Mancosa School of Education academic programme leader Dr Stephan van der Westhuizen highlights the unique advantages of human interaction in the classroom.
"Teachers offer empathy, emotional support, and real-time adaptability that AI currently cannot match," he explains. This ability to respond to students' emotional cues, tailor teaching strategies on the spot, and foster an inclusive environment makes human-based education indispensable.
Dr. Van der Westhuizen emphasises that teachers also nurture critical thinking, creativity, and social behaviours—skills that AI struggles to instil.
"Teachers excel in fostering abstract thought, navigating sensitive topics, and mentoring students, helping them develop crucial life skills like teamwork and conflict resolution," he adds. These are elements that technology, while efficient in other areas, cannot replicate.
Mancosa Registrar Duncan Park acknowledges the potential of AI to improve operational efficiency and offer personalised learning pathways. However, he stresses that this should not come at the expense of the human element.
"AI can analyse student data and enhance teaching strategies, but it lacks the emotional intelligence that teachers bring to education. The human connection remains essential for holistic student development," says Park.
He said the challenge in South Africa is even greater, where unequal access to technology across schools can deepen the educational divide.
Park warns that well-resourced schools adopting AI tools could exacerbate existing inequalities, leaving underprivileged schools further behind. This disparity makes it critical to ensure that technology enhances rather than undermines equitable education.
As the world increasingly embraces tech-led models, Mancosa says it remains committed to promoting human-centred education.
With a strong focus on serving historically disadvantaged communities, the institution says it strives to create an educational system that balances innovation with inclusivity.
The Mercury