Brains Over Bots: UNISA Wins Debate with a Human-Centred Look at AI's Impact

Photo Credit: Unisa Library via Facebook

Is AI our future, or our downfall? This pressing question was at the heart of a heated debate between UNISA and UJ, where a team of UNISA debaters showcased the power of critical thinking in our fast-advancing digital world, emerging victorious!

Johannesburg, South Africa (22 August 2025) – Knowledge is power, and in a world increasingly shaped by advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics, being well-informed, exercising our own judgment, and thinking critically remains a priority, if not of key importance.

This point was brought to the forefront by the UNISA Library Book Club in a spirited debate against the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Library Book Club on Friday, 8 August.

Hosted at UJ’s Auckland Park campus, the event brought together young thinkers to tackle some of the most urgent questions shaping the 21st century.

UNISA’s five-member team showcased keen analytical skills and confident delivery with its Book Club Chairperson, Boitumelo Thubane, leading the debate with the provocative question: “Are humans gradually rendered obsolete by AI and the robust technological emergence of robotics? Or is this just a myth?”

Mashudu Ravele, who was placed second in the individual rankings, called for taking the initiative to prepare for technological change, stressing the need for skills development and the use of AI to empower people.

Chimangadzo Lambani addressed misconceptions, with the suggestion to approach AI with facts, not fears and not as something that is eliminating work, but transforming it.

Sibani Zungu tackled the economic debate over a basic income grant, urging focus on “reskilling, re-education, digital literacy, entrepreneurship and training for the use of AI”.

The UJ debaters brought equally thought-provoking counterarguments, questioning the feasibility of large-scale retraining and highlighting the risks of AI adoption in countries with limited infrastructure. Their ability to challenge and probe the UNISA debaters’ positions kept the contest competitive to the end.

The contest was tight, but UNISA’s team secured the win under the theme “The Societal Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics”, with Thamsanqa Nkuna being named “Best Speaker of the Day” for his “paralysing” arguments.

The victory was a point of pride for UNISA, with Professor Mpho Ngoepe, Executive Director of UNISA LIS, celebrating the team as “a bunch of readers and winners!”

The event closed with refreshments and conversation, celebrating the results and the shared commitment to critical thinking, collaboration, and informed public discourse qualities that are essential as technology continues to shape work, education and society.