South Africa's government has withdrawn its Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy after revelations of fictitious sources in its reference list. Communications Minister Solly Malatsi stated that the issue compromises the document's integrity. The policy had been published for public comment.
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies announced the withdrawal following internal investigations into the draft policy's references. Minister Solly Malatsi posted on X on April 26, 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…"
Malatsi emphasized that the failure goes beyond a technical oversight, stating it has compromised the integrity of the document. SABC News reported the development under the headline "SA’s Draft AI Policy withdrawn as fictitious references exposed."
A discussion on SABC featured Steven Fidley and Dr Lavina Ramkissoon scrutinizing the draft AI policy. The incident highlights concerns over the preparation of key policy documents in South Africa.
