Mlambo, Tlangelani PZuva, TBrown, AMoletsane, R2026-08-072026-08-072026-07http://hdl.handle.net/10204/14885South African organizations are experiencing rapid digital transformation as digital technologies increasingly shape service delivery, data management, and interactions between the state and citizens. In this time where machines such as Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) can generate answers from the user prompt, there’s a need to control their use in order not to harm others. This study examines digital governance in the generative AI era, focusing on how privacy and trust are managed within organizations in South Africa. The study adapts a qualitative research approach utilizing the traditional literature review and secondary data analysis. There’s a disconnect between the initiated policies and the implementation or regulation of these policies, therefore, there is a need to develop a comprehensive digital governance framework for South African organizations to help minimize any harm that can be caused by use of Generative Artificial Intelligence. The research shows that in the generative AI era, is necessary for digital governance to move from only technologycentric strategies to a comprehensive framework that will combine institutional, ethical and operational aspects. The study contributes theoretically and practically to a deeper understanding of governance challenges and opportunities in South Africa. The study is limited to South African organizations and on secondary data from existing literature. Future work can extend the scope of the study beyond South Africa and conduct empirical and longitudinal studies to gain more insights on digital governance in the generative AI era.FulltextenDigital governanceGenerative AIPOPIAInstitutional trustSouth African organisationsConference Presentationn/a