Artificial intelligence is often portrayed as a threat to jobs or a tool that makes life more convenient. But a new generation of South African innovators is proving that AI can also be a powerful force for good. Tonight, we spotlight two remarkable young professionals whose work is changing lives in very different ways. One is an Eastern Cape computer science student who transformed his love for his blind grandmother into an award-winning invention—AI-powered smart glasses that recognise faces, identify objects, read text aloud and help visually impaired people navigate the world with greater confidence and independence. His innovation has demonstrated how technology can restore dignity and improve accessibility for thousands of South Africans living with visual impairments. Joining him is Sanel'Ekhaya, founder of PROXICOM (Pty) Ltd, whose engineering consultancy is embracing artificial intelligence to modernise South Africa's mining sector. By integrating AI into engineering consultancy, quality assurance and technical inspection services, his company is helping clients make faster, data-driven decisions, improve project quality, strengthen compliance and enhance safety across mining operations. Together, these young professionals represent a new generation of problem-solvers who are proving that AI isn't just about writing essays or generating images—it's can improve lives, strengthen industries and build a more innovative South Africa.

<p>Artificial intelligence is often portrayed as a threat to jobs or a tool that&nbsp;makes life more convenient. But a new generation of South African&nbsp;innovators is proving that AI can also be a powerful force for good.&nbsp;Tonight, we spotlight two remarkable young professionals whose work&nbsp;is changing lives in very different ways. One is an Eastern Cape&nbsp;computer science student who transformed his love for his blind&nbsp;grandmother into an award-winning invention&mdash;AI-powered smart&nbsp;glasses that recognise faces, identify objects, read text aloud and help&nbsp;visually impaired people navigate the world with greater confidence&nbsp;and independence. His innovation has demonstrated how technology&nbsp;can restore dignity and improve accessibility for thousands of South&nbsp;Africans living with visual impairments.&nbsp;Joining him is Sanel'Ekhaya, founder of PROXICOM (Pty) Ltd, whose&nbsp;engineering consultancy is embracing artificial intelligence to&nbsp;modernise South Africa's mining sector. By integrating AI into&nbsp;engineering consultancy, quality assurance and technical inspection&nbsp;services, his company is helping clients make faster, data-driven&nbsp;decisions, improve project quality, strengthen compliance and enhance&nbsp;safety across mining operations. Together, these young professionals&nbsp;represent a new generation of problem-solvers who are proving that AI&nbsp;isn't just about writing essays or generating images&mdash;it's can improve&nbsp;lives, strengthen industries and build a more innovative South Africa.</p>

<p>METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope </p>