Speaking Truth to Power: Combating Disinformation in South Africa and Beyond
In an era defined by the rapid proliferation of information, the line between truth and falsehood has become increasingly blurred. Disinformation, the deliberate spread of false or misleading information, poses a significant threat to democracies worldwide, and the African continent is no exception. On April 14, 2025, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Library and Higher Education Media Services hosted a critical roundtable discussion titled “Speaking the Truth by Understanding the Untruth: Addressing Fake News and Disinformation in South Africa and the African Continent,” bringing together experts from academia, journalism, and policy to grapple with this complex and escalating challenge. The discussion highlighted the urgent need for a multi-pronged approach involving media literacy, robust regulation, and cross-border collaboration to combat the insidious spread of disinformation.
UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi opened the roundtable by emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Citing a recent incident involving a fabricated news report falsely claiming the Ukrainian First Lady’s flight from the country, Professor Mpedi highlighted the ease with which disinformation can spread and the potential for real-world consequences. He pointed to research indicating a near quadrupling of disinformation campaigns across Africa since 2022, contributing to violence, political instability, and electoral interference. The advent of generative AI, he warned, further exacerbates the problem, accelerating the speed and scale of disinformation production and dissemination. Professor Mpedi framed the roundtable as a vital step towards developing informed and effective responses to this growing threat.
The discussion began with a fundamental question: what exactly constitutes “fake news”? Phathiswa Magopeni, Executive Director of the Press Council of South Africa, challenged the term itself, arguing that it misleadingly conflates genuine journalism with deliberate disinformation, thereby undermining public trust in legitimate news sources. Professor Admire Mare, Head of Communications and Media at UJ, provided a historical context, tracing the roots of disinformation back to propaganda campaigns of the 1920s. He underscored how technological advancements, particularly generative AI and synthetic media, have dramatically amplified the ease with which content can be manipulated and the corresponding difficulty in verifying authenticity.
The roundtable then shifted its focus to specific regional experiences, drawing on insights from Kenya and Mauritius. Award-winning Kenyan journalist Mary Mwendwa described the evolving landscape of disinformation in Kenya, ranging from politically motivated propaganda to online harassment targeting female leaders. She highlighted the gap between existing legal frameworks, such as the Cybercrimes and Computer Misuse Act, and public awareness and understanding of disinformation tactics. From Mauritius, Christina Chan-Meetoo, Senior Lecturer in Media and Communication at the University of Mauritius, observed a surge in disinformation during periods of heightened public anxiety, such as elections and pandemics, often fueled by underlying societal mistrust and a lack of regulatory oversight.
The panellists unanimously agreed on the necessity for a coordinated, multi-sectoral response to the disinformation crisis. Reggy Moalusi, Executive Director of the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), called upon media professionals to critically examine their own role and responsibilities in combating the spread of false information. He acknowledged the challenges facing the industry, including shrinking newsrooms and declining public trust, while emphasizing the importance of safeguarding South Africa’s relatively strong media freedom ranking and investing in the next generation of media professionals.
Professor Mare stressed the crucial role of media literacy education in empowering citizens to critically evaluate information and identify disinformation. He advocated for regional cooperation, particularly among countries with limited media infrastructure, to push for stronger regulations and collaborative strategies. Magopeni echoed this sentiment, expressing concern over the simultaneous rise of disinformation and decline in journalism training. She further noted the significant challenge posed by the concentration of power in the hands of a few large tech platforms that both host and often amplify disinformation, emphasizing the need for cross-border collaboration to effectively address this transnational threat. The roundtable concluded with a shared understanding of the complexity and urgency of the disinformation challenge and a commitment to working collaboratively towards solutions.
The discussion highlighted the urgent need to equip citizens with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complex information landscape. Media literacy programs, particularly those targeting vulnerable populations, can empower individuals to identify disinformation tactics and make informed decisions based on credible sources. This is crucial in mitigating the impact of disinformation campaigns designed to manipulate public opinion or incite violence. Furthermore, the roundtable emphasized the need to strengthen journalistic integrity and promote media resilience in the face of economic and technological pressures. Investing in investigative journalism, fact-checking initiatives, and innovative media models can help rebuild public trust and counter the erosion of credible news sources.
The regulation of online platforms remains a complex and contested issue. Balancing the need to combat disinformation with the protection of freedom of expression requires careful consideration and a nuanced approach. The roundtable underscored the need for transparent and accountable regulatory frameworks that address the spread of disinformation without unduly restricting legitimate speech. International cooperation and the development of shared standards can help create a more cohesive and effective response to the global nature of this threat. Finally, addressing the root causes of disinformation is essential. Disinformation often thrives in environments characterized by social division, political polarization, and lack of access to accurate information. Promoting inclusive governance, fostering dialogue and understanding between different communities, and empowering marginalized groups are crucial steps in building resilience against disinformation and creating a more informed and engaged citizenry.
The fight against disinformation requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. Governments, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and the media must work together to build a more resilient information ecosystem. This includes fostering critical thinking skills, supporting independent journalism, developing effective regulatory frameworks, and promoting international cooperation. The “Speaking the Truth” roundtable served as a valuable platform for dialogue and collaboration, bringing together diverse voices to address this complex challenge. The insights and recommendations generated during the discussion will contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat disinformation and safeguard democratic values in South Africa and beyond. The urgency of the situation demands continued vigilance, innovation, and a commitment to upholding truth and accuracy in the digital age. Only through collective action can we effectively counter the spread of disinformation and protect the integrity of our information environment.
