Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi has withdrawn South Africa’s Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy after confirming that it contained fabricated references.
The minister announced the decision on Sunday following internal investigations that verified the reference list included various fictitious sources. The draft policy had been published for public comment on 10 April with a deadline of 10 June.
“This failure is not a mere technical issue but has compromised the integrity and credibility of the draft policy,” Malatsi said. “As such, I am withdrawing the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy.”
Cabinet approved the policy on 25 March, with additional approval during a special sitting on 1 April. The document aimed to extend South Africa’s initial AI policy framework by embedding principles of intergenerational equity, ensuring AI-driven innovation prioritises the well-being of current and future generations.
The minister said the most plausible explanation is that AI-generated citations were included without proper verification. He described the lapse as proof that vigilant human oversight over artificial intelligence use is critical.
“The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies did not deliver on the standard that is acceptable for an institution entrusted with the role to lead South Africa’s digital policy environment,” Malatsi said.
The minister confirmed there would be consequence management for those responsible for drafting and quality assurance.
Earlier in April, Deputy President Paul Mashatile spoke about the policy at the launch of a Fourth Industrial Revolution lab and Centre of Specialisation in Mpumalanga. He said the policy would establish national priorities, norms and sector-specific strategies across manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, transport and trade.
The withdrawal means the government will need to restart the process of developing a comprehensive national AI policy framework.
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