Full Breakdown
South Africa Withdraws Draft AI Policy Over Fictitious Citations
4/28/2026, 12:33:34 AM
Draft AI Policy Withdrawn Over Fictitious Citations
On 26 April 2026 Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi announced the withdrawal of the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy after an internal review found fabricated academic sources in its reference list, a failure he said compromised the draft’s integrity and credibility.
Development, Approval and Early Criticism
The draft was approved by Cabinet on 25 March 2026 and published for public comment on 10 April. Technology investor Stafford Masie warned the policy risked “regulating away” South Africa’s AI participation by over-emphasising governance.
Main Actors
- Solly Malatsi – Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies.
- DCDT – led by Acting Director-General Omega Shelembe.
- Mlindi Mashologu – Deputy Director-General, architect of six pillars.
- Khusela Diko – Chair of the Portfolio Committee (DA).
- MK Party – opposition critic.
Timeline
Cabinet approved the draft on 25 Mar 2026; it was gazetted on 10 Apr with public comment until 10 Jun; an internal review on 26 Apr confirmed fabricated citations and led to withdrawal.
Citation Issue Details
The 86-page draft listed 67 references, but investigators found at least six citations to non-existent journals, including the South African Journal of Philosophy, AI & Society, and the Journal of Ethics and Social Philosophy.
Governance Implications
The episode shows the risk of unverified AI-generated content in official documents and the need for human oversight, delaying a framework meant to guide ethical AI, talent development, and inclusive growth.
Government Response
Malatsi called the lapse “not a mere technical issue” and promised consequence management; Shelembe framed the policy as a commitment to AI’s transformative power, while Mashologu reaffirmed the six-pillar vision of balanced innovation and ethics.
Opposition Views
Diko demanded immediate withdrawal and a review “without using ChatGPT.” Van Damme called the incident evidence of “tech illiteracy.” The MK Party called the failure “embarrassing and damning,” arguing AI does not absolve human accountability; Masie warned over-governance could stifle the sector.
Conflicting Accounts
Sources differ on the number of fabricated citations—some say “at least six,” others “several.” The minister blames AI-generated citations; critics cite inadequate human verification. No revised draft timeline has been announced.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This failure is not a mere technical issue but has compromised the integrity and credibility of the draft policy.” — Solly Malatsi, Minister
- “South Africans deserve better.” — Solly Malatsi
- “The most plausible explanation is that AI-generated citations were included without proper verification.” — Solly Malatsi
- “This unacceptable lapse proves why vigilant human oversight over the use of artificial intelligence is critical.” — Solly Malatsi
Next Steps
The DCDT will tighten verification protocols and apply consequence management; a revised AI policy will be released only after a comprehensive review, with no set date.
