Four govt officials suspended for fake AI policy citations

May 4, 2026 Ciaran Ryan Uncategorized 0

The officials, across two departments, were suspended last week after ‘hallucinations’ were discovered in key policy papers. From Moneyweb.

The controversy emerged after reports found that several references in the SA’s draft AI policy did not exist, prompting its withdrawal. Image: AdobeStock

In an embarrassing climbdown, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has announced the suspension of two officials with immediate effect, following the withdrawal of its long-awaited draft AI policy – for using academic citations widely believed to be AI hallucinations.

“The draft policy was recently withdrawn from public consultation following revelations that fictitious references were used during the policy development process. The irresponsible use of AI tools compromised the integrity of the policy document,” the department said in a media statement.

In the same week, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) announced it was suspending two senior officials after detecting apparent AI “hallucinations” cited as references in the cabinet-approved Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection. Continue reading.

About Ciaran Ryan 1446 Articles
The Writer's Room is a curated by Ciaran Ryan, who has written on South African affairs for Sunday Times, Mail & Guardian, Financial Mail, Finweek, Noseweek, The Daily Telegraph, Forbes, USA Today, Acts Online and Lewrockwell.com, among others. In between he manages a gold mining operation in Ghana, and previously worked in Congo. Most of his time is spent in the lovely city of Joburg.