The BRICS Summit has drawn significant attention in South Africa, with many locals discussing the BRICS New Development Bank. There is a widespread belief that the bank will provide free loans, a myth fueled by the South African government's policies, such as early retirement and social grants. The article suggests that the government should seek support from the New Development Bank to increase social grants to a living wage.

Godfrey Sigwela discusses the potential threat of Artificial Intelligence to South African languages, particularly isiXhosa. He notes that computer programs are already producing incorrect interpretations and spelling errors, which can significantly alter the meaning of words in isiXhosa, unlike minor spelling variations in English. The article suggests that the misuse of language on social networks is contributing to the degradation of both English and isiXhosa, and warns of the possibility that some languages may be lost due to the proliferation of AI tools.

Some South Africans, influenced by fears of artificial intelligence, have discarded their TV sets following the SABC's transition from analogue to digital broadcasting. Misunderstandings about the innovation led to these actions. Despite these fears, which are partly fueled by science fiction, AI is being positively applied in the medical field. The Netcare Group Hospital is using the da Vinci Xi robotic assisted surgery technology, with Netcare Pretoria East Hospital being the first private sector facility in the country to install this system. Patients from the Eastern Cape, including those who have thrown out their TVs, stand to benefit from this advancement. The technology is also available at Netcare Christiaan Barnard Hospital in Cape Town and Netcare Greenacres Hospital in Gqeberha.

AgriSA farmers in South Africa are facing a potential collapse due to load shedding, with estimated losses of R47 billion reported for the previous year. The power cuts are affecting food production, including meat, dairy, fruit, and vegetables, leading to additional costs for diesel to power generators and increased cold storage expenses. Small-scale farmers are particularly at risk of being forced out of business. AgriSA CEO Christo Van der Rheede highlighted the impact on irrigation systems and livestock health, resulting in farmers being unable to sell their produce or having to sell at lower prices. The organization is looking to the new Minister of Electricity for sustainable solutions, with hopes pinned on Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa's recent meetings with senior executives in South Africa's telecommunications sector.

Township entrepreneurs in South Africa are innovating by converting shipping containers and white walls into advertising platforms, creating new opportunities for black entrepreneurs. This trend is particularly visible in Motherwell township, Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, where advertisements for television soapie Durban Gen and vaccination campaigns have attracted attention. This approach to advertising is seen as a potential job creation avenue in response to high unemployment rates.

Mthuthuzeli Swartz, former acting CEO of Prasa, was arrested by the Hawks for alleged fraud and money laundering, involving the false sale of a Transnet railway line. He appeared in Port Elizabeth Magistrates Court, was granted R2,000 bail, and the case was postponed to February 27. Swartz has previously held various positions at Prasa and was removed as acting CEO in April.

Pastor Headman Goduka has been accused by several women from Motherwell, Port Elizabeth, of defrauding them through a pyramid scheme. The women, who invested amounts ranging from R10,000 to R26,000, were promised high returns. On a Saturday morning, they confronted Goduka demanding repayment, which he refused, citing ongoing court cases. The police have advised the women to lay charges.

A six-week-old baby girl was found abandoned in the bush near Walmer kasi, Port Elizabeth. The mother, identified through the baby's medication left at the scene, is believed to be hiding in Addo. The baby was discovered by a couple returning from church and taken to safety. Police are investigating the case and seeking public assistance to locate the mother.

Sassa beneficiaries in Motherwell, Port Elizabeth, were unable to access funds due to their bank cards being rejected at ATMs and by merchants, causing frustration and accusations towards Minister for Social Development Bathabile Dlamini. Sassa Eastern Cape's senior manager for communications, Sandy Godlwana, acknowledged a problem with the MasterCard interface and apologized, assuring a commitment to resolving the issue promptly.