Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
LEARNERS from across Manicaland have been urged to become responsible digital citizens by protecting themselves against cybercrime and using Artificial Intelligence (AI) ethically as Zimbabwe accelerates its transition towards a technology-driven future.
The call was made yesterday (Thursday) during the second Zimpapers Manicaland High Schools Cybersecurity Conference held at Marymount Teachers’ College in Mutare, where hundreds of learners from schools across the province attended presentations focusing on safe internet use, AI and emerging digital opportunities.
Held under the theme: “Innovate, Industrialise and create Employment with AI”, the conference underscored the growing need for cybersecurity awareness among young internet users at a time when AI is becoming increasingly integrated into education, business and everyday life. Speaking at the event, NetOne regional manager, Mr Willard Mazanhi, described AI and cybersecurity as inseparable pillars of the country’s digital transformation and challenged learners to see themselves as future innovators capable of developing home-grown technological solutions.
“You are the generation that will build Zimbabwe’s AI ecosystem. Some of you will become software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, robotics experts, data scientists and digital entrepreneurs,” he said.
Mr Mazanhi said the conference was designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills required to use technology responsibly, while positioning themselves to take advantage of opportunities in the rapidly expanding digital economy.
“The presenters spoke about the opportunities that AI brings, but they also highlighted its downside. AI can help detect fraud, identify cyber-attacks before they happen, secure networks and protect customer information in real time. However, the same technology can be abused through phishing, identity theft, deepfakes and increasingly sophisticated forms of cybercrime,” he said.
He added that NetOne is investing in intelligent technologies to enhance network security and protect customers from emerging digital threats.
Opening the conference, Zimpapers cybersecurity manager, Mr Wellington Mudzuka, warned that while AI offers enormous potential, it also exposes users to new risks if used carelessly.
“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 cautioned learners against blindly trusting information generated by AI platforms, noting that such tools are not always accurate.
“It can make mistakes. It can sound confident even when it is wrong. It can repeat false information. That is why you must always check, correct, edit and take responsibility for the final answer,” he said.
He urged learners to cultivate critical thinking skills and use AI as a tool to support learning rather than a substitute for independent thought and judgement.
Mr Mudzuka also outlined practical measures learners can adopt to safeguard themselves online, including using strong passwords, protecting personal information, verifying suspicious messages and exercising caution when interacting with AI platforms.
“Do not put private information, passwords, examination answers, confidential school documents or someone else’s personal information into AI platforms,” he said.
He warned that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting AI technologies to deceive unsuspecting users through scams and misinformation.
“Some may use AI to create fake images, fake voices and fake stories. Think before you click. If you receive strange messages, scholarship offers or free data promotions, ask yourself whether they are genuine. If you are unsure, ask a trusted adult, teacher or parent,” he said.
Mr Mudzuka also reminded schools of their obligation to protect learners’ personal information in compliance with Zimbabwe’s Cyber and Data Protection Act.
“When schools collect learners’ names, addresses, phone numbers and other personal information, that information must be protected. If it is not secured, it can easily be accessed by criminals,” he said.
Throughout the conference, learners actively participated in discussions, answered questions posed by presenters and interacted with technology exhibitions showcasing innovations and digital solutions from various industry players.
The event highlighted the growing importance of digital literacy, responsible AI use and cybersecurity awareness among young people as Zimbabwe embraces the opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
