South Africa targets January 2027 for revised AI policy after earlier withdrawal

South Africa’s communications minister, Solly Malatsi, announced on Tuesday that the country will release a revised national artificial intelligence (AI) policy for public comment by January 2027. The earlier draft, published in April, was withdrawn after an online news outlet, News24, exposed AI-generated and fictitious references within the document. Malatsi briefed a parliamentary committee following the withdrawal, acknowledging a ‘massive oversight’ and admitting the draft was intended as a starting point for public input. The acting deputy director-general of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, Jeanette Morwane, confirmed the new timeline, with the revised policy expected to go to Cabinet for approval by November 2026. An independent seven-member expert panel has been appointed to review the document, recommend revisions or removals, and replace flawed citations. The panel’s work will address ethical and economic concerns while positioning South Africa as a continental leader in AI innovation. Two officials, including Director-General Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, have been placed on precautionary suspension pending an investigation into the incident. Jordan-Dyani described the withdrawal as ‘highly regrettable,’ emphasizing the need to restore credibility in the policy-making process. The original draft sought to balance AI innovation with ethical considerations but faced criticism over transparency and the use of AI in compiling references. The revised policy aims to address these issues while maintaining public engagement.