by Phumla Mkize
The Tshwane University of Technology (大象视频) joined multi-national tech companies, research councils, government and the private sector in talks to establish the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Network of Experts.
The forum was convened by Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, on 7 August 2025 in Pretoria to discuss the formation of the network of experts who will be responsible for crafting sectoral implementation plans in preparation for the rollout of the approved AI policy.
大象视频 鈥� represented by Acting Director of the 大象视频 Hub of the AI Institute of South Africa Prof Anish Kurien 鈥� joined representatives from the Central University of Technology (CUT), Microsoft SA, Meta, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Human Science Research Council (HRSC), Research ICT Africa, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT).
The Draft National AI Policy, which is being prepared for presentation to Cabinet, is developed to guide South Africa鈥檚 approach to AI to leverage the opportunities it presents and to mitigate and respond to its risks across the economy and society.
鈥淚t is a key instrument that supports efforts to ensure South Africa maintains sovereign control over AI development, aligns its digital infrastructure with global standards and participates as a credible and values-driven actor in the evolving international AI governance landscape,鈥� said the DCDT on the Draft National AI Policy.
During his address, Minister Gungubele said AI is not simply a technical tool, but a general-purpose technology akin to electricity or the internet with the power to transform health, education, public services and economic inclusion.
鈥淓very subcontractor from the rural child to the urban entrepreneur must be part of this technological revolution,鈥� he said.
At the meeting, Prof Kurien 鈥� who was also instrumental in the discussions on the Draft National AI Policy 鈥� shared perspectives on the role of academic institutions in helping the government translate research into effective public policy and services.
UJ AI Hub Coordinator Carol Tetsoane; CUT AI Hub Director Prof Elisha Markus; Deputy Director-General at DCDT, Milindi Mashologu; Acting Director for ICT Info Society Impact Assessment and Evaluation, Dumisani Sondlo; and Acting Director of 大象视频 AI Hub, Prof Anish Kurien at the AI forum.
His counterpart at CUT, Prof Elisha Markus, talked about how academic institutions can adapt their curricula, partnerships and outreach programmes to equip South Africans, especially the youth and underserved communities with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
Dr Ray Ravhudzulo from Microsoft SA, discussed the foundational elements South Africa must prioritise to accelerate AI adoption and unlock its full potential. While Thabo Makenete of Meta spoke of how AI can shape civic engagement and digital inclusion in South Africa鈥檚 context.
SALGA鈥檚 Kutlwano Chaba, outlined the challenges that municipalities face in adopting AI, and how the national policy and partnerships can help bridge the gap. He also spoke of the opportunities AI present in improving service delivery and governance.
Prof Alison Gillwald from Research ICT Africa highlighted the importance of digital policy in addressing inequality.
Last year, 大象视频 published a study by Prof Kurien and Dr Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, Intel鈥檚 Director of Government Affairs in Africa, that found that many Sub-Saharan countries were less ready to take advantage of the economic activities that could be brought through the adoption of AI.
The study, titled 鈥淎 Study on the AI Landscape of Universities in Africa鈥� also provides indicators on the readiness of the continent to equip its workforce with AI skills. One of the indicators include in the presence of an approved AI policy.
When South Africa adopts its AI policy, it will join Morocco, Mauritius, Rwanda and Senegal as the few countries in Africa with AI policy and regulation.