13/10/2025
📚🦾🤖 Court rules that Zakes Mda's books were used in AI training without permission, resulting in an R27. 5 billion victory https://share.google/dfIKX6w7tCEcyYS7o
🚨📚 AI & Creativity: A Wake-Up Call for South African Authors! 🤖🦾
The recent court ruling in favor of Zakes Mda, awarding him R27.5 billion after his books were used in AI training without his permission, is a groundbreaking moment for all creatives in Africa.
This victory highlights both the power and the danger of Artificial Intelligence.
✅ The Good: AI can amplify creativity, open access to global platforms, and preserve our languages and stories for future generations.
⚠️ The Bad: Without proper regulation, it can also exploit African intellectual property, using our art, words, and ideas without recognition or compensation.
Let this serve as a reminder — AI must empower, not exploit.
African creators deserve respect, royalties, and representation in the digital future.
Celebrated South African novelist Zakes Mda is among dozens of international authors who have won a R27. 5 billion settlement in a major US class action lawsuit against AI company Anthropic.