The decision to pull the document follows the discovery of citations for fabricated sources, revealing that the draft was produced using AI tools without proper human verification or review—serving as a cautionary tale for everyone.
An updated draft is scheduled for Cabinet review by November 2026, with plans for a subsequent public rollout in January 2027.
[10 April 2026]
Members of the public and interested parties have until 16h00 on 10 June 2026 to provide written feedback regarding the Draft South Africa National Artificial Intelligence Policy.
Please direct all correspondence to:
The Director-General, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies For the attention of: Mr M. Mashologu (Deputy Director-General: Digital Society and Economy) Address: Block A, iParioli Office Park, 1166 Park Street, Hatfield, Pretoria Postal: Private Bag X860, Pretoria, 0001 Email: aipolicy@dcdt.gov.za
To ensure proper processing, please include Draft South Africa National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy in the subject line of your email.
[25 February 2026]
In a Parliamentary briefing held on 24 February 2026, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) confirmed that a Draft National AI Policy is currently undergoing Cabinet review. Following this approval, the document will be released for public consultation, likely within the next few months.
While progress is being made, there is growing industry concern regarding the slow pace of the legislative rollout. Current estimates suggest that a finalized policy may not be implemented until 2027.
AI Policy Development Roadmap
The following timeline tracks the milestones of the policy’s development as of 27 February 2026:
Event
Date
Elapsed Days (Work Days)
Strategic Context
Project Launch
5 April 2024
0
Kick-off via the National AI Government Summit and discussion paper.
Expected release for public commentary in mid-2026.
Final Policy
TBA
—
Completion tentatively projected for 2027.
The DCDT’s presentation provided a broad overview of AI integration, but the specific regulatory details will remain under wraps until the Cabinet-approved draft is officially gazetted.
[14 August 2024]
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has released a National AI Policy Framework for South Africa.
This Framework aims to steer the creation of a comprehensive National AI Policy.
[7 April 2024]
On April 5, 2024, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies hosted a National Artificial Intelligence Summit, marking the beginning of efforts to develop an AI policy and regulatory framework in South Africa.
Artificial Intelligence Regulation in South Africa
[19 June 2026]
The Draft South Africa National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026 was formally retracted on 12 June 2026.
Notice of Retraction: 2026 Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy
The decision to pull the document follows the discovery of citations for fabricated sources, revealing that the draft was produced using AI tools without proper human verification or review—serving as a cautionary tale for everyone.
An updated draft is scheduled for Cabinet review by November 2026, with plans for a subsequent public rollout in January 2027.
[10 April 2026]
Members of the public and interested parties have until 16h00 on 10 June 2026 to provide written feedback regarding the Draft South Africa National Artificial Intelligence Policy.
Please direct all correspondence to:
The Director-General, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies For the attention of: Mr M. Mashologu (Deputy Director-General: Digital Society and Economy) Address: Block A, iParioli Office Park, 1166 Park Street, Hatfield, Pretoria Postal: Private Bag X860, Pretoria, 0001 Email: aipolicy@dcdt.gov.za
To ensure proper processing, please include Draft South Africa National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy in the subject line of your email.
[25 February 2026]
In a Parliamentary briefing held on 24 February 2026, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) confirmed that a Draft National AI Policy is currently undergoing Cabinet review. Following this approval, the document will be released for public consultation, likely within the next few months.
Department of Communications and Digital Technologies Presentation – Overview on AI
Concerns Over Regulatory Lag
While progress is being made, there is growing industry concern regarding the slow pace of the legislative rollout. Current estimates suggest that a finalized policy may not be implemented until 2027.
AI Policy Development Roadmap
The following timeline tracks the milestones of the policy’s development as of 27 February 2026:
The DCDT’s presentation provided a broad overview of AI integration, but the specific regulatory details will remain under wraps until the Cabinet-approved draft is officially gazetted.
[14 August 2024]
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has released a National AI Policy Framework for South Africa.
South Africa National AI Policy Framework August 2024
This Framework aims to steer the creation of a comprehensive National AI Policy.
[7 April 2024]
On April 5, 2024, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies hosted a National Artificial Intelligence Summit, marking the beginning of efforts to develop an AI policy and regulatory framework in South Africa.
National AI Government Summit Programme
Minister Gungubele Keynote Address at National AI Government Summit 5 April 2024
National AI Government Summit Discussion Document April 2024
The Discussion Document will be published for public comment shortly.
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