The Funda Five is the thread that runs through every module, every sector track, and every professional cohort. It is introduced in Module 1 and applied every subsequent module. By the end of the course, using it is instinctive.

Task → Data → Tool → Trust → Human
Five questions. Any AI situation. Two minutes. The judgment comes from you — the framework just makes sure you don't skip a step.
1
Task
Is this the right kind of job for AI?

Not every task suits AI assistance. This step assesses the risk profile of the task, what happens if the AI output is wrong, and whether the consequences are reversible. A draft email is low risk. A public policy citation is not.

2
Data
What information is involved? Is any of it POPIA-protected?

What data is being fed into or produced by this AI system? Is it confidential? Is it personal information covered by POPIA? Is the AI tool authorised to process this type of data? Learners leave this step with a data sensitivity instinct.

3
Tool
Is this the right AI for this task? Is it approved?

Different AI tools have different failure modes, risk profiles, and organisational approval status. Is ChatGPT approved for this task? Is this the right type of AI — generative, predictive, computer vision? Learners develop tool awareness, not tool loyalty.

4
Trust
How would I detect an error in this output?

Before acting on AI output, can you articulate a specific, achievable verification step? "I'll cross-check the citations" is a verification step. "I'll read it carefully" is not. This step turns verification from a vague intention into a concrete action.

5
Human
Who checks this? Who is accountable if it's wrong?

"The algorithm decided" is not a legal or ethical defence under South African law. This step requires learners to name the accountability chain — a specific person or role responsible for the decision — before AI output reaches anyone who could be affected by it.

Applied in every module: From Module 1 onward, every Apply phase asks learners to use the Funda Five on a real scenario. By Module 6, they apply it instinctively to their own capstone case. Layer 3 professional cohorts extend the framework to policy, governance, and regulatory contexts.