Johannesburg – The Draft National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy has been withdrawn after revelations that it contains various fictitious sources in its reference list.
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi announced the withdrawal of the Draft National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy following an internal process on Sunday, 26 April 2026.
“Following revelations that the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy published for public comment contains various fictitious sources in its reference list, we initiated internal questions, which have now confirmed that this was the case,” Minister Malatsi said.
“This failure is not a mere technical issue but has compromised the integrity and credibility of the draft policy. As such, I am withdrawing the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy.”
The draft AI policy was approved by Cabinet on 25 March 2026 (combined with the Special Sitting of Cabinet on 1 April 2026), for public comment. In the Government Gazette dated 10 April, the public had until 10 June 2026 to comment on the bill.
The document extends the initial AI policy framework by embedding principles of intergenerational equity, ensuring that AI-driven innovation prioritises the well-being of current and future generations.
Speaking at the launch of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) lab and a Centre of Specialisation in Mpumalanga for artisan training earlier this month, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said the government was developing a comprehensive response through the policy.
He added at the time that the policy will establish national priorities, norms, and sector-specific strategies across manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, transport, and trade.
However, on Sunday, Minister Malatsi said the withdrawal of the draft comes as South Africans deserve better.
“The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies did not deliver on the standard that is acceptable for an institution entrusted with the role to lead South Africa ‘s digital policy environment,” Minister Malatsi said.
“The most plausible explanation is that AI-generated citations were included without proper verification.
“This should not have happened. In fact, this unacceptable lapse proves why vigilant human oversight over the use of artificial intelligence is critical. It’s a lesson we take with humility.
“I want to reassure the country that we are treating this matter with the gravity it deserves. There will be consequence management for those responsible for drafting and quality assurance.”
Responding to the withdrawal of the draft policy, the Mkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) sharply criticsed the department.
In a strongly worded statement, the MKP said it was “with disbelief and justified anger” that the minister admitted the policy had to be scrapped after the discovery of fictitious sources.
The party argued that the failure to detect the errors across multiple levels of review — from officials and advisors to senior management — revealed “a department asleep at the wheel.”
The MK Party dismissed the minister’s explanation that the problem stemmed from “AI-generated citations,” insisting that the real issue was human oversight and accountability.
“Technology does not remove responsibility; it demands more of it,” the statement read.
The party also linked the incident to what it described as a broader pattern of mismanagement, citing concerns over the Minister’s handling of the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP).
According to the MK Party, the Minister’s interpretation of the programme could allow companies such as Starlink to enter the market without meaningful Black Economic Empowerment participation.
“These scandals expose something deeper: a culture within the department that takes South Africans for granted,” the party said, accusing the department of lacking urgency, accountability, and respect for the public.
The MK Party has called for full transparency and decisive action, rejecting the minister’s assurance of “consequence management” as insufficient.
“This is a national embarrassment,” the statement concluded, pledging that the party would continue to hold the department accountable.
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