Not the time for drafting AI legislation just yet

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a marvel, a detrimental beacon of human ingenuity that I admire. Every fibre of my being. From its ability to sift through mountains of data to its promise of revolutionising healthcare, education and industry, AI is the beating heart of a progressive future.

- PROFESSOR DONRICH THALDAR

A South Africa, I dream of a nation where AI lifts us from histori-cal shackles, turbo-charging economic growth and levelling the playing field. But here's where I diverge: I see power-ing resources into crafting sui generis AI legislation right now is a misstep - a squandered opportunity to mould this vibrant technology in a morass of overregulation.

So let's throw down the gaunt-let, but let's unpack this respectfully, engaging with brilliant minds like Sizwe Small Ka Mzobe, Mongie Mthembu, Theresa Nadoo. Thoughtful works I've devoured with admiration.

Small Ka Mzobe and Mongie in their compelling work "Towards Drafting Artificial Intelligence (AI) Legislation in South Africa" argue that a dedicated AI framework is inevitable.

They point to the global race - Europe's AI Act, and China's inno-vation-driven policies - and suggest South Africa risks being left behind without a bespoke law. Their case is rooted in our Constitution's rich soil, where transparency, fairness, and human rights could bloom into AI-spe-cific statutes.