South Africa Aims to Finalize Revised AI Policy by November 2026

In a significant move towards establishing a comprehensive framework for artificial intelligence governance, South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), led by Minister Solly Malatsi, aims to finalize a revised national artificial intelligence policy by November 2026. This initiative arrives on the heels of the botched original draft, which was withdrawn due to grave issues concerning fabricated citations, a situation that drew criticism from various stakeholders, including the African National Congress Parliamentary Caucus.

The original Draft National AI Policy, first published for public comment on April 10, 2026, was quickly met with scrutiny when it was revealed that several academic references cited in the document were entirely fictitious, products of what is known as AI hallucination. These findings were reported by News24, which highlighted that six citations in total were fabricated, forcing Minister Malatsi to publicly withdraw the draft in June 2026. Subsequently, two officials from the DCDT have been placed on precautionary suspension while an internal investigation is underway to address this embarrassing oversight, emphasizing the importance of regulatory accuracy in governmental processes.

As we venture into these developments, the revised policy draft is expected to be submitted to Cabinet by November 2026, with a public comment period anticipated to open in January 2027. Minister Malatsi's push for a finalized policy within the current 2026-2027 financial year illustrates the urgency and necessity for regulatory clarity in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. This clarity is not only needed for ethical governance but also to enhance transactional trust between the government and technology vendors eager to engage with the public sector.

The ramifications of this policy revision extend beyond mere regulatory compliance. Procurement professionals in South Africa should prepare for potentially new requirements that may necessitate adjusted compliance measures or standards for government contracts involving AI solutions. The introduction of updated procurement guidelines aligned with the new AI framework presents technology vendors and contractors with the opportunity to re-evaluate their strategies and product offerings, ensuring alignment with government expectations and facilitating smoother access to government contracts.

As the public comment period approaches, organizations involved in AI development and deployment in South Africa are provided a platform to voice their insights and influence the future direction of the policy. This engagement could lead to the establishment of more favorable procurement conditions that enhance the integration of advanced AI technologies into public services, which is critical given that South Africa's AI economy is already active, with local start-ups securing venture capital and enterprises deploying machine learning technologies independently of formal governance structures.

Moreover, the implications of this policy revision cannot be overstated as the DCDT continues to express concern regarding the risks associated with a prolonged policy vacuum. Such a gap in governance can lead to unregulated deployment of AI technologies by companies operating within South Africa, inadvertently exacerbating challenges related to ethical AI use, data privacy, and workforce impacts. This scenario could place the South African government in a reactive position, potentially leading it to adopt a rule-taker status instead of a rule-maker, particularly in comparison to continental counterparts like Kenya and Nigeria, which already have established AI strategies.

Ultimately, the revised national AI policy will not only seek to rectify the missteps of the previous draft but will also aim to solidify South Africa’s place in the continental and global AI landscape. Stakeholders from all sectors should closely monitor these developments, as they will directly influence future contracting opportunities and the overall business environment for AI technologies within South Africa.

• South Africa's revised AI policy deadline set for November 2026, post-fabrication scandal.
• Original draft withdrawn amid controversy over six fictitious citations.
• Public comment period for the new AI policy expected to begin in January 2027.
• Companies aiming for government contracts need to align with new procurement criteria.
• DCDT emphasizing the need for accurate regulatory frameworks to enhance trust in AI technologies.
• Local start-ups securing venture capital, indicating a thriving AI sector despite regulatory uncertainty.
• Procurement professionals should prepare for new compliance requirements for AI technology contracts.