The South African Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is advancing the development of the nation’s artificial intelligence (AI) policy, with plans to finalize it by the 2027/2028 financial year. This effort was outlined during a parliamentary briefing on Tuesday, aimed at demonstrating the steps necessary for the crafting and implementation of a comprehensive national AI strategy, including ethical guidelines for its adoption.
Deputy Director-General Mlindi Mashologu emphasized the urgency of establishing an AI framework to harness its benefits—such as job creation and improved efficiency—while addressing potential risks like job displacement. He informed members of Parliament that all five government clusters have agreed that the policy should proceed to Cabinet for approval and subsequent public consultation, with sector-specific strategies to follow.
Mashologu indicated that the timeline for this initiative is tight, aiming to present the policy to Cabinet by March, followed by a 60-day public comment period. The expectation is to refine the policy for adoption in the next financial year, commencing April 1, 2026. The comprehensive national AI policy, which will include regulations and guidelines, is targeted for completion by 2027/2028.
Globally, the regulation of AI technologies has garnered increasing attention, particularly as they permeate various sectors. The European Union has set a benchmark with the EU AI Act, which is designed to regulate AI technologies while promoting innovation across multiple industries. In Africa, nations such as Nigeria, Mauritius, and Rwanda are already developing their AI strategies, placing South Africa at a potential disadvantage due to its slower progress.
Despite this, Mashologu noted that work on South Africa’s AI framework has been ongoing since 2020, with the country playing a significant role in creating an AI blueprint for the African Union in 2021. The draft national AI policy framework was published in August 2024, incorporating insights from various countries, including the Netherlands, Chile, and Norway, as well as developments stemming from the EU AI Act.
The objective of the national AI policy is to ensure equitable distribution of AI’s risks and benefits across society. “Currently, AI is distributed unevenly,” Mashologu commented, advocating for what he termed “intergenerational equity.” He underscored the need for a structured approach to regulating AI, stating that oversight would not rest with a single entity; the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) will be involved alongside other regulatory bodies.
Concerns were raised during the parliamentary discussions over the project’s timeline, the lack of digital skills among the workforce, and the implications of AI on employment. Questions also emerged regarding data residency and whether public consultations would effectively raise awareness. Lawmakers highlighted the importance of inclusive AI datasets and ethical considerations in AI applications, particularly in sensitive areas like crime detection.
Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has previously assured stakeholders that the development of this policy adheres to a multi-layered compliance and consultation approach. Some MPs questioned whether the completion timeline could be expedited beyond the 2027/2028 target. In response, Mashologu acknowledged the ambitious nature of the timeline, promising efforts to expedite the process wherever possible.
Director-General Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani reinforced the department’s commitment to refining the policy, asserting that significant groundwork has already been laid. She emphasized the necessity of establishing a national policy that outlines the direction for AI within South Africa, highlighting the potential benefits of AI adoption while recognizing the associated risks, particularly concerning job displacement.
The focus is on mitigating these risks through digital skills training in collaboration with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. “We’re seeing there are more benefits in terms of the adoption of artificial intelligence than there would be in terms of the risk,” Jordan-Dyani stated, underscoring the potential for innovation and efficiency improvements as South Africa navigates the complexities of AI integration.
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