Statutory, regulatory and policy frameworks governing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public policy making in the South African context

This study aims to critically examine the statutory and regulatory framework governing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public policy-making in South Based on document analysis, the study uses a qualitative methodology informed by an interpretive research philosophy. From a variety of written sources, such as public reports, academic literature, policy drafts, and legislation, data were purposefully chosen and subjected to thematic analysis. Three main conclusions emerge from the study: first, South African regulations governing AI lag far behind the rate of technological advancement; second, the guidelines currently in place for the use of AI in the public sector are confusing and inadequate; and third, the current strategy falls short in striking a balance between innovation and essential protections. The study concludes by recommending that South Africa must move beyond consultative drafts and urgently establish a comprehensive, legally enforceable framework. This framework should be aligned with global best practices to ethically and effectively oversee AI deployment across its public institutions. Key Words:AI, Regulatory, Statutory, Policy framework, Public Policy, South Africa