This week, a heavy cloud fell over South Africa. What began as a normal school day ended in tragedy when a taxi and a truck collided on the road. In that single moment, fourteen young lives were lost, children who left home expecting to return, but never did.
According to eNCA, the Gauteng Department of Education has strongly condemned the sharing of a fake AI-generated image that was falsely presented as showing the victims of the Vanderbijlpark crash. The image, which has been widely shared on social media, shows 11 children alongside a message “in loving memory of 13 learners who died in the taxi crash in Vanderbijlpark, Sebokeng.”
This act has added pain to already grieving families and communities, turning a moment of national sorrow into one of deep concern about respect, truth, and compassion during times of loss.
The misuse of Artificial Intelligence during a time of deep grief has caused even more pain. Instead of helping people understand the tragedy or show respect, the fake image confused the public and hurt the families who were already suffering. Seeing false pictures shared online made the loss feel heavier, as it spread incorrect information and ignored the real pain of those affected.
Artificial Intelligence is a powerful tool. It can be used to educate, inform, and support people. However, when it is used without care, honesty, or compassion, it can cause serious harm. In moments like this, sharing fake images for attention or clicks shows a lack of respect for human life and dignity.
This tragedy reminds us that technology should never come before humanity. When lives are lost, especially the lives of children, truth matters. Respect matters. AI must be used responsibly, with sensitivity and care, so that it does not add to the suffering of families and communities who are already grieving.
Source: https://www.enca.com/news/its-fake-gauteng-education-slams-viral-image-vaal-crash-victims
