Why South Africa’s failed AI policy may be a lesson, not a disaster

South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies withdrew its draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy in late April 2026 after internal reviews revealed AI-generated inaccuracies and fabricated references in the document. Minister Solly Malatsi confirmed the withdrawal following public scrutiny, stating the integrity of the policy was compromised. The incident stemmed from the use of generative AI tools during drafting, which introduced errors and unverified sources. Critics questioned the government’s oversight and competence in managing complex technological policy development. Xhanti Payi, economist and strategist at Inani Strategies, emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to avoid future mistakes. Payi suggested South Africa should focus on building confidence and partnerships rather than assigning blame. He stressed the importance of inclusive processes, stating that policy development must engage diverse stakeholders to ensure shared knowledge in emerging technological fields. ‘Progressively, you’d want to bring everyone under the tent,’ he said, adding that minimizing losses and ensuring policy relevance should be priorities. Payi also warned that policy failures often begin with unclear objectives. ‘We don’t start by asking, what is the question we’re trying to solve?’ he noted, highlighting the need for structured problem-solving frameworks. The controversy underscores broader challenges in balancing rapid technological advancement with effective governance. The withdrawal serves as a lesson for South Africa, illustrating the risks of relying on unchecked AI tools in policymaking. Moving forward, experts recommend stronger verification processes and interdisciplinary collaboration to strengthen AI governance frameworks.