JOHANNESBURG, May 26 (Reuters) – South Africa's communications minister set up an independent panel of experts to review a draft national policy on artificial intelligence, after an earlier version was withdrawn when it was found to include hypothetical and potentially AI-generated references.
Solly Malatsi briefed a parliamentary committee on Tuesday after preparing an earlier draft. According to Janet Morven, acting deputy director general of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, the target publication date for public comment is January 2027.
The policy, released for public comment in April, sought to establish South Africa as a continental leader in AI innovation while addressing ethical and economic concerns.
Malatsi said the internal investigation had not flagged the issues before they were highlighted by online news publication News24. He said the draft was a starting point to invite public input and much of the content of the policy did not face significant challenge. But he acknowledged the lack of “large-scale oversight” and disclosure regarding the use of AI in compiling references.
Among other things, the new seven-member panel will review the document, recommend amendments or deletions and replace flawed citations, with a revised policy expected to go to the Cabinet by November 2026 for approval, Morwane said.
Two officers have been suspended as a precautionary measure pending investigation. Director-General Noncubela Jordan-Diani said the incident was “deeply regrettable”, adding that the withdrawal was necessary to restore credibility.
(Reporting by Nkobile Dudla; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus)