WRAP | News24 On the Record: What does South Africa's future look like?

ON THE RECORD | Opposition expects a changing of the guard, but the ANC says, 'trust us'

While there seems to be a general expectation that change is in the air come next year's elections, driven by the governing party's failures, there is one dissident: The ANC.

White, Loubscher and Xabanisa share their predictions for the tournament before closing off the panel.

- Qama Qukula

He says SA Rugby needs the budget to secure the best players in the game.

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White says coach-captain relations are a key part of building a stronger team.

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On Rassie Erasmus' plans and the future of the squad, Xabanisa says SA might see one of the Springboks assistant coaches promoted to the top coaching job.

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On transformation, Xabanisa says, "I don't think it gets bigger than bringing the country its first black captain."

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Looking at the legacy of Bok coach Jacques Nienaber, who leaves his post at the end of the tournament,  Xabanisa says it's important to reflect on the growth displayed by the team, transformation within the team, and the depth they've displayed.

- Qama Qukula

Loubscher says the Bok squad has depth and versatility. "We can basically, on the day, pick any team."

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Loubscher says it will also be important to focus on experience and depth when choosing the starting line up.

- Qama Qukula

Getting into Bok selection, White says Bok management will have to find a place for young emerging talent, mentioning the likes of Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie.

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White interjects with another jab "And sometimes you can win the World Cup and lose your job", he jests.

- Qama Qukula

"When you have a World Cup [title], you almost have a duty of care to showcase the best of the game. That's where the challenge is" - Xabanisa

- Qama Qukula

White says the pressure of this World Cup is different from others in the past because tries, bonus points, and points difference will not be the leading factors.

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White adds: "Manie Libbok has a lot of pressure because I think goal kicking is going to win this cup".

- Qama Qukula

How strong are SA's goal-kicking abilities? Loubscher says Handrè Pollard has proven that he's capable, but it could be tough for the Boks during the tournament.

- Qama Qukula

White says refs are going to take a hard line on awarding penalties, and it will affect how teams, including the Boks, play the game.

"This is the turning point of the next rugby cycle."

- Qama Qukula

White jokes that he's not allowed to talk about referees, or he'll lose his job. He continues to talk about the divisive interpretation of rugby laws.

- Qama Qukula

"I can't foresee that we'll maul 10 metres and get a penalty..." he warns.

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White anticipates that referees will be a lot more tough on the South African side this time around.

Then it "will become a completely different contest," he says.

- Qama Qukula

Loubscher says the Boks will have to dominate up front and focus on gaining the advantage from the beginning of each encounter.

- Qama Qukula

"The reality is that we are not going to get the same love as in 2019," says White on the divisive penalty issue.

He says what happened in the game against All Blacks was "an outlier result".

- Qama Qukula

White says the idea of fan favourites often breeds resentment and animosity in the competition.

He's dismissed the idea that there is an anti-South Africa sentiment in the lead-up to the Cup.

"It's the nature of the beast."

- Qama Qukula

White comments on the popularity of the Springboks.

"Any team that is number one in the world has a target on its back. The Boks are world champions, but whether we like it or not, there will be favourites. I think people like to see an underdog win."

- Qama Qukula

Xabanisa says South Africa hasn't always been a "favourite" in the game. But he says a lot of the recent noise around the Boks, after they beat News Zealand last week, is because they have shown that they still have a fighting chance at keeping the World Cup title.

"A lot of the noise comes from the idea that the Boks might be able to do it again."

- Qama Qukula

Loubscher says it's important for the Bok squad to be as prepared as possible going into the global showpiece.

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White says the format of the tournament is very unique and leaves a lot of room for unexpected outcomes.

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Burnard leads the discussion by saying this is the most open World Cup in a very long time. And Jake White agrees.

"They way the draw is now, anyone can win it."

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We are now on the last panel discussion of the day. What curveballs should the Springboks anticipate going into their World Cup title defence in France? News24 Sport editor Lloyd Burnard discusses all things Rugby World Cup with News24 colleague Simnikiwe Xabanisa , former Bok coach Jake White and ex-Springbok fullback Ricardo Loubscher.

- Qama Qukula

(Photo by Kelly Anderson/News24)

Saville says while SA is still far behind in terms of education, he a lack of economic investment is a much more pressing obstacle to improving the country's tech capacity.

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When it comes to preparing children for the tech future, Goba believes that it's still necessary to uplift young girls.

"As far as tech is concerned we must focus on the girl child, but we mustn't leave the boy child behind."

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Chang talks about some of the trends emerging in the virtual space, mentioning the trend involving NPC streamers mimicking video game characters on TikTok, among others.

"There are some worrying indicators that we are tracking already."

"The kids will be alright because they are the ones who are very adept at moving in and out of the virtual world", says Chang.

- Qama Qukula

Are bank branches becoming obsolete? Thomas says he'd be happy to let go of costly bank branches, but the sector still needs brick-and-mortar facilities to process cash. He notes, however, that the nature of bank branches has evolved with technology.

- Qama Qukula

Thomas says the use of AI in the banking sector can be achieved, but he says there is a counterargument that consumers globally are seeking hyper-personalisation.

- Qama Qukula

He says he remains cautious about where AI is headed, adding that  "For the moment, humans still trump AI in terms of creativity."

- Qama Qukula

Chang talks about the emergence of "prompt engineers" in the AI ecosystem and says this is one example of "jobs of the future."

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Chang says South Africa's education model needs to change.

He adds that generative AI is moving at an accelerated pace, but "it depends on what is existing and what is out there."

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Ahmed shifts to the discussion of the advent of AI tools like Midjourney and ChatGPT, asking if artificial intelligence has left any room for human creativity.

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She adds that tech education needs to extend beyond the classroom and include all generations of South Africans.

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Goba says it's not possible to spark digital curiosity among South Africa's children without proper resources in the country's schools.

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Talking about tech and data advancements, Saville says the biggest societal disruptions already took place decades ago, citing examples in the medical field and other sectors.

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Ciko Thomas, Nedbank's Group Managing Executive for Retail and Business Banking, is also part of the panel discussion. He talks about the adoption of the fintech sector among SA's youth and why technology is shaping levels of trust across the globe.

"Tech is going to be a big factor in terms of where trust is happening."

- Qama Quluka

(Photo by Ditiro Selepe/News24)

Chang talks about the country's ability to adapt to change and every new black swan event bringing with it the threat of doom. He says he's had enough of people calling South Africans "resilient", describing the term as an insult.

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(Photo by Ditiro Selepe/News24)

Goba, the founder of 4IR Innovations and Ososayensi Education Advancement, says tech advancements are going to keep moving forward, and it's time for SA to catch up.

"It's time for South Africa to get on the train." She stresses the importance of encouraging curiosity in children and becoming a nation that prioritises continuous learning.

- Qama Qukula

(Photo by Ditiro Selepe/News24)