Johannesburg — In a powerful and wide-ranging interview on Yvonne Katsande Live, journalist and broadcaster Yvonne Katsande sat down with Professor Arthur G.O. Mutambara, former Deputy Prime Minister of Zimbabwe and current Director at the Institute for the Future of Knowledge, to unpack the ethical, political, and existential dimensions of artificial intelligence (AI).

The conversation, titled “How Far Is Too Far?”, confronts one of the most urgent questions of our time: Can AI be both a force for good and a threat to humanity? Prof. Mutambara doesn’t shy away from difficult answers.

“AI is not just code. It is power. It can liberate or enslave depending on who is in control,” he warned.

Watch the Full Interview Below

Technology in the Wrong Hands: A Double-Edged Sword

In one of the most striking moments of the interview, Prof. Mutambara reminds viewers that technology is never neutral. He describes AI as a double-edged sword holding transformative potential for social good, but also immense danger when misused.

“We must never forget that AI is a tool and like any powerful tool, it can build or destroy. The question is: who holds the handle?” he said.

Katsande expanded the conversation into critical territory, asking:

• Who really controls emerging technologies?

• Are global institutions enabling justice or preventing it?

• What role do African nations play in shaping the ethics and direction of AI?

The discussion touched on AI’s potential to uplift marginalized communities, revolutionize healthcare, and transform education but also on the risks of digital surveillance, algorithmic bias, and economic exclusion.

“We talk about innovation as liberation,”Yvonne Katsande noted. “But who gets to innovate and who gets silenced?”

Mutambara emphasized that AI is now central to geopolitics, comparing it to nuclear power in its global significance. He warned that without ethical oversight, AI could become a tool of oppression rather than empowerment.

“If we are not the creators or the regulators,” he said, “we become the experimented.”

Geopolitics, Inequality, and the Future of Knowledge

Much of the conversation focused on the geopolitical race for AI dominance. Mutambara expressed concern that Africa risks being left behind, both in infrastructure and in influence, unless it takes bold, coordinated steps. The dialogue also challenged common narratives that paint AI as a purely commercial or academic concern. Instead, Yvonne Katsande and Arthur Mutambara reframed it as a struggle for human agency and fairness in a world of accelerating automation.

Qingdao — China hosted high-level defence talks this week with key members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), welcoming top military officials from Russia, Iran, India, and Pakistan as the group seeks to present itself as a stabilizing force in a rapidly polarizing global security landscape.

Held in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao, the SCO defence summit was chaired by Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun, who called for “fairness, unity, and strategic trust” among regional powers. The meeting came just days after the NATO summit in The Hague, where Western leaders committed to expanded military budgets and deeper Indo-Pacific engagement moves that Beijing has long viewed with suspicion.

Russia Warns of “Mercenary Flood” in Europe

In one of the summit’s most pointed remarks, newly appointed Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov accused the West of escalating the Ukraine conflict through what he termed the “flooding” of the region with weapons and foreign mercenaries.

“The increased militarization of Ukraine by NATO countries is not only prolonging the conflict but destabilizing all of Europe,” Belousov said, warning that continued escalation could have “long-term global consequences.”

Russia’s participation in the summit underscores its pivot toward Asia amid growing isolation in the West, with the SCO providing Moscow a diplomatic and security platform outside of NATO-dominated arenas.

India Pushes Counterterrorism Amid Regional Tensions

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh used the forum to press for stronger counterterrorism coordination, referencing a recent militant attack in Kashmir that left at least 12 soldiers dead. Singh attributed the assault to Pakistan-based groups and urged SCO partners to adopt a “zero-tolerance policy” toward terrorism.

“Terrorism in any form, backed or harbored by state or non-state actors, remains the single most serious threat to peace and stability in our region,” Singh said during his remarks.

The Indian delegation’s firm tone highlighted ongoing tensions with Pakistan, which also attended the summit. While Islamabad did not issue a direct response, its representatives reiterated a call for “cooperative security frameworks” and respect for sovereignty.

China Seeks to Lead Alternative Security Vision

China, the rotating host of the 2025 SCO cycle, used the summit to position the organization as a counterweight to Western-led military alliances, particularly NATO. Minister Dong Jun stressed that the SCO stands for “non-aligned, non-confrontational, and inclusive security cooperation” and pledged to deepen defence ties across member states.

