Stories from South Africa

A government-related artificial intelligence guideline in South Africa was found to contain fabricated sources and numerous errors. The document was reportedly created using AI but included invented citations. Correspondent Stefan Überbach reported that the case may have implications beyond South Africa. The incident is currently being viewed as a matter with potential consequences for the government. Minister Solly Malatzi has withdrawn the draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy. Kusele Diku, chairperson of Parliament's Communications and Digital Technologies Committee, stated that Malatzi will soon be summoned to Parliament to account for the withdrawal. Kusatu indicated they will continue to engage the government regarding the policy's future.

The Northern Cape High Court granted the Hawks Asset Forfeiture Unit a forfeiture order exceeding R100,000. The order targets two Zimbabwean nationals, Takundumakuduro and Lydia Pabepeda, who were arrested in Kimberley.

A South African court fined Bellamine Mugabe, the youngest son of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, $36,000. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed the successful prosecution of Bellamane Maccabi and Tobias Maldonado. The sentencing includes a total of three years of jail time for three additional charges. A co-accused individual received a three-year prison sentence for the attempted murder of an employee at Robert Mugabe's Johannesburg home. A social media post, reportedly from the son of Bellamine Mugabe, claims Bellamine Mugabe was fined 600,000 Zimbabwean dollars. The post states that President E.D. Mnangagwa has already paid the fine on Mugabe's behalf. Bellamine Mugabe paid a fine to avoid custody and is currently being deported from Sardinia, according to Professor Dirk Kossiw. The individual was given the option to either pay the fine or face custody.

A South African court fined Bellamine Mugabe, the youngest son of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. Mugabe pleaded guilty to pointing a firearm. The court also ordered his deportation from South Africa.

A South African court has fined the youngest son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe. The court also ordered his deportation. The specific amount of the fine was not disclosed.

Communication and Digital Technologies Minister Soli Malazi said his department is investigating the withdrawal of the draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy. The error occurred while the government was attempting to develop policies for the responsible use of AI. Experts described the issue as digital hallucinations where plausible-sounding but non-existent quotes were included. The responsible ministry is currently revising the draft from the ground up. The failure to verify sources has reportedly compromised a document intended to be a political breakthrough for the nation. A spokesperson told the SABC that the situation should not have occurred. Two officials from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies have been placed on precautionary suspension with immediate effect. The announcement was made by SABC news reporter Undi Lambana.

The Pietermaritzburg High Court has adjourned the reopened inquest into the 1981 killing of human rights lawyer George Bizos. The proceedings were halted during the court session.

Postbank transitions for social grant payments will not affect beneficiaries who already access payments through retailers. The change aims to move payments through banking channels.

Postbank will move social grant payments for veteran politician Jeff Khadebo and Lofi Lukadell to banking channels starting May 1. Postbank's chief commercial officer, Tamsang Maglele, stated the notice applies only to Postbank savings account holders.

The African National Congress (ANC) has removed its provincial convener and replaced them with Mike Mabuyakulu. The party's National Executive Committee, led by Secretary-General Fiki Lembalula, is engaging with the new provincial leadership to stabilize structures.