The North-West University (NWU) has become the first South African university to adopt an official Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy.
The policy sets a human-centred, ethical and sustainable framework that clearly defines governance, roles and responsibilities for how AI is used across teaching, research, assessment and university management.
Professor Anné Verhoef, director of the NWU AI Hub, said on Monday that this marks a milestone for the sector and helps shape national conversations about the responsible use of AI in higher education and research.
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Concerns about AI
Verhoef said many universities are delaying the creation of an AI policy because of the rapid pace of AI development. While this concern is valid, a policy can be crafted in a flexible and broad manner that adapts to the swiftly evolving AI landscape.
“Such a policy is also vital because it provides a framework for the safe and secure management and governance of AI within the university,” he said.
“At the NWU, the need for this framework became clear as our AI strategy focuses on embracing AI in a human-centred, ethical and responsible way. This approach encompasses teaching and learning, assessments, research and postgraduate supervision, all of which need to be coordinated, supported and managed within a clear framework.”
Human-centred approach to AI
He emphasised that the framework must also delineate the roles and responsibilities of students, lecturers, researchers and management.
“Many universities in South Africa and globally are encountering challenges in creating a comprehensive and centralised approach to the coordination and management of AI,” he added.
“Initially, the Centre for Teaching and Learning led this work, but by 2025, the need for AI management in the research sector became far more pronounced.
“Without a harmonised strategy that integrates teaching, learning, research and management, universities face conflicting approaches that can confuse and disadvantage students and lecturers.”
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How NWU approaches challenges
He highlighted that there is an AI Steering Committee, which includes representatives from students, faculty, administration, the library and the Centre for Teaching and Learning, that is responsible for all AI-related matters at the university.
“This committee reports to the IT Committee, which in turn reports to the University Management Committee. Communication then flows to faculties and to Senate as required.”
Before Council approved the policy, it went through an extensive consultation process involving faculties, Senate and refinement committees.
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