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The Mental Health Crisis in South African Higher Education: Is Gen AI a Help or a Hindrance?
Year of Publication : 2026
Language : en
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Abstract (English) : South African universities are facing an escalating mental health crisis among students, placing increasing pressure on already stretched support services. At the same time, AI is rapidly emerging as both a source of concern and a potential tool for support. Can Gen AI help expand access to mental health care, provide early intervention and
reduce barriers to seeking help? Or does it introduce new ethical, psychological and social risks?
The Scholarly Publishing Unit of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) invites you to join South African experts for this AI Lekgotla as they examine the opportunities, limitations and ethical implications of Gen AI-enabled mental health support in higher education.
The discussion explored how some South African universities are harnessing Gen AI while ensuring that technology complements, rather than replaces, human-centred care.
Description : MP4 Video, Size: 440 MB; Duration: 1:53:37
Contributor ORCIDs : Morris, Lynn 
; Ugar, Edmund Terem ; Davids, Charl ; Gradidge, Dalray ; Kirkcaldy, Hanlé ; Kayser, Naythan ; Veldsman, Susan
; Ugar, Edmund Terem ; Davids, Charl ; Gradidge, Dalray ; Kirkcaldy, Hanlé ; Kayser, Naythan ; Veldsman, Susan Publisher : Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
Citation : Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), (2019). The Mental Health Crisis in South African Higher Education: Is Gen AI a Help or a Hindrance? [Online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YNa3f_CYa0
Sponsorship : Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
Peer Review Status : Non-Peer Reviewed
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