Page 25 - IFV Issue 8 August 2024

Book Reviews

African Artificial Intelligence
BY DR MARK NASILA
Artificial intelligence (AI) is upending tracing the rise of AI and its evolution into
life, work, and play as we know it and it’s the emerging technology underpinning
only just getting started. The rise of AI all others – from connected devices and
is a milestone on par with the discovery smart chatbots to the metaverse. Mark
of fire, the invention of the wheel, and combines unexpected use cases and tales
the creation of the internet. In short, AI of cutting-edge innovation with a unique
is going to change everything. For some, and potent argument: harnessing AI to
that’s an exciting prospect. For others, solve Africa’s problems requires embracing
it’s terrifying. However, you feel about AI, it from an African perspective. African
there’s no escaping it, whether you’re in nations can’t afford to simply import AI
a global metropolis or a farmer in rural solutions from afar.
KwaZulu-Natal. Instead, Mark contends, they need to
Dr Mark Nasila has been watching AI’s rework, remix, and refine AI so it’s able
ascent for over a decade, studying its them to his role at one of South Africa’s to meet uniquely African challenges
effects on everything from agriculture most successful financial institutions, in uniquely African ways, and to take
and aviation to healthcare, education, First National Bank, a division of FirstRand advantage of the once-in-a-generation
entertainment, crime prevention, energy Group. opportunities.
management, policy creation, finance, African Artificial Intelligence is a
and anything in between, and applying comprehensive and fascinating journey, Price: R360.00

Veld, The Gardens
and Landscapes of
Patrick Watson
BY GARRETH VAN NIEKERK
Patrick Watson is currently
South Africa’s most
innovative and versatile
landscape architect. Known
for designing extensive
mega-sites, such as Sun City
and an entire Indian Ocean
Island, he is also the creator
of exquisite small home
gardens and quiet spaces
Tiger, Tiger for restoration such as at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. A highly
BY JAMES PETTERSON sought-after designer, he has created over 200 gardens in Africa and many
How did Tiger Woods become the greatest of all others elsewhere.
time? He seldom works from carefully drawn plans, instead combining artistic
And how did he fall so spectacularly? intuition with extensive botanical knowledge and a deep concern for the
Before the age of twenty-five, Tiger Woods had risen conservation and restoration of nature. His projects are creative, fresh with
to phenomenon status: twice named Sportsman of inspiration, and often bold, and he uses mostly indigenous plants, colours,
the Year by Sports Illustrated, champion of more than landforms and space to create visual and emotional experiences.
thirty professional tournaments and the youngest Covering 23 gardens and landscapes, and richly supported by exquisite
player to win all four Grand Slam tournaments. photographs and specially commissioned artworks, Veld is a beautiful
Tiger, Tiger taps into the transformative moments tribute to a remarkable talent and visionary whose work is deeply informed
of Wood’s life, revealing in vivid, dramatic scenes by nature. It recognises and celebrates the combination of knowledge, skill
what he saw and felt on the course and in his inner and instinct that make up the man, and the radical influence he has had on
life. his profession, and the landscapes he has restored.
Price: R380.00 Price: R650.00

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