“The world is not governed by one bloc’s rules or interests,” Dong said. “The SCO promotes fairness, multilateralism, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.”

Analysts say China is increasingly leveraging the SCO to build a coalition of like-minded powers opposed to what they see as U.S.-dominated global institutions.

SCO’s Expanding Influence

Founded in 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation now includes nine full members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. With observer states such as Belarus and dialogue partners like Turkey and Saudi Arabia, the SCO’s security footprint continues to grow, particularly in Central Asia.

This year’s summit focused on joint border security drills, intelligence sharing, cybersecurity defense, and preventing regional spillover from Middle Eastern and Eastern European conflicts.

As tensions grow between NATO and non-Western powers, the Qingdao summit marks a renewed effort by China to promote a “multipolar security order” that contrasts with what it describes as Western militarism.

Honiara — Australia has announced a $20 million support package for the Solomon Islands ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders’ summit set to take place in September. The aid package, unveiled by Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, during an official visit to Honiara, underscores Canberra’s ongoing commitment to regional stability and cooperation amid intensifying geopolitical competition in the Pacific.

The multi-faceted assistance includes a fleet of logistical vehicles, enhanced cybersecurity infrastructure, and expanded aerial surveillance operations aimed at combating illegal fishing in Pacific waters.

“This support demonstrates Australia’s dedication to a stable, secure, and prosperous Pacific,” Minister Conroy said in a press briefing. “We want to ensure that Solomon Islands can host a successful and safe summit while enhancing its long-term national capabilities.”

Support Comes Amid Rising Regional Tensions

The aid announcement comes at a time when the Solomon Islands is under growing international scrutiny for its increasing engagement with China, including a controversial security pact signed in 2022. Western allies, including the U.S. and Australia, have expressed concern that Chinese influence could shift the region’s delicate balance of power.

Australia’s support package is seen by analysts as both a logistical contribution and a strategic move to reaffirm its role as a key regional partner.

“This is as much about optics and reassurance as it is about aid,” said Dr. Amelia Rika, a Pacific security expert at the Lowy Institute. “Canberra wants to be visibly present and helpful as Chinese interests grow more entrenched in Honiara.”

Cybersecurity and Surveillance Focus

A significant portion of the $20 million is earmarked for cybersecurity cooperation, reflecting heightened concern over digital infrastructure vulnerabilities across Pacific nations. In addition, Australia will provide expanded aerial surveillance patrols to help the Solomon Islands and neighboring nations monitor and deter illegal fishing activities, which cost Pacific economies billions in lost revenue annually.

The Australian Defence Force and Maritime Border Command are expected to coordinate closely with local authorities to execute these initiatives in the lead-up to the September summit.

Pacific Islands Forum: A Key Diplomatic Stage

The 2025 Pacific Islands Forum is expected to draw leaders from across Oceania, as well as observers from major global powers. With growing international attention on the Pacific’s strategic importance, this year’s summit is being described as one of the most politically significant in the Forum’s history.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has welcomed Australia’s support, calling it “a positive step in fostering regional unity and cooperation.”

As the Pacific becomes an increasingly contested space for global powers, Australia’s latest move signals a clear intent to counterbalance foreign influence through engagement, investment, and security partnerships.

“The Pacific must remain a zone of peace,” Conroy emphasized. “We are working with partners to make sure that happens.”

Beijing — China has issued a stern rebuke of NATO’s growing attention to Asia, accusing the alliance of exaggerating Beijing’s military development to justify increased global militarization. The criticism follows remarks by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who voiced “serious concern” over China’s military buildup during a recent security forum in Brussels.

Speaking at a regular press briefing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun pushed back sharply against Rutte’s statements, calling them “irresponsible” and “politically motivated.” He accused NATO of attempting to insert itself into the Asia-Pacific region under the pretext of security cooperation.

“Certain NATO officials are using China’s normal national defense development as an excuse to expand their influence eastward,” Guo said. “This Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation are not conducive to peace, stability, or mutual trust in the Asia-Pacific.”

Defense Within Sovereign Rights, Says China

Guo emphasized that China’s military posture is entirely defensive in nature and consistent with its sovereign rights. He warned that foreign attempts to paint China as a global threat were both misleading and dangerous.

