She’s back: Ndabeni-Abrahams to deliver keynote speech at global summit

Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams is set to deliver a keynote address at the 2020 Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Good Global Summit on Thursday 18 June. 

The minister, recently in hot water for breaking lockdown regulations, will deliver her address under the theme AI-driving digital divides and the future of African economies.

NDABENI-ABRAHAMS TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS 

Artificial Intelligence for Good is the leading United Nations platform for global and inclusive dialogue on AI and is organised by The International Telecommunication Union. Ndabeni-Abrahams, set to deliver the keynote address, was recently in the spotlight — in a bad way — for breaking lockdown regulations. The minister was placed on special leave for two months, one of which was unpaid. 

Despite the mishap, more than two months ago now, she’s been given a sterling opportunity to do things right.

This summit comes as many countries are developing AI strategies to bridge digital divides and to remain competitive in the global economy. The webinar will explore Africa’s varying AI strategies as well as their impact on the continent’s economic growth.  

Apart from Ndabeni-Abrahams speech, the panellists will provide regional success stories that explain the opportunities and challenges in deploying these strategies, with discussions on what their impact will be on the future of AI in Africa.

The webinar will take place from 16:00 – 17:30 on Thursday. Find the link for the registration and programme here.

PUNISHED FOR BREAKING LOCKDOWN REGULATIONS 

The controversy started when Ndabeni-Abrahams was photographed enjoying lunch with a friend during South Africa’s lockdown period. The friend was former deputy higher education minister, Mduduzi Manana. 

The photo made the rounds on social media and naturally, South Africans were fuming due to the fact that they had to remain indoors and take certain daily precautions but ministers seemingly got preferential treatment. President Cyril Ramaphosa soon had no choice but to intervene and discipline her for going against the lockdown regulations. 

On Wednesday 8 April, Ramaphosa ordered Ndabeni-Abrahams to be placed on special leave for two months, stipulating that one month would be unpaid. Although he forgave her for her actions, he instructed her to issue a nationwide apology which she later executed. 

Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu replaced her as communications minister during the two month period.