South Africa - Draft National AI Policy (2026, withdrawn)

Draft South Africa National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy (2026)

Draft South Africa National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy (General Notice 3880 of 2026, Government Gazette No. 54477)

South Africa

RAI-ZA-NA-DNAIPXX-2026

Withdrawn(Failed, vetoed or pulled)As published at sanews.gov.za · checked 27 Sep 2026

South Africa - Draft National AI Policy (2026, withdrawn) is Withdrawn in South Africa as of 27 Sep 2026, according to gov.za.

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South Africa's Cabinet-approved draft national AI policy, published for comment on 10 April 2026 and withdrawn on 26 April 2026 after it was found to contain fictitious, AI-generated citations.

Summary

The Draft South Africa National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy was approved by Cabinet on 25 March 2026 (with a special sitting on 1 April 2026) and published by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies in Government Gazette No. 54477 on 10 April 2026 for 60 days of public comment. It built on the National AI Policy Framework of August 2024.

On 26 April 2026 the Minister withdrew the draft after it was found that AI-generated citations had been included in its reference list without verification, and announced consequence management for those responsible for drafting and quality assurance. No replacement draft has been published as of September 2026.

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Overview

The Draft South Africa National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy was published by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies as General Notice 3880 of 2026 in Government Gazette No. 54477 on 10 April 2026, after Cabinet approval on 25 March 2026 (combined with a special sitting on 1 April 2026). The public was given sixty days to comment. It followed the National AI Policy Framework of August 2024 and the 2023 discussion document on AI adoption by government.

Withdrawal

On 26 April 2026 the Minister, Solly Malatsi, withdrew the draft. The government's announcement stated that AI-generated citations had been included without proper verification, and that there would be consequence management for those responsible for drafting and quality assurance (SAnews). News reports in May 2026 said two officials were placed on precautionary suspension (EWN).

What happens next

No replacement draft has been gazetted. In September 2026 the Minister was reported as aiming to put a new draft before Cabinet by the end of the financial year, with a panel of experts assisting (Daily Maverick); this is a press report, not an official timetable.

Sources and References

Requirements for a company

What an organisation has to do under South Africa - Draft National AI Policy (2026, withdrawn), at a glance. Not legal advice.

No current requirements. This instrument is withdrawn; it imposes nothing today.

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