STELLENBOSCH – A digital photograph generated using an artificial intellegence (AI) app again did the rounds on Stellenbosch social media platforms at the weekend, this time linking Paul Roos Gymnasium (PRG) to a South African airline.
The photograph depicts an aircraft, said to be a Boeing 737-800, branded with the boys high school’s badge along with a man dressed in PRG parafanilia holding a rugby ball and celebrating.
The accompanying post photo read: “PRG, a prestigious boys’ school in Stellenbosch, South Africa, has partnered with FlySafair, a local airline, to brand one of their Boeing 737-800 aircraft with the school’s logo and colours.
“The plane, registered as ZS-SJH, was painted in the school’s signature colours and features the school’s crest. This campaign was launched to celebrate the school’s 160th anniversary and has boosted the school’s profile in the community.
“The promotion showcases the collaboration between schools and businesses to create unique and effective marketing strategies, reinforcing PRG’s reputation as a leading educational institution in South Africa.”
While most users immediately pointed out that the image and post was AI-generated, others thought it a clever marketing ploy.
Some also joined in on the joke, adding more funny comments and clearly stating they would not be duped by the fake post.
The post was also perfectly timed, as it followed on the heels of the PRG under-19A rugby team defeating rivals Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) 45-28 at Markötter Stadium on Saturday (21 March).
It also comes in the same month as the historic school celebrates its 160th anniversary.
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AI-generation trend
However, on enquiry, the school denied the supposed partnership. “PRG has no knowledge of the ‘creator’ of the AI-generated PRG airplane,” the school’s rector Jannie de Villiers said.
“We find it just as amusing as members of the public, who instead knew the post as an early April Fool’s joke instead of the real McCoy.”
The PRG AI-generated photo follows an AI-generated image of a leopard parading through the streets of Pniël, shared on social media earlier this month. This post and photo was widely shared, with users warning their online communities to tread carefully in the local community.
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However, the Cape Leopard Trust immediately labelled the photo as false, warning those sharing it to refrain from creating chaos and sharing false information on leopard behaviour, which could in turn disadvantage the welfare of these elusive felines.
The Trust said on Facebook post the AI-generated image of the strolling leopard, followed real CCTV footage of a leopard walking the Simonsberg slopes.
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