\n<\/p>\n
South Africa is edging closer to finalising its long-awaited National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy<\/strong>, with Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi<\/strong> confirming that the framework is now ready to be presented to Cabinet<\/strong> for approval.<\/p>\n In an exclusive ITWeb TV<\/strong> interview, Malatsi said the policy\u2019s development phase \u2014 including the public consultation and stakeholder feedback process \u2014 has been completed. Once adopted by Cabinet, it will lay the groundwork for future AI legislation<\/strong> and potentially a National AI Act<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe rapidly need to have an AI policy as a country, and I\u2019m going to make sure we definitely have one,\u201d Malatsi said. \u201cYou\u2019ll be glad to know that the incorporation and review of stakeholder comments are done. It is now due to be served in one of the next upcoming Cabinet meetings.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n South Africa released its National AI Policy Framework<\/strong> for public consultation in April 2024<\/strong>, following the earlier AI discussion document<\/strong> that invited industry and academic feedback.<\/p>\n The final policy, according to legal experts at Michalsons<\/strong>, will serve as the foundation for regulating AI in South Africa \u2014 balancing innovation with ethical governance and aligning with global standards such as the EU AI Act<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Malatsi acknowledged that policy development has been slower than expected, citing the country\u2019s multi-layered consultation and compliance processes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cThe framework goes out for comment; depending on the number of comments received, those must be integrated. It then gets taken through the Cabinet cluster process, departmental channels, and finally Cabinet \u2014 before Parliament considers it as a Bill,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The minister noted that AI\u2019s rapid evolution since the initial draft was released has made refinement critical.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s why it was important that we started with the framework and then let society and all the key players make contributions. Once it\u2019s approved by Cabinet, we\u2019ll begin engaging experts on fine-tuning the policy to ensure it reflects the current AI environment,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The National AI Policy<\/strong> will be a cornerstone in South Africa\u2019s broader digital transformation agenda \u2014 shaping how AI is developed, deployed, and governed across industries.<\/p>\n While Nigeria<\/strong>, Rwanda<\/strong>, and Mauritius<\/strong> have already advanced their AI strategies, South Africa \u2014 traditionally seen as a digital pioneer in the Global South \u2014 has yet to formalise a national AI roadmap.<\/p>\n Malatsi\u2019s commitment signals renewed urgency for South Africa to position itself as a leader in responsible AI adoption<\/strong>, leveraging innovation for economic growth and job creation.<\/p>\n The interview also touched on broader digital inclusion and governance challenges<\/strong> within the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT)<\/strong>, which oversees 11 state-owned entities \u2014 including the South African Post Office (SAPO)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Malatsi emphasised the need to modernise SAPO<\/strong> and make it relevant again through innovation and technology.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is space for the post office in this period we live in,\u201d he said. \u201cHowever, for it to be relevant, there must be major adjustments in approach, strategy, and policy \u2014 focused on innovation and adopting technological infrastructure that allows it to provide a reliable service.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Once approved by Cabinet, the National AI Policy<\/strong> will proceed to Parliament<\/strong> for formal processing as a Bill<\/strong>, marking a decisive step toward establishing South Africa\u2019s first comprehensive legal framework for AI.<\/p>\n If enacted, it will guide the ethical, economic, and social integration of AI \u2014 positioning South Africa to lead AI innovation responsibly<\/strong> within Africa\u2019s digital economy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n\n
\nBuilding the Foundation for Responsible AI<\/h3>\n
\n
\nAligning with a Changing AI Landscape<\/h3>\n
\n
\nRegional Context: Africa\u2019s Emerging AI Leaders<\/h3>\n
\nBalancing Digital Transformation and Governance<\/h3>\n
\n
\nNext Steps<\/h3>\n