The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has placed two of its officials on precautionary suspension over the alleged use of fabricated research in the Draft National AI Policy
Following media reports highlighting issues with the policy’s reference list, the Department’s Minister, Solly Malatsi, withdrew the draft from public consultation.
The Department’s Director-General, Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, announced the suspension of the implicated officials in a press release issued on Friday.
“The precautionary suspension is with immediate effect, pending the ongoing investigation into the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy. These revelations prompted an internal review to determine the facts. This initial step is part of our commitment to accountability,” Jordan-Dyani said.
The Director-General warned against what she described as the irresponsible use of AI tools, adding that this had compromised the integrity of the policy document.
As part of upholding transparency, the Department reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that investigations into the matter are conducted thoroughly.
Jordan-Dyani indicated that the outcomes would be communicated in due course, in line with Minister Malatsi’s request to engage the Department’s Portfolio Committee with the findings of the investigation.
