As the media landscape undergoes a rapid digital transformation, Minenhle Dlamini, Managing Director of Gagasi FM, is set to share pivotal insights at the upcoming OTT Content Streaming Summit – Africa 2026, taking place from February 24–25 at the Capital 15 On Orange, Cape Town, South Africa, on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is bridging the gap between creative storytelling and commercial viability.
Dlamini, a seasoned leader in South African broadcasting, highlights that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a practical necessity for media houses and independent creators alike. In an era of shifting audience metrics, she emphasises that AI has become a cornerstone for maintaining operational excellence and driving the “science of visibility” for African content.
With traditional radio measurements facing recent gaps, Gagasi FM has leveraged AI to maintain a competitive edge. Dlamini explains that AI has significantly improved how the station measures sentiment, share of voice, and owned media across digital platforms. This technology has been pivotal in first-party data collection and analysis, helping the station make informed decisions for both its internal operations and its clients during periods when traditional data was unavailable.
For many African creators, the barrier to entry is often time and technical complexity. Dlamini identifies a practical toolkit that allows creators to scale their work without feeling overwhelmed. She notes that ChatGPT serves as a vital partner for copywriters to overcome writer’s block in high-pressure environments, while CapCut has streamlined video production through automated transcription and subtitling. Furthermore, tools like Google AI Studio are breaking language barriers by translating content from English to local languages such as isiZulu, allowing stories to resonate across broader demographics.
Looking forward, Dlamini notes that AI’s ability to reduce hard costs is a game-changer for independent storytellers. By utilising AI for voice-overs in long-form content such as documentaries, creators can bypass the expensive, time-consuming process of studio sessions and multiple takes.
However, Dlamini remains candid about the industry’s evolution. While AI offers cost-saving benefits, it also raises complex questions about the traditional roles of voice-over artists. Her message to the industry is clear: AI should be used for efficiency, while humans remain the primary source of creative value.
At the heart of Dlamini’s participation in the OTT Content Streaming Summit – Africa 2026 is a focus on problem-solving. She hopes fellow participants will leave understanding that AI is a tool to enhance productivity, not a replacement for the unique creative spark that defines African storytelling. She maintains that while AI brings the necessary efficiency to deliver content, it is the people who must continue to create the underlying value.
Gagasi FM is a leading regional commercial radio station in South Africa, broadcasting a mix of contemporary music and talk content that resonates with the vibrant culture of KwaZulu-Natal.
The 6th annual summit, hosted by the SABC and convened by Broadcast Media Africa (BMA), brings together industry leaders to explore the future of digital content delivery, monetisation, and the integration of AI within the African media ecosystem.
