Stories from Pretoria · South Africa

South Africa's Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has withdrawn its draft national AI policy. The text was reportedly riddled with errors caused by AI. The decision follows concerns regarding the quality of the legislative draft. South Africa's Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies withdrew a draft artificial intelligence bill on Sunday. The document, intended to provide regulatory direction and establish a national commission or ethics committee, was retracted after it was found to contain false references likely generated by algorithms. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced a project to redevelop six key ports of entry across South Africa. The project aims to upgrade the country's border management and immigration systems.

Health advocates are calling for the legislative recognition of obstetric violence as a distinct legal harm. Advocates are also seeking independent investigations into allegations of violence during childbirth. The movement also demands adequate budgetary resources to support maternity care reforms. Proposed redress mechanisms include medical, psychosocial, and financial support for survivors. Proponents state that adequate budgetary resources are required to improve maternity care and healthcare worker conditions. They said the need for reasonable workloads and mental healthcare access for medical staff. Many victims do not realize they have been mistreated due to a lack of awareness regarding their rights. Proponents suggest that public education must be implemented in every hospital and medical facility.

The South African government has suspended the national police chief following an investigation into a corruption case. The move follows allegations involving health tenders and seeks to address systemic reform within the force. This development comes amid broader scrutiny of government officials under the administration of Cyril Ramaphosa. The South African National Editors Forum (SAIF) has launched an investigation into allegations of lottery funds misappropriation. This follows a revelation by the Special Investigating Unit that a company linked to Sifara improperly benefited from stolen funds intended for community development. Sifara has denied any wrongdoing. The forum has appointed Deputy Chair Chamanomakadi as Acting Chairperson, alongside Sunnef Executive Director Reggie Mwaluusi.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is moving to implement the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) to standardize the automatic exchange of information. He cautioned against allowing legitimate community concerns about illegal migration to foster prejudice and hatred towards fellow Africans. The president said the need for careful discourse on the issue. The government said upholding the country's laws and protecting citizens' employment opportunities. This action aims to address concerns about undocumented migrants impacting the job market. The Border Management Authority announced a project to redevelop six key points of entry in South Africa. The initiative aims to address issues regarding illegal border crossings and poor border management. Michael Masiapoto has been appointed as the Border Management Authority commissioner.