The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) says the withdrawal of South Africa’s Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy presents an important opportunity to strengthen the country’s approach to AI governance through greater transparency, scientific rigour, expert oversight and public trust.

The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), guided by its AI Steering Committee, notes the withdrawal of the Draft National Policy on Artificial Intelligence and welcomes ongoing efforts by government, advisory bodies and expert structures to strengthen South Africa’s AI governance landscape.

While the withdrawal has raised concerns regarding the integrity, transparency and reliability of policy development processes, ASSAf believes it also creates an opportunity to build a more robust, consultative and evidence-informed framework for AI governance. The episode highlights the growing importance of transparency in the use of AI-generated content and the need for appropriate human oversight in verifying and validating such outputs.

AI can support decision-making, but cannot replace scientific judgement

Artificial intelligence is increasingly capable of synthesising information, identifying patterns and extending analytical capacity. However, AI systems do not participate in the scientific and social processes through which knowledge is tested, debated and validated.

“AI can be a powerful tool in research and policymaking, but it cannot substitute for scientific expertise, institutional integrity or human accountability,” said ASSAf. “Where evidence informs public policy, rigorous review and validation remain essential.”

ASSAf emphasises that the ethical responsibility for ensuring the quality, reliability and integrity of evidence is shared by researchers, policymakers and institutions. Because policy decisions affect public resources and access to essential services, weaknesses in evidence or oversight can have significant societal consequences. 

ASSAf strengthens national dialogue on AI governance

ASSAf has expanded its engagement in artificial intelligence through the establishment of its AI Forum and AI Steering Committee. Building on a series of AI-focused engagements since 2024, these structures provide platforms for independent, multidisciplinary dialogue on AI governance, ethics, innovation, academic integrity and responsible use.

Following the release of the Draft National AI Policy, the ASSAf AI Steering Committee highlighted the need for stronger conceptual clarity, analytical coherence and evidence-informed policymaking. The Committee stressed that AI governance frameworks should balance innovation and implementation with safeguards related to human rights, equity, societal well-being, data governance and digital sovereignty.

The Committee also identified the need to address fragmentation across institutions and sectors while strengthening AI literacy, critical engagement and public understanding across schools, universities, government and broader society.

ASSAf intends to continue contributing scholarly and evidence-based perspectives to national discussions on AI through expert engagement, evidence synthesis and independent review processes. 

Key considerations for responsible AI governance

ASSAf’s AI Steering Committee has identified several priorities that should inform future AI policy development: 

Transparency and human oversight

• Appropriate disclosure of AI use in policy development processes.
• Continued reliance on human expertise and judgement to validate AI-generated outputs.

Integrity and reliability of evidence

• Strong standards for evidence quality, traceability and verification.
• Use of reliable and fit-for-purpose AI models and datasets.

Responsible use of AI in policymaking

• Verification and clear identification of AI-generated content.
• Documentation of methodologies and information sources used in policy development.

Expert review and accountability

• Independent expert scrutiny of AI-informed policy outputs.
• Clear accountability mechanisms for decisions informed by AI.

AI literacy and capacity development

• Expanded AI literacy and critical engagement capabilities across government, research institutions, higher education, schools and society.

Coordination and coherence

• Improved alignment across institutions, sectors and governance structures while recognising differing capacities and contexts.

Communication and public trust

• Transparent communication regarding uncertainties, limitations and risks associated with AI systems.

Epistemic justice and African Knowledge Systems

• Recognition of the risk that AI systems may reproduce existing inequalities in knowledge production.
• Support for African languages, African knowledge systems, local datasets and scholarly contributions from the Global South to ensure inclusive participation in AI-driven innovation and policymaking.

Opportunity to Build a Stronger National AI Framework

ASSAf notes that engagement with AI is rapidly becoming an essential life skill and a critical component of digital literacy. A successful national AI policy should clearly define the responsibilities of government, academia, industry and civil society in ensuring that AI serves the public good.

“The withdrawal of the Draft National AI Policy should not be viewed as a setback, but as an opportunity to develop a stronger, more credible and more inclusive policy framework,” ASSAf said.

The Academy cautions that without a rigorous and evidence-informed process, South Africa risks undermining its ability to achieve national development priorities, including those articulated in the National Development Plan and the Science, Technology and Innovation Decadal Plan.

ASSAf therefore calls for a strengthened policy process that prioritises transparency, expert oversight, inclusive consultation and evidence-based decision-making to ensure that artificial intelligence contributes positively to South Africa’s social and economic development.

Access the full Statement here.