Cabinet has approved the publication of South Africa’s draft artificial intelligence policy for public comment, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced on Thursday.

The policy aims to ensure the benefits and risks of AI are evenly distributed across society and generations, whilst strengthening government’s ability to regulate and adopt the technology responsibly.

Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria, Ntshavheni said the policy would encourage local innovation, support job creation and improve access to AI skills.

“The policy is structured around six core pillars aimed at promoting the responsible development and ethical deployment of AI,” the Minister said.

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The six pillars are capacity and talent development; AI for inclusive growth and job creation; responsible governance; ethical and inclusive AI; cultural preservation and international integration; and human-centred deployment.

The policy recognises a phased approach should be adopted, as AI deployment and risk profiles differ across sectors.

The draft policy is now open for public comment before being finalised.

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