South Africa’s Cabinet Approves Draft AI Policy, Seeks Public Input Until June 10

Context South Africa is using artificial intelligence in health, education, agriculture and public administration, but current use lacks unified rules. The new draft grounds AI regulation in the country’s constitution and Bill of Rights, aiming to promote inclusive growth, protect human rights and build capacity. It proposes a national AI commission, ethics board, regulatory authority and other institutions to oversee development and deployment.

Key Facts - Cabinet approved the draft national AI policy on 25 March. - The public comment period ends on 10 June. - The draft describes itself as a work in progress and a starting point, not a final policy.

What It Means The draft signals the government’s intent to shape AI use through clear governance structures and sector‑specific guidance. By emphasizing constitutional alignment, it seeks to prevent misuse while encouraging innovation in priority areas such as health care and farming. Stakeholders can submit feedback before the June deadline, after which officials will revise the text. The next step to watch is the publication of a revised draft or final policy following the consultation period, which will indicate how public input shapes South Africa’s AI regulatory framework.