By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
South
Africa has withdrawn its Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy
following revelations that the document contained fictitious references,
prompting concerns over its credibility and integrity.
Minister
of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi announced the decision
as part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability and governance within
the country’s digital policy framework.
According
to the minister, the withdrawal was necessitated by media reports identifying
inaccuracies in the draft policy, which raised questions about the reliability
of its content. He indicated that the matter is being treated with urgency and
seriousness, with steps underway to address the issue and prevent similar
occurrences in the future.
Malatsi
said measures will include consequence management for those responsible, as
well as the introduction of stronger oversight mechanisms and verification
processes, particularly in relation to the use of artificial intelligence in
policy development.
The
draft policy had been intended to guide South Africa’s approach to artificial
intelligence governance, including issues related to innovation, regulation,
and ethical use of emerging technologies. Its withdrawal is expected to delay
the rollout of a formal national AI framework while authorities undertake a
review process.
Officials
emphasised that strengthening quality assurance and institutional
accountability will be central to future policy development, as the government
seeks to ensure that its digital strategies are robust, credible, and aligned
with international best practices.
