South Africa is shaping its future through a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy, and the public have an opportunity to contribute.
This campaign aims to raise awareness and drive participation in the government’s public comment process on the draft AI policy. The goal is simple: ensure that businesses, professionals, and everyday South Africans understand what’s changing—and have a chance to influence it.
AI will impact how we work, do business, and make decisions. The proposed policy introduces new rules around accountability, data use, ethics, and governance. These decisions shouldn’t happen in isolation.
Through this campaign, we encourage individuals and organisations to:
- Understand the key changes in AI regulation
- Consider how it may affect them
- Share their input before the policy is finalised
DearSA will deliver your comment directly to government as part of the official public participation process. Now is the time to weigh in and ensure your voice forms part of the national record before the deadline.
The Changes Explained:
What’s Changing? 10 Key Things You Need to Know
- Shift from high-level framework into an actionable policy (moving toward implementation, regulatory direction and accountability)
- Creation of formal AI governance bodies: A National AI Commission, AI Ethics Board & AI Regulatory Authority
- Introduction of accountability for AI outcomes (organisations will be held responsible for AI decisions and are required to have human oversight)
- Transitioning to a more risk-based, sector-specific model which will garner different rules depending on the industry (eg. healthcare vs finance)
- Stronger focus on data governance & security to ensure better data protection (aligned with POPIA), protection against cyber security risks and to keep SA data secure.
- Introduction of economic incentives such as tax breaks, grants and subsidies and support for start ups. (Early adoption of AI will be supported by government).
- Stronger push for skills & workforce development to focus on AI Education & training, Industry-academic partnerships and job creation and reskilling.
- Clearer ethics enforcement (not just principles) to prevent bias, ensure fairness and hold developers accountable.
- New focus on localisation & sovereignty to reduce reliance on US/China AI infrastructure, promote local AI development and to protect indigenous knowledge and languages.
- Improved clarity on the implementation roadmap over 2026 to 2028 with a phased approach.
In the Media
About DearSA – Where Data Meets Democracy
DearSA is South Africa’s leading public participation platform, empowering citizens to have a direct say in government decisions that impact their lives. We bridge the gap between residents and policymakers by ensuring that public input is collected, analyzed, and presented effectively to decision-makers.
DearSA, is where data meets democracy, ensures that public participation directly influences policy decisions. By completing this form, your comments will be sent to Parliament for consideration.
How Can You Help?
Submit your public comment today, and let DearSA ensure your voice is formally submitted to help shape a better law for all. In addition, all feedback from the community will be recorded transparently.
Don't forget to share this campaign link with your neighbours, friends, family, and colleagues so they too can submit their comment. Let’s stand together and be heard—a stronger Constitution starts with you!
Contribute to democracy
Please consider supporting our platform and help reach more participants.
A small amount creates a huge impact. DearSA® is a registered South African non-profit organisation and, like all non-profits, does not qualify for relief funding from government. Please assist where you can.
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