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AI Development Needs Strict Controls, Says South African President

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for measures to prevent artificial intelligence from spiralling out of control, adding his voice to growing concerns about the pace of AI advancement globally.

LSN India · 13 September 2026

President Ramaphosa's remarks at the BRICS forum reflect mounting anxieties within the international technology sector over whether the competitive drive to create increasingly sophisticated AI systems is outpacing adequate safety measures and regulatory frameworks.

The South African leader's intervention signals that concerns about rapid, uncontrolled AI development are now extending beyond technology circles into high-level policy discussions across major emerging economies. His comments underscore the complexity of managing technological innovation while ensuring safeguards are in place.

The global AI industry has faced intensifying scrutiny from policymakers, researchers, and technology leaders regarding the risks posed by systems advancing faster than governance mechanisms can accommodate. Questions about transparency, accountability, and the concentration of AI capabilities among a small number of companies have become central to international debates.

Ramaphosa's position suggests that BRICS nations, which represent significant economic and demographic weight globally, are seeking to participate in shaping how artificial intelligence is developed and deployed. The remarks indicate emerging markets view AI governance as a critical issue requiring coordinated international attention and consensus-building.