consumption habits among South Africans, with platforms like TikTok gaining popularity while Facebook’s influence wanes. The report noted that trust in media remains steady at 57%, despite challenges such as staff retrenchments in major news organizations and concerns over misinformation.
• Recognition of Tech Startups: The 2024 South African Startup Awards recognized innovative tech startups across various categories, including AI, biotech, and fintech. Notable winners included Yazi for AI and big data and Float for fintech. This event showcased the entrepreneurial spirit and technological advancements within the country.
• Cybersecurity Concerns: Reports indicated an increase in cyber threats targeting South African businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises. As digital threats evolve, companies are urged to enhance their cybersecurity measures to protect against potential attacks.

These stories reflect a dynamic tech landscape in South Africa, characterized by advancements in AI, shifts in consumer behavior, and growing business confidence amidst challenges.