Page 69 - UKZN Proceedings of the Conference Report

how demand for energy is forecast, how to encourage reliability and how to address waste in the production and distribution of energy in real time. Adopting such intelligent solutions should be a game-changer for a country like South Africa, where the current energy demand cannot be met by the over 60-year-old network. Demand response management and grid optimisation using AI will help in mitigating energy supply deficits and ending the power cuts.
The application of AI technology in transforming energy systems is demonstrated with real-life scenarios across the globe, with particular reference to Dubai. The Smart Grid Initiatives of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority incorporate the use of AI to improve the generation, distribution, and consumption of electricity. This features both the strategic collection of information and advanced computing technologies for the prediction of energy consumption in the future as well as the proper utilisation of available resources (Mega Trends and Analysis 2022). Just as it concerns Dubai, systems of predictive maintenance supported by AI have led to a reduction in downtimes of the grid in the British Isles, improving the overall reliability (Cuff 2019).
A similar approach could help do away with load shedding in South Africa. Systems driven by AI could help enhance the energy mix by introducing cleaner resources such as solar and wind within the existing grid. Smart grid design, real-time load forecasting, and predictive maintenance, among other strategies, could herald a more sustainable energy future for the country, in the process solving its existing issues as well as promoting economic growth and environmental protection.
AI in policing and crime prevention
Law enforcement in South Africa could go through a radical transformation by using AI. SAPS has problems such as poor technological systems, wastage and mismanagement of resources, and lack of coherent data repositories (Khayelitsha Report 2014). AI can not only help in developing the criminal profile of the offender and predicting where crime may take place, but also assist in getting police surveillance to such places. In addition, AI tools like smart CCTV cameras and facial recognition systems will enhance law enforcement by improving the reach of surveillance, aiding in real-time tracking of criminals as well as during the investigation process by providing vital information.
Nevertheless, the challenges of police work become more complex with the application of AI technologies. The efficacy of AI tools such as facial recognition technology has had its fair share of criticisms, which concern exaggerated claims of accuracy, discrimination, as well as intrusion on
civil liberties and privacy rights (Byrne and Marx 2011; Gershgorn 2018). The Khayelitsha Report (2014) cautions on the application of such technology in South Africa, owing to the fact that it should not worsen the situation with regard to justice delivery inequities and biases. This is especially critical with respect to predictive policing systems and the use of body-worn cameras; such systems can enhance efficiency and accountability in policing, but can be at risk of abuse unless designed to be open and capable of constant scrutiny (Završnik 2020; Strom 2017). Furthermore, while these new technologies emerged as potentially helpful in addressing discriminatory practices, their very application should be done circumspectly, lest they entrench the very culture of discrimination that existed before, for these technologies can be biased.
Despite these concerns, AI can be a key tool in enhancing policing in South Africa. By optimising the allocation of resources, improving crime detection, and ensuring more effective crime prevention, AI could play a pivotal role in reducing the crime rate, improving public safety, and fostering trust in the police force. Nevertheless, implementing AI in policing requires stringent regulation, ongoing monitoring, and clear guidelines to ensure that its use aligns with democratic principles and human rights.
AI in employment: Job creation and augmentation
The influence of AI on employment patterns in South Africa remains an issue that generates immense discussion. There is of course a risk of job losses in certain sectors, and particularly those which are dependent on human labour services; among others, technology has the potential to create new jobs and enhance available skills. Introduction of AI may stimulate the growth of several other activities and new economies that may require skills in machine learning, data science, and cybersecurity, among other disciplines. The future will create new jobs that will include AI experts, data trainers, sustainability analysts, and automation engineers, among others, all expected to be in high demand with changes in technology by 2027 (World Economic Forum 2023a).
While many are concerned about replacing human labour resources due to robotic capabilities, researchers insist that AI will augment rather than replace workers. This is because AI will allow many tedious and routine tasks to be done by machines, and thus human work can be geared towards complex elements such as decision- making, interpersonal relations, and innovation, where machines cannot perform (Gilbert 2023). For instance, in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the healthcare sector AI can lend a helping hand to doctors by performing functions such as interpreting medical scans, providing probable diagnoses, and planning treatment courses. This allows the experts to engage in improving the quality of
Proceedings of the conference on Public innovation, develoPment and sustainability | 67