[19 June 2026] The Draft South Africa National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026 was officially withdrawn on 12 June 2026.
Withdrawal of Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026
The withdrawal is due to the Draft Policy containing references to non-existent sources, indicating that AI was used in its generation without due oversight and checking. A lesson to us all….
A revised version is expected to go to Cabinet by November 2026 for approval before public release in January 2027.
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[10 April 2026] The deadline for written submissions on the Draft South Africa National Artificial Intelligence Policy is 16h00 on 10 June 2026.
Submissions should be addressed to:
The Director-General, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies
Attention: Mr M. Mashologu (Deputy Director-General: Digital Society and Economy)
Block A, iParioli Office Park, 1166 Park Street, Hatfield, Pretoria
Private Bag X860, Pretoria, 0001
By email: aipolicy@dcdt.gov.za
All contributors are requested to mark clearly “Draft South Africa National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy” in the subject field of their email.
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[8 April 2026] Finally…..the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies has published, in accordance with section 85 (2) (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, the Draft South Africa National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy for public comment.
Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026
Details on the deadline for submissions will be provided later.
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[2 April 2026] Cabinet has approved the publication of a Draft South Africa Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy as per the Statement on the Cabinet meeting of 25 March 2026 and Special Cabinet meeting of 1 April 2026.
7. Draft South Africa Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy
7.1 Cabinet approved the publication of the draft South Africa AI policy for public comment. The aim of the AI policy is to ensure that both the benefits and risks brought by AI are evenly distributed across society and generations. The AI Policy aims to strengthen Government’s ability to regulate and adopt AI responsibly, while encouraging local innovation, supporting job creation and improving access to AI skills.
7.2 The policy is structured around six core pillars aimed at promoting the responsible development and ethical deployment of AI. These core pillars are (i) capacity and talent development, (ii) AI for inclusive growth and job creation, (iii) responsible governance, (iv) ethical and inclusive AI, (v) cultural preservation and international integration, and (vi) human‑centred deployment. The policy recognises that a phased approach should be adopted, as AI deployment and risk profiles differ across sectors.
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[25 February 2026] The DCDT indicated in Parliament on 24 February 2026 that a Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy is going through the Cabinet approval processes and will be published for public comment in the next few months.
Department of Communications and Digital Technologies Presentation – Overview on AI
There is concern about how long this process is taking, with finalisation of the policy now only likely in 2027.
|
Event |
Calendar (work) days elapsed |
Notes |
|
| Launch of process: National Artificial Intelligence Summit and publication of National AI Government Summit Discussion Document April 2024 |
5 April 2024 |
0 |
|
| South Africa National AI Policy Framework August 2024 |
14 August 2024 |
131 (89) |
This Framework is intended to guide the development of a full National AI Policy. |
| Draft National AI Policy to be published for comment |
? |
694 (476) |
|
| Final Policy |
? |
? |
As at 27 February 2026. |
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[14 August 2024] The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has published a National AI Policy Framework for South Africa.
South Africa National AI Policy Framework August 2024
This Framework is intended to guide the development of a full National AI Policy.
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[7 April 2024] A National Artificial Intelligence Summit was hosted by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies on 5 April 2024, launching the process towards developing an AI policy and regulatory framework in South Africa.
National AI Government Summit Programme
Minister Gungubele Keynote Address at National AI Government Summit 5 April 2024
National AI Government Summit Discussion Document April 2024
The Discussion Document will be published for public comment shortly.
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