Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
THE second edition of the Zimpapers Manicaland High Schools Cybersecurity Conference has opened at Marymount Teachers’ College, with learners and teachers from high schools across the province converging to explore the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence (AI).
Running under the theme “Innovate, Industrialise and Create Employment with AI”, the conference seeks to equip learners with digital skills while promoting the responsible use of emerging technologies in an increasingly connected world.
Officially welcoming delegates, Zimpapers cybersecurity manager, Mr Wellington Mudzuka urged learners to embrace AI as a tool for innovation while remaining vigilant against cyber threats.
“This conference is about your future, creativity, safety and role in shaping the digital world that Zimbabwe and the world will depend on tomorrow,” said Mr Mudzuka, adding that AI is already transforming everyday life by helping people search for information, analyse data, improve businesses, support farmers and strengthen healthcare systems.
However, he cautioned learners against relying blindly on AI-generated content.
“It can make mistakes. It can sound confident even when it is wrong. That is why you must always check, correct, edit and take responsibility for the final answer. AI should assist your brain, not replace it,” said Mr Mudzuka, stressing that AI and cybersecurity must go hand in hand.
He warned that cybercriminals were increasingly exploiting technology to create scams, fake identities and misinformation.
“If we learn how to use AI, we must also learn how to protect ourselves online. Being smart with AI also means being smart in cyberspace,” he said.
Mr Mudzuka encouraged learners to use the conference to ask questions, engage experts and develop innovative ideas that could create employment and contribute to the industrialisation drive through the responsible application of artificial intelligence.
