Story perspectives

South Africa Pulls AI Policy Draft Over Fake Citations

5/1/2026

Summary

Communications Dept Withdraws

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies withdrew the Draft South Africa National Artificial Intelligence Policy on 10 April 2026 after investigators found fabricated citations.
The government spent R14 million (approximately KES 102 million) on a draft that contained more than 12 % fictitious references.
Over 400 tech experts demanded a human-in-the-loop mandate in an open letter.
Analysts warned that policies built on AI-generated fiction could jeopardize Africa’s projected $1.2 trillion (KES 156 trillion) GDP boost by 2030.

Summary

Malatsi Denies Extension

Article One asked Minister Solly Malatsi for a five-day extension to the AI Policy Framework public-comment period, citing technical complexity and constitutional participation needs.
The minister’s office replied it could not commit to extending the deadline, which closes on 10 June 2026.
Article One also sought copies of the 32 submissions—including those from Microsoft and Huawei—to examine corporate influence, noting the draft omits the Information Regulator’s dispute with Google and Meta.

History

Historical Context

In 2015 the UK launched a Digital Economy Strategy, which evolved into a 10-year National AI Strategy published in 2021 to guide trustworthy AI development. The strategy influenced the European Commission’s AI regulatory framework, first proposed in 2021 and adopted as the AI Act in 2024, emphasizing risk-based oversight and set a benchmark for other jurisdictions.

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Communications Dept Withdraws

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies withdrew the Draft South Africa National Artificial Intelligence Policy on 10 April 2026 after investigators found fabricated citations.
The government spent R14 million (approximately KES 102 million) on a draft that contained more than 12 % fictitious references.
Over 400 tech experts demanded a human-in-the-loop mandate in an open letter.
Analysts warned that policies built on AI-generated fiction could jeopardize Africa’s projected $1.2 trillion (KES 156 trillion) GDP boost by 2030.

1 / 3