Pretoria: Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced that the Cabinet has approved the publication of the draft South Africa AI policy for public comment. The policy aims to ensure the equitable distribution of AI benefits and risks across society and generations.

According to South African Government News Agency, the policy is designed to strengthen the government’s capacity to regulate and responsibly adopt AI. It also seeks to encourage local innovation, support job creation, and enhance access to AI skills. During a media briefing in Pretoria, the Minister emphasized the policy’s focus on responsible and ethical AI deployment.

The policy is structured around six core pillars: capacity and talent development; AI for inclusive growth and job creation; responsible governance; ethical and inclusive AI; cultural preservation and international integration; and human-centered deployment. The Minister highlighted that a phased approach is necessary, recognizing that AI deployment and risk profiles vary across different sectors.