“China’s defense policy is transparent, restrained, and entirely within our rights as a sovereign state. Hyping up the so-called ‘China threat’ will only erode mutual trust and increase the risk of miscalculation,” Guo added.

Beijing has long expressed concern over NATO’s outreach to U.S. allies in East Asia, including Japan, South Korea, and Australia. In recent years, NATO has held more joint drills and strategic dialogues in the Indo-Pacific region, raising alarms in Beijing about Western encirclement.

China Denies Arms Transfers in Ukraine Conflict

Addressing speculation that China has been supplying weapons to Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine war, Guo categorically denied the claims, reiterating that China “has not and will not provide weapons to any party involved in the conflict.”

This comes amid increasing pressure from Western nations, including the U.S. and EU, urging China to remain neutral and refrain from supporting Russia’s war efforts directly or indirectly.

Guo warned that repeated allegations against China, especially without evidence, only deepen divisions and obstruct diplomatic efforts to bring about peace.

NATO’s Global Role Questioned

Analysts say China’s latest remarks reflect growing resistance to NATO’s expanding role outside of its traditional Euro-Atlantic sphere. Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, NATO has intensified its rhetoric on China, labeling it a “systemic challenge” in its 2023 Strategic Concept a move that Beijing continues to oppose.

“NATO should focus on its original mandate and not interfere in Asia-Pacific affairs,” Guo said. “China will firmly safeguard its sovereignty and national security, regardless of foreign pressure or distortion.”

Regional Implications

China’s response comes amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and broader U.S.-China relations. The war of words with NATO adds yet another layer to the geopolitical friction simmering across multiple regions.

As global alliances shift and military posturing intensifies, Beijing has increasingly positioned itself as a critic of Western-led coalitions, framing them as relics of Cold War-era thinking.

Tehran — For the first time since the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has spoken publicly, sharply criticizing the United States and dismissing the effectiveness of recent Western-led military operations. In a televised address broadcast across Iranian state media on Wednesday night, Khamenei said that “the enemies of Iran, led by the U.S., have achieved nothing of value from their aggression.”

Khamenei’s comments come in the aftermath of a violent 12-day escalation between Israel and Iran, which saw missile exchanges, cyberattacks, and limited strikes on strategic infrastructure, including what U.S. officials claimed were Iranian nuclear development sites.

“The strikes on our nuclear and military sites were political theater loud but empty,” Khamenei stated. “The United States and its Zionist ally wanted to intimidate us, but instead, they have only exposed their desperation.”

U.S. Operation Faces Scrutiny

According to reports from Washington, the U.S. had coordinated with Israel during several precision strikes intended to “degrade Iran’s nuclear capabilities and deter future aggression.” However, satellite imagery and independent nuclear watchdogs have not confirmed any substantial damage to Iran’s major facilities in Natanz or Fordow.

U.S. Defense Department officials have remained tight-lipped following Khamenei’s remarks, but a Pentagon spokesperson earlier this week claimed that the mission was “limited and successful in its objectives.” The White House has not yet issued a formal response to the Iranian leader’s statements.

Ceasefire Holds Amid Fragile Tensions

The ceasefire, brokered with the assistance of European intermediaries and Qatar, has largely held over the past 48 hours. Regional analysts, however, warn that the situation remains volatile. Israel’s Prime Minister Yoav Gallant has stated that “any breach or provocation will be met with overwhelming response.”

On the Iranian side, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) remains on alert, with military units still stationed near key border areas and strategic oil ports.

Internal Messaging and Regional Impact

Khamenei’s speech also served a domestic function. With rising economic pressure and public unrest within Iran over fuel prices and internet blackouts during the conflict, the Supreme Leader sought to reassure the population of the state’s resilience.

“Let the people know: our enemies failed not only militarily but morally. The resistance of the Iranian nation stands firm,” he declared.

Experts suggest Khamenei’s timing was calculated delivering his address after the fighting had ended, but before public sentiment could fully shift toward criticism of the government’s handling of the crisis.

The recent conflict has drawn international attention, reigniting fears over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the potential for a broader Middle Eastern war. The United Nations has called for a full investigation into potential violations of international law on both sides of the conflict.