Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, whose department is the custodian of the Draft National Policy on AI.
Image: Supplied
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi has withdrawn South Africa’s draft Artificial Intelligence policy after an internal review confirmed it included fictitious sources.
This follows media reports that raised concerns about the accuracy of some academic references in the document, which led the department to investigate and confirm the problem.
The draft policy had been approved by Cabinet on March 25 and April 1, and was published in the Government Gazette on 10 April 2026 for public comment, with submissions open until 10 June 2026.
In a statement, Malatsi said the issue reflected a serious failure in quality control and that steps would be taken to hold those responsible to account.
"Following revelations that the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy published for public comment contains various fictitious sources in its reference list, we initiated internal questions, which have now confirmed that this was the case," Malatsi said.
"This failure is not a mere technical issue but has compromised the integrity and credibility of the draft policy. As such, I am withdrawing the Draft National Artificial intelligence Policy".
He added that "the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies did not deliver on the standard that is acceptable for an institution entrusted with the role to lead South Africa‘s digital policy environment".
"The most plausible explanation is that AI-generated citations were included without proper verification. This should not have happened. In fact, this unacceptable lapse proves why vigilant human oversight over the use of artificial intelligence is critical," he added.
"It’s a lesson we take with humility. I want to reassure the country that we are treating this matter with the gravity it deserves. There will be consequence management for those responsible for drafting and quality assurance".
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