The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has gazetted the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy. Communications Minister Solly Malatsi published the 86-page document on 10 April 2026, outlining a sweeping institutional architecture to manage the development of artificial intelligence.
The South African Cabinet approved the document on 25 March 2026. It is now open for a sixty-day public comment window during which members of the public must submit their written representations. This comprehensive draft AI policy serves as a point of departure for future legislative frameworks.
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Extensive institutional design proposed
The draft suggests creating seven new oversight bodies to regulate the digital economy. These include a National AI Commission and an AI Ethics Board. An AI Regulatory Authority will also be established to perform audits. Most notably, the draft AI policy proposes an AI Insurance Superfund. This fund would compensate individuals harmed by machine-driven outcomes.
The government intends to implement the framework using a three-year roadmap. Year one focuses on finalising the policy and identifying unacceptable risks. By the 2027/2028 financial year, the state aims for full implementation. This approach ensures that regulators closest to specific sectors handle the relevant technical oversight.
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Focus on inclusive economic growth
The policy targets education, healthcare, and agriculture as priority sectors for development. It emphasises the need for local datasets and indigenous knowledge systems. The framework also commits to harmonising controls with the Protection of Personal Information Act. This alignment aims to protect citizens while fostering innovation in a neutral environment.
Regulatory sandboxes will allow startups to test products under lighter oversight. However, high-risk systems will face stricter scrutiny and mandatory human oversight. The government believes this tiered approach will promote safety and transparency across the country.
Disclaimer: this article was written with the assistance of Jenova AI.
Image via Trends Research.
