The move back towards genuine student expression in higher education
South African universities are deactivating automated detection tools to prioritise authentic student voices and critical thinking in the classroom.
As the University of Cape Town's academic semester unfolds in 2026, Dr Philip Broster, a lecturer at the School of Management Studies, is part of a global wave of educators who are opting to disable automated text detection software. Dr Broster recognizes that authentic expression is inherently flawed and unique, making it relatively easy to spot when a student has outsourced their thoughts to AI writing software.
While some students rely almost entirely on these tools, detection becomes nearly impossible when they use them effectively. Brad Latilla Campbell, the Country Manager for Crimson Education, echoes this sentiment, stating that admissions teams are abandoning detection software in favor of human judgment. In international admissions, patterns emerge quickly when officers review multiple applications.
While software can be useful for researching universities or testing ideas, excessive reliance on it can undermine the writing process. UCT recently abandoned its primary detection tool, Turnitin, due to reliability issues in October 2025. The software struggled to keep up with advancements in AI writing, incorrectly flagging genuine student essays while allowing automated text to slip through.
Stellenbosch University has also discontinued its automated text detection functionality, with senior advisor Dr Hanelie Adendorff describing reliance on such tools as counterproductive to a learning-centered approach. Instead, institutions are focusing on teaching digital ethics rather than using algorithmic policing. Dr Broster has integrated the ethical and practical use of these tools into his curriculum, emphasizing personal storytelling, which automated tools struggle to generate substance for but excel at polishing genuine narratives.
He requires students to demonstrate their iterative use of the software, placing greater emphasis on in-person tests and exams to ensure critical engagement. By prioritizing personal narrative, transparent effort, and direct engagement, universities are reaffirming that learning cannot be measured solely by surface-level perfection.
Across local universities and global admissions boards, AI can aid in research and refining writing, but it cannot replace authentic thought or genuine character.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
