South Africa’s draft national AI policy was withdrawn for reworking, while government continues to emphasise adaptable, human-centred digital governance. For small businesses, the pause is a useful opportunity to put practical controls around AI-assisted marketing, sales and customer follow-up before formal standards are finalised.
A useful follow-up sequence starts before the first message. Check your sending domain, document the services that use it and connect delivery checks with permission-based contact management.
The National Consumer Commission has launched South Africa’s National Opt-Out Registry, requiring direct marketers to register and prepare for monthly list cleansing. For businesses, the change makes consent records, suppression lists and campaign controls operational priorities—not just compliance paperwork.