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Responsible AI governance advocated by AG at Women Leading Change 2026

Posted in Latest stories on 31 Jul 2026

Marking the start of Women’s Month, AG Tsakani Maluleke joined the executive leadership conference, Women Leading Change 2026 panel discussion titled, The board AI mandate: Leading oversight, accountability and impact, where she highlighted the importance of combined assurance in the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence (AI). 

The event, which took place on 31 July 2026, under the theme The power of collective intelligence, was hosted by Duke Corporate Education, in collaboration with the International Women's Forum South Africa and the African Women Chartered Accountants. 

The gathering explored leadership, unpacked institutional responsibility and the role of women in shaping organisations and society, while recognising women whose leadership creates impact beyond their own success. 

During the panel discussion, the AG shared four key insights: 

  • Software is constantly evolving. Therefore, organisations need ongoing assurance that AI tools will continue to perform as intended. 

  • Data verification is essential. Organisations must establish disciplined processes to verify data and obtain independent assurance over information generated through AI. 

  • Human oversight remains critical. People must have the ability, competence, authority and responsibility to override AI-generated decisions when necessary. 

  • Continuous learning is key. As AI continues to evolve, organisations must remain committed to ongoing learning and adaptation. 

In her closing remarks, the AG shared the following quote by Dr Nneka Abulokwe: "In an age of algorithms, the most enduring competitive advantage is not computational speed, but human discernment. Sustainable excellence is not built on technology alone. It emerges from the interplay of intellect with integrity, innovation with empathy." 

The quote reinforced the AGs message that people must remain the final decision-makers, with both the ability and responsibility to override AI where necessary. While technology can enhance decision-making, it is people who bring organisational values to life, uphold ethical standards and build and maintain trust in society.