Durban-based developer Jeeten “Jay” Bhoora has launched Siza AI, Africa’s first fully email-powered artificial intelligence platform. Built to provide accessible AI without apps or fast internet, Siza AI operates entirely via email, South Africa’s most universally available digital tool.
“If you can send an email, you can use Siza,” Bhoora said. “No apps, no credit cards. It meets people where they are.”
Named from the isiZulu word meaning “assist,” Siza supports multiple local languages including isiZulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Hindi, Telugu, Gujarati, and English. It provides practical help in education, legal guidance, and business compliance, delivering clear responses in under a minute.
Through a free service like tutor@siza.email, students get bilingual explanations in subjects like math and science. Bhoora believes that using AI to overcome language and resource barriers can transform education and boost employment prospects.
“Siza isn’t about replacing people – it’s about removing barriers,” said Bhoora, highlighting AI’s potential in education. “When we unlock education, we unlock employment, innovation, dignity, and hope.”
Siza AI has begun partnering with NGOs like UrGlobal to promote AI literacy in under-resourced schools. Future plans include specialized email tools covering labor law and public services.
Siza AI runs on open-source models, promoting transparency and accessibility. It offers free BASE addresses for everyday educational and professional assistance and paid PRO addresses for specialized expert support.
“Siza AI is practical, built for real-life constraints, and rooted in the belief that when people get tools that work, they’ll surprise you,” said Bhoora.
