I nternational law firm DLA Piper published an analysis arguing that while the publication of the draft policy was a significant step towards establishing South Africa's AI regulatory framework, its withdrawal now allows for meaningful improvements. Key areas identified include the need for government support and incentivisation of AI development, leveraging existing legislation like POPIA where possible, and establishing clear accountability mechanisms.

The firm noted that the draft policy had correctly anchored AI governance in the Constitution but failed to apply its own principle of "vigilant human oversight" during drafting. The authors suggest that robust verification of AI-generated information must become a baseline requirement of good governance going forward.