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Digital inclusion and accessibility in South Africa
Seniors engaging with digital technology
VR technology and digital innovation in rural South Africa
Mobile connectivity in South African communities
Youth education and digital literacy
AI and South Africa's digital future

Governing South Africa's Digital Future

An independent, non-partisan forum advancing responsible oversight, accountability, and public trust in AI, data, and digital public infrastructure.

Building trust in South Africa's digital systems

Human and AI collaboration - representing digital governance and technology partnership

Convene

Host forums, roundtables, and discussions to create spaces for dialogue on AI, data, and digital governance.

Publish

Produce policy briefs, discussion papers, and reports that translate complex technical topics into accessible insights.

Advise

Provide non-binding guidance and thought leadership to support better decision-making in public and private sectors.

Independent. Non-partisan. Public interest.

SADGF operates at the intersection of technology, policy, and society. We are not a political party, lobbying organisation, or government body.

We are a neutral convening platform bringing together policymakers, academics, industry practitioners, civil society, and youth to advance responsible digital governance in South Africa.

Independence and neutrality
Transparency and accountability
Evidence-based reasoning
Public-interest orientation
Inclusion and accessibility
Diverse group engaging with digital technology and VR - representing inclusion and accessibility

What We're Not

  • Not a political party
  • Not a lobbying organisation
  • Not a government body
  • Not a commercial enterprise

What We Bring Together

  • Policymakers and regulators
  • Academics and researchers
  • Industry practitioners
  • Civil society and youth

Focus Areas

SADGF's work is organised around four interconnected domains of digital governance.

AI Governance

Advancing transparency, accountability, auditing, and responsible use of artificial intelligence systems in South Africa.

  • AI transparency standards
  • Algorithmic accountability
  • AI auditing frameworks
  • Responsible deployment

Data Governance

Promoting data rights, responsible access, stewardship, and protection for South African citizens and institutions.

  • Data rights and protection
  • Open data standards
  • Data stewardship models
  • Cross-border data flows

Digital Public Infrastructure

Supporting the development of trusted, accessible, and resilient digital systems serving the public good.

  • Digital identity systems
  • Public service platforms
  • Interoperability standards
  • Digital inclusion

Cybersecurity & Digital Trust

Building institutional resilience, managing digital risks, and strengthening cybersecurity readiness.

  • Cybersecurity frameworks
  • Risk assessment standards
  • Incident response protocols
  • Digital trust indicators

Work & Outputs

Evidence-based research and public guidance on digital governance in South Africa.

AI Transparency in South African Public Services - Policy Brief cover
Policy Brief

AI Transparency in South African Public Services

An analysis of current AI deployment in government services and recommendations for transparency standards.

Coming Soon · 2026
Data Stewardship Models for South Africa - Discussion Paper cover
Discussion Paper

Data Stewardship Models for South Africa

Exploring governance frameworks for responsible data management in the public interest.

In Development · 2026
State of Digital Governance 2026 - Research Report cover
Research Report

State of Digital Governance 2026

Annual assessment of digital governance maturity across South African institutions.

Planned · Q2 2026

Governance & Leadership

SADGF operates with transparent governance structures to ensure independence, accountability, and diverse representation.

SADGF Leadership Team - Diverse group of professionals in business attire

Executive Leadership

Operational team coordinating convening activities, publications, and stakeholder engagement.

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Board Members

Multi-stakeholder board providing strategic guidance and ensuring SADGF maintains its independence and public-interest mandate.

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Research Fellows

Domain experts contributing research, analysis, and thought leadership across SADGF's focus areas.

In Formation

Join the Conversation

SADGF convenes diverse stakeholders to advance responsible digital governance in South Africa.

Research Contributors

Partner Organisations

Academic institutions, civil society organisations, and research bodies seeking to collaborate on digital governance initiatives.

Explore partnership →
Research Contributors

Research Contributors

Researchers and domain experts interested in contributing analysis, papers, or serving as fellows.

Express interest →
Institutional Support

Institutional Support

Public and private sector institutions committed to advancing responsible digital governance.

Learn more →

Get in Touch

For inquiries, partnership opportunities, or to learn more about SADGF's work.

Connect With Us

Direct Contact

Email: contact@sadgf.org.za

Location: South Africa

SADGF is an independent forum. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 5 business days.