Cabinet Approves Withdrawal of Draft National AI Policy

Posted 05 June 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Technology & Communications

Brought to you by SAnews: Cabinet has formally approved the withdrawal of the Draft National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy to allow for a comprehensive rework of the regulatory framework.

The Draft National AI Policy, which was originally published for public comment in March 2026 by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, has been withdrawn following Cabinet approval. According to Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the withdrawal is intended to facilitate a redrafting process that will ensure the policy establishes robust national standards on the ethical use of artificial intelligence and effectively achieves its regulatory objectives.

This formal Cabinet decision follows an earlier announcement in April 2026 by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, who initiated the withdrawal after an internal review confirmed that the published draft policy contained several fictitious sources within its reference list.

The rework of the policy is expected to focus on:

  • Establishing clear national standards for the ethical deployment and development of AI technologies;
  • Aligning the policy framework with international best practices and verified research; and
  • Addressing the governance, risk management, and compliance requirements for public and private sector entities utilizing AI systems.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual obligations arise from this withdrawal; however, professional advisors should monitor future gazettes for the replacement draft policy to advise on upcoming ethical AI standards.
  • For your business: Firms currently developing or deploying AI-driven tools should pause alignment with the March 2026 draft and instead maintain internal governance frameworks that align with existing data protection laws, such as the Protection of Personal Information Act, No. 4 of 2013 (POPIA), pending the release of the revised national AI standards.
  • For your clients: Compliance officers and legal counsel should advise clients in the technology and digital services sectors that the regulatory timeline for AI compliance has been extended, providing an additional window to audit their existing AI systems against international ethical frameworks before South African national standards are re-tabled.

Originally published at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/cabinet-approves-withdrawal-ai-policy

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