Paragraph 1: Introduction and Core Call for Media Support
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has issued a definitive call to fortify independent and pluralistic media, framing a diverse media ecosystem as a primary defense against disinformation. This comes ahead of the release of its new Human Rights and Information Integrity Policy Brief. The commission stresses that supporting journalism is not just about media health but about safeguarding democracy and protecting fundamental human rights.
Paragraph 2: The New Policy Brief and its Foundational Event
The policy brief, launched in Gqeberha, follows the SAHRC Summit on Human Rights and Disinformation held in July 2025. The summit marked a shift in the national conversation by officially classifying disinformation not merely as a communication glitch but as a tangible human rights threat. The policy argues that disinformation thrives where access to reliable information is limited, especially in marginalized communities and among those underserved by mainstream media and language offerings.
Paragraph 3: Strategic Interventions and Funding Models
To counter this, the SAHRC proposes public policy interventions designed to actively support independent journalism. These include fiscal incentives for public-interest journalism, sustainable funding models for investigative reporting, and support for content in indigenous and minority languages. The commission cites South Africa’s GroundUp as a successful example of donor-supported journalism exposing false narratives, promoting accountability, and strengthening democratic participation.
Paragraph 4: Platform Accountability and Revenue Levies
The commission is also exploring platform-based funding mechanisms, such as levies on digital advertising revenue, to sustain public-interest journalism. However, it stresses that such mechanisms must be carefully designed to protect editorial independence and the freedom of expression. The policy is anchored in five key principles: accuracy, necessity, proportionality, transparency, and accountability, which guide all responses to information integrity challenges.
Paragraph 5: Five Priority Policy Recommendations
The policy brief outlines five priority recommendations: stronger platform accountability measures; the creation of a well-funded early-warning and rapid-response system for periods of heightened risk such as elections and public unrest; a review of existing legal frameworks; enhanced support for independent media and fact-checking initiatives; and sustained investment in digital literacy and civic education.
Paragraph 6: Conclusion and Path Forward
The SAHRC’s policy brief serves as a critical roadmap for South Africa, reinforcing long-standing calls to bolster public-interest journalism, community media, and local-language reporting as essential pillars of the democratic information ecosystem. By addressing the root causes of disinformation, the commission positions a resilient and independent media as the ultimate safeguard for human rights and democratic participation in the digital age.