What You Will Gain in This Foundational Track
-
Clearly Understand
Move past the hype and grasp what Artificial Intelligence truly is and how it's already impacting our lives in South Africa and beyond.
-
Core Knowledge
Learn the essential concepts behind AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) in a simple, accessible way.
-
Practical Skills
Master the vital art of 'prompt engineering'—learning how to communicate effectively with AI to get the best possible results.
-
Confidence & Direction
Gain the confidence to use AI tools effectively and find a clear path for your continued learning with our curated resources.
Your Free AI Launchpad
This foundational track is your ticket to understanding the most transformative technology of our time. We’ve built it for everyone, so whether you're a student with big ideas, an entrepreneur with a hustle, or just curious about the future – you're in exactly the right place. No experience needed, just an open mind!
By the end of this track, you will have the confidence and core knowledge to explore AI's incredible potential in your studies, career, or business. This is your first, most important step.
Master the Fundamentals At Your Own Pace
-
Welcome to AI
CLICK HERELet's kick things off by exploring a collection of elements - you get to guess if they were created by AI or a humans? Answers at the end. Have fun!
-
AI & LLMs 101
CLICK HERETime to get the inside scoop on what makes these tools tick! We’ll simply and clearly explain the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and the 'Large Language Models' (LLMs) that power tools like ChatGPT, Deepseek, Perplexity, Meta AI, to Gemini.
A case study on using AI Podcasts for Immersive Experiences.
-
Essential AI Ethics Component
CLICK HEREThe segment includes a crucial segment on the ethical issues - a vital topic for any responsible AI user and creator.
-
Prompt Engineering
CLICK HEREThis module is your new superpower! The secret to AI is knowing how to ask the right questions. You will learn the art of 'Prompt Engineering' to command AI, unlock its creativity, and get exactly what you need, every single time.
-
Resources & Next Steps
CLICK HEREFree access to our "Case Studies", "AI Toolkit PDF," and "Contacting our AI Hustlers Community". WhatsApp us below for instant replies.
*Haibo Phanda extends a great thanks to its online resource collaborators.
Haibo Phanda AI Essentials Track Quiz
Your First AI Stack: Essential Tools for Absolute Beginners. You don't need to understand everything about AI to start using it.You just need to start.
-
AI Design Made Simple
Canva (Free version available)
→ Create professional graphics, presentations, CVs, posters, and social media content without design experience.
Start here if: You need to make something look good—whether it's a school project, CV, Instagram post, or business flyer.
Your first task: Create a professional CV using Canva's templates. Add your photo, details, and let AI suggest improvements.
-
AI Writing Assistant
Grammarly (Free)
→ Fix grammar mistakes, improve your writing tone, and make everything you write clearer and more professional.
Start here if: You're writing emails, assignments, job applications, or social media captions and want to sound professional.
Your first task: Install the free browser extension and let it check your next email or assignment before you send it
-
AI for Learning to Code
Replit (Free)
→ Write and run code in your browser with AI that helps you learn Python, JavaScript, and web development.
Start here if: You want to learn coding but don't know where to begin, or you want to build websites and apps.
Your first task: Sign up, create a new Python project, and ask Replit AI to help you write your first "Hello World" programme.
-
AI Homework Helper
Photomath (Free)
→ Point your phone camera at any maths problem and get step-by-step solutions instantly.
Start here if: You're struggling with maths homework and need to understand how to solve problems, not just get answers.
Your first task: Take a photo of your hardest maths problem and see how AI breaks it down into simple steps.
-
AI Presentation Creator
Gamma (Free)
→ Create stunning presentations and pitch decks in minutes. Just type your topic and AI builds the slides for you.
Start here if: You need to create presentations for school, pitches for clients, or portfolios to showcase your work.
Your first task: Type a topic you need to present on (e.g., "Climate change solutions in South Africa") and watch AI create a complete presentation in under 2 minutes.
-
AI Note-Taking & Transcription
Otter.ai (Free tier: 300 minutes/month)
→ Record lectures, meetings, or interviews and get instant transcripts with AI summaries and key points.
Start here if: You're a student who needs to capture lectures, an entrepreneur conducting interviews, or anyone who attends meetings.
Your first task: Record your next lecture or meeting, let Otter transcribe it, and use the AI summary to create study notes.