About the ASSAf Forum on Artificial Intelligence (AI Forum)
The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) Forum on Artificial Intelligence (AI Forum) is a multidisciplinary platform established to facilitate evidence-based dialogue, coordination and policy engagement on artificial intelligence (AI) in South Africa’s higher education, research and scholarly publishing landscape.
The Forum was established in response to the growing opportunities and challenges presented by AI, including issues related to academic integrity, governance, ethics, data privacy, algorithmic bias, teaching and learning, research methodologies and responsible innovation.
The AI Forum operates within ASSAf’s mandate, in terms of the ASSAf Act (Act 67 of 2001), to provide science-based policy advice on matters of public interest. It aims to contribute to a national process for the responsible and ethical adoption of AI in South Africa, with consideration of its societal, economic and governance implications.
AI Forum Background and Rationale
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming global education, research, scholarly publishing and innovation systems. From enhancing research methodologies and automating processes to reshaping teaching, learning and knowledge production, AI presents both significant opportunities and complex risks.
Recognising the importance of these developments, ASSAf initiated a webinar series on AI in scholarly communication during 2024-2025. This led to the development of the ASSAf-SciELO Guidelines for the Use of AI Tools and Resources in Research Communication, which provide guidance on the responsible use of AI in academic publishing and scholarly communication.
Building on this work, ASSAf established the AI Forum to provide a structured and inclusive platform for sustained engagement on AI-related issues relevant to South Africa’s higher education and research system.
AI Forum Objectives
The AI Forum seeks to:
- Provide evidence-based and science-informed policy advice on AI-related matters;
- Facilitate multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral dialogue on AI governance, ethics, academic integrity and innovation;
- Promote collaboration and knowledge exchange between academia, government, industry, civil society and international partners;
- Support the responsible and ethical adoption of AI in higher education, research and scholarly publishing;
- Strengthen AI literacy, capacity development and public awareness;
- Produce practical outputs, such as guidelines, frameworks, policy briefs and advisory documents; and
- Support national coordination and engagement on AI policy and governance.
Governance and Structure
AI Forum Steering Committee
The AI Forum is governed by the ASSAf AI Forum Steering Committee, appointed by ASSAf Council. The Steering Committee provides strategic guidance and oversight for the Forum and supports the coordination of activities, stakeholder engagement and outputs.
The Steering Committee comprises multidisciplinary expertise across academia, research, policy, publishing, civil society and related sectors, ensuring diversity in discipline, gender, geography and institutional representation.
Members of the steering committee (11 May 2026):
Name | Institution | Field of Expertise |
Prof Nyna Amin | UKZN | Digital Education |
Prof Elizabeth Archer | UWC | Educational Assessment & Measurement |
Dr Martin Bekker | WITS | AI Ethics |
Dr Tapiwa Chiwewe | CSIR | AI Engineering |
SUN | Microbiology | |
Prof Aslam Fataar | SUN | Education Policy |
Prof Thokozani Majozi | UCT | Chemical Engineering |
Prof Julian May (Chairperson) | UWC | Economic Development |
Prof Tommie Meyer | UCT | Computer Science |
Prof Lynn Morris (Deputy Chairperson) | WITS | Virology |
Prof Caroline Ncube | UCT | Law |
Prof Francesco Petruccione | SUN | Quantum Computing |
Prof Emma Ruttkamp-Bloem | UP | Philosophy |
Prof Anne Verhoef | NWU | Philosophy |
Establishment of the Broader ASSAf AI Forum
The Steering Committee is currently leading the process towards the establishment of the broader ASSAf AI Forum, which will serve as a wider national platform for engagement and participation.
The Forum will include representatives and stakeholders from:
- Higher education institutions;
- Research organisations;
- Government departments and agencies;
- Industry and technology sectors;
- Civil society organisations;
- Scholarly publishing and communication sectors, and
- International and regional partners.
The Forum will support broader national dialogue, collaboration, consultation and knowledge exchange on AI-related issues in South Africa.
AI Webinar Series and Makgotla
Since 2024, ASSAf has convened AI-focused webinars and Makgotla to stimulate dialogue and engagement on emerging AI-related issues.
These engagements bring together experts and stakeholders from academia, government, industry and civil society to:
- Explore emerging AI trends and challenges;
- Share perspectives and expertise;
- Promote the responsible and ethical use of AI;
- Support evidence-informed policy discussions, and
- Strengthen national coordination and collaboration.
The webinar and Makgotla series continue to demonstrate strong participation and broad sectoral interest.
National AI Policy and Governance Engagement
The AI Forum contributes to national discussions on AI policy and governance through evidence-based engagement, consultation and advisory support.
This includes:
- Engagement on national AI policy processes;
- Stakeholder consultations and submissions;
- Development of policy-relevant guidance and recommendations, and
- Support for responsible and ethical AI governance frameworks.
The Forum aims to position ASSAf as a neutral and credible platform for informed national dialogue on AI.
Resources
National and International AI Resources
- South Africa National AI Policy Framework
- UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
- OECD AI Principles
- African Union Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy
AI Forum Enquiries
Mmaphuthi Rametse
Senior Project Officer: Scholarly Publishing Programme, ASSAf
Email: mmaphuthi@assaf.org.za