Devdiscourse News Desk | * Minister Appoints Panel To Revise Withdrawn Ai Policy * Revised Policy To Be Submitted To Cabinet By November* Two Officials Suspended | Updated: 26-05-2026 15:10 IST | Created: 26-05-2026 15:10 IST
In a move to correct course, South Africa's communications minister has set up an independent panel to review a draft national policy on artificial intelligence. The step follows the withdrawal of an earlier version found to include fictitious and potentially AI-generated references.
Briefing a parliamentary committee, Solly Malatsi noted that the flawed draft, released in April, aimed to place South Africa as a continental leader in AI while tackling ethical and economic issues. However, the draft's issues were exposed by News24, leading to its withdrawal and a plan for revision by a seven-member expert panel.
The new panel is tasked with revising the document and replacing flawed citations, with a new target publication set for January 2027. Two officials have been suspended pending further investigation, and officials stress that the withdrawal was essential to restore trust.
(With inputs from agencies.)