As it implements a comprehensive new framework governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, the University of Cape Town (UCT) has announced a significant policy change: the institution will no longer use Turnitin’s AI Score detection feature.
As generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini become more prevalent and influential in higher education, the university’s Senate Teaching and Learning Committee formally approved the “AI in Education Framework” in June 2025. While maintaining academic integrity and encouraging curriculum innovation, the framework lays out moral guidelines and workable tactics to encourage the responsible and equitable use of AI.
The Turnitin AI Score, which identified portions of student submissions as possibly AI-generated, will be phased out by UCT on October 1, 2025. This decision comes after AI-detection tools have come under increasing fire from experts, including UCT’s leadership, who have characterised them as unreliable and prone to producing false positives and negatives, eroding academic fairness and student trust.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Professor Brandon Collier-Reed, explained:
“AI detection tools are widely considered to be unreliable and can produce both false positives and false negatives. The continued use of such scores risks compromising student trust and academic fairness. The Senate Teaching and Learning Committee has now agreed that use of the AI Score should be discontinued, and this feature in Turnitin will no longer be available at UCT from 1 October 2025.”
The new framework, which is the result of lengthy consultations with academic departments, student bodies, and faculties, reflects UCT’s dedication to promoting academic integrity, developing AI literacy, and preparing graduates for a world that is changing quickly due to technology. It will be updated frequently to take into account the quick developments in AI technology and how they affect education.
Elijah Moholola, spokesperson for UCT’s Communication and Marketing Department, underscored the university’s intent
“Our goal is to lead responsibly in the integration of AI, moving away from unreliable detection and toward empowering our staff and students to use these technologies ethically and effectively.”
Both supporters and detractors of the move agree that it is a clear indication of how South African higher education is adjusting to the realities of AI-driven learning environments, sparking debate among education experts.
