Help develop South Africa’s AI Policy Framework by contributing your input. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has called upon the public and stakeholders to provide its comments on the recently published South African AI Policy Framework.

The National AI Plan launched in April, sparked the dialogue. The AI policy framework was formally published by the DCDT on 16 October 2024. It aims to promote the integration of AI technologies to drive economic growth and enhance societal well-being. This is the first step in developing the National AI Policy.

Building a trustworthy AI ecosystem

South Africa can use AI to boost its economy, create a more equitable society, and become a global leader in AI.

South Africa’s AI Policy Framework aligns with global standards, committing to trustworthy AI, fairness, and robust data governance. Unlike many first-world AI policies, it acknowledges South Africa’s unique challenges, including historical inequalities, resource shortages, and unequal access to technology and education. Its key rationale is to foster sectoral strategies that ensure the unique challenges and opportunities of various industries are considered.

The ‘Futures Triangle Approach’

The Futures Triangle Approach provides a comprehensive framework for analysing the multifaceted nature of AI development in South Africa. It considers the “Push of the Present” (current technological advancements, economic needs, and social demands), the “Pull of the Future” (national development goals, economic transformation, and social equity), and the “Weight of the Past” (historical constraints). By integrating these factors, the AI policy framework helps South Africa navigate the challenges and opportunities of AI development and create effective policies for its implementation.

The AI policy framework also shows its commitment to transparency by explaining how policies are formulated, implemented and evaluated effectively. There are four phases in the policy making lifecycle: policy formulation, policy adoption, policy implementation and policy monitoring and evaluation. The policy framework forms part of phase one, which invites scientists, academics, industry professionals and the general public.

The twelve pillars for the South Africa’s AI Policy

The DCDT outlines twelve strategic principles that will support and drive the implementation of the policy’s goals and objectives. These pillars collectively provide a comprehensive strategy for guiding the development and use of AI in the country. They cover areas such as talent development, digital infrastructure, research and development, public sector implementation, ethical AI, data protection, safety and security, transparency, fairness, a human-centred approach, professional responsibility, and alignment with cultural values.

Actions to take

  • The DCDT invites stakeholders and the public to review the AI Policy Framework and provide their comments via email by 22 November 2024. Your input will help shape the future of AI policy in South Africa. You can read the AI Policy Framework by downloading it. 
  • Learn how South Africa’s AI Policy Framework can impact your organisation by scheduling a workshop with us.
  • Provide your comments to the DCDT by asking us to draft commentary for you.
  • Stay informed about the developments in the AI Policy by subscribing to our newsletter.