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misinformation and disinformation
Understanding misinformation and malinformation in South Africa
The trend of South Africans swallowing whole any information, regardless of whether it is accurate or not, that is posted on social media platform is rife.
‘Genocide’ lies and white victimhood: How far-right forces are undermining South Africa
Experts warn that misinformation campaigns, driven by foreign actors and domestic far-right groups, are undermining South Africa's democracy and social cohesion.
Retailer rubbishes false claims about racial discrimination in food donations
Woolworths strongly refutes viral social media claims that it racially discriminates in food donations, revealing how an anonymous account's false allegations reached over 130,000 people despite being blocked from responding.
Controversy erupts as KZN agriculture department's tractor theft claims questioned
A Facebook user has publicly challenged the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, claiming their official statements about recent tractor theft arrests contain multiple inaccuracies and misleading information. The controversy raises questions about government communication standards and transparency.
Debunking Elon Musk's statements on Starlink's absence in South Africa
Elon Musk's recent comments on Julius Malema's 'Kill the Boer' song spark controversy as he claims Starlink's absence in South Africa is due to his race.
Elon Musk lies again: 'Starlink not allowed to operate in South Africa because I'm not black'
Elon Musk's recent comments on Starlink's operations in South Africa raise questions about misinformation and race.
'Acting in national interest' - DA defends US visit amid backlash
DA's week-long US visit 'to ease diplomatic tensions' with the Trump administration, but faces backlash from Minister Lamola over foreign policy alignment.
Editor's Note: Beyond Musk and Trump: South Africa's path to economic resilience
As South Africa faces mounting pressure from US billionaires and political figures, this analysis explores how the nation can maintain its economic sovereignty while navigating global political tensions and misinformation campaigns. Learn why quiet diplomacy and strategic international partnerships might be the key to South Africa's continued growth
How Putin and Musk are weakening European democracies
Concerns about Russian election interference are nothing new, but so far the picture of Moscow’s success is rather mixed.
Naspers' News24: The Place Where Apartheid Never Ended
Explore how Naspers’ News24 perpetuates apartheid-era narratives against independent black business leaders in South Africa.
The dynamics that polarise us on social media are about to get worse
Zuckerberg claims these changes promote “free expression”. But some experts worry he’s bowing to right-wing political pressure
How Finnish youth learn to spot disinformation
Finland is consistently ranked as Europe's most media literate country and the skills needed to spot online hoaxes are on the school curriculum, amid a boom of mis- and disinformation campaigns.
How to set realistic health resolutions for the New Year
Learn how to sift through health misinformation and set realistic dietary resolutions that can lead to lasting positive change.
How to spot truthfulness in a sea of misinformation
The critical importance of recognising untruths in our lives and learning how to cultivate truthfulness amidst the chaos of misinformation.
How the South African media lied… collectively
An analysis of the coverage of a report on the LGBTI market shows how some news publishers in South Africa act as echo chambers for disinformation and misinformation.
Where’s this energy when women and children are abused, raped, and slaughtered? - Women For Change on scam allegations
‘My attorneys are handling criminal and civil cases against several individuals responsible for the defamatory content and others who have spread or shared these false and harmful claims. ’
Misinformation is rife against Israel
It was Hamas and its sympathisers who have spread disproven lies that sexual violence did not occur on October 7th. It was Hamas and sympathetic media who lied about the casualties at Al-Ahli Hospital, and then tried to cover up that it was actually Islamic Jihad who performed the bombing.
TikTok video reveals tragic story of a husband’s betrayal and a family’s incalculable loss
The outpouring of emotion in the comments section reflects the deep connection and empathy viewers felt for a woman whose tragic story touched so many lives.
Ghana minister of health in SA on mission to hunt for vaccine manufacturing operations
The visit follows the European Union’s (EU) recent announcement of a €32 million (about R636. 5 million) effort to increase vaccine production in Ghana
Spread lies, face the law: Peddling false information on social media is illegal
South Africa has a well-defined Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act, within which it is important to note that even nameless, faceless trolls on social media who propagate information – often false – that incites or provokes people to perform a desired action that causes harm, are held accountable
TikTok slammed for approving fake political ads in 'disinformation test' ahead EU vote
A global campaign group’s disinformation test has raised some serious questions about the ability of social media platforms to detect election falsehoods.
DJ Tira takes legal action against Luke Ntombela following her sexual assault allegation
DJ Tira is demanding that Ntombela retract the allegations of sexual assault made against him.
Dystopia now? Social media obsession is plaguing society
The most significant and troubling negative effects of social media are on a deeper, more personal and fundamental level: its ability to worsen and encourage emotions of despair, loneliness, and isolation, as well as induce mental health disorders.
City Power denies claims of a strike, condemns threats of violence on its employees
“City Power has beefed up security to safeguard its employees and contractors in the event that the purported strike in question disrupts our operations and threaten lives and property. ”
Saffer skandaals slay deepfakes
Saffers are so accustomed to being lied to, placing their trust in organisations and entities only to have it shattered, that most of us don’t believe a thing anyone says today. Who could possibly make a deepfake that is worse than reality?