By Andrea Naicker
One of the most enduring symbols of South Africa’s democracy is the ballot box -- a reminder of our collective struggle for freedom and the power each citizen holds in shaping our nation’s future. As we approach the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections, this democratic right depends increasingly on the availability of accurate, credible information that enables citizens to make informed decisions. Yet this critical foundation is threatened by the growing challenge of disinformation.
Disinformation -- false or misleading information created with the intent to deceive -- is not new. Historically used during wars and political transitions, it is now amplified by modern technologies, including sophisticated AI‑driven tools capable of generating deepfakes, fabricated narratives, and computational propaganda. These tactics distort public perception, undermine confidence in democratic institutions, and have far‑reaching social and economic consequences. Locally, disinformation sows mistrust in municipal, provincial, and national governance and can escalate tensions within communities.
Often people struggle to distinguish credible news from false content, especially on social media platforms such as X, TikTok, Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube. As the local government elections draw near, communities may encounter hyper‑localised disinformation exploiting existing pressures—such as service‑delivery issues or political uncertainty. These falsehoods can take the form of manipulated “technical glitches”, misleading voter‑registration messages, fabricated voice notes, or rumours of sabotage. The speed at which false narratives can spread via community WhatsApp groups and neighbourhood networks makes them especially difficult to counter.
Recognising these risks, a coalition of partners convened at the “Countering Disinformation, Safeguarding Local Democracy” dialogue held in Cape Town on 18 February 2026. Hosted by the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa, alongside the Embassies of Lithuania and Poland and the Delegation of Flanders in collaboration with the Institute of Security Studies, the dialogue brought together international experts, government representatives, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), civil society, media professionals, and policy makers.
The gathering underscored the need for coordinated multi‑stakeholder approaches to strengthen information integrity ahead of the local elections.
Cognisant of this, the IEC has intensified efforts to safeguard the electoral environment. It has introduced Rapid‑Response Pathways linking community radio stations and youth networks to fact‑checking partners, ensuring swift correction of misleading claims at local level. The Commission has also prioritised transparency, ensuring that voter management devices and results systems undergo independent, end‑to‑end testing so the public can trust that all technologies function as a “glass box.”
Its “News Sausage” approach encourages media houses to openly demonstrate how results are verified and audited, helping curb suspicion and prevent the spread of conspiracy theories. Additionally, the IEC is enhancing its outreach through an improved WhatsApp service and a dedicated podcast platform aimed at engaging younger voters as active truth‑seekers.
Government continues to strengthen its commitment to supporting citizens with reliable information by proactively debunking false narratives, investing in media literacy initiatives, and encouraging the public to rely on credible sources, such as government websites (for example: https://www.sanews.gov.za/ ) and reputable media outlets in South Africa.
Furthermore, there have been policy developments - including the White Paper on Communications and Digital Technologies and proposals to address online harms, including platform accountability and faster detection and removal of disinformation. Partnerships with organisations such as Moxii (formerly Media Monitoring Africa) and Real411, among other entities further expand rapid‑response and monitoring capabilities.
Safeguarding democracy requires the involvement of all stakeholders: government, electoral bodies, technology companies, civil society, community media, youth networks, and citizens themselves. Through public engagement, transparent communication, coordinated action, and accessible digital tools - such as zero‑rated portals allowing voters to verify information - South Africa is building a resilient “Democracy Shield” that protects the integrity of the vote.
South Africa’s democracy is further strengthened by legislation that upholds information integrity and enforces accountability. Key instruments such as the Cybercrimes Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct provide clear legal measures to ensure that individuals who intentionally disseminate harmful digital disinformation face the appropriate consequences.
As we prepare for the local elections, the message is clear: we are not just defending a ballot - we are defending the truth. Ensuring information integrity is essential to protecting the democracy that so many fought to build.
*Naicker is an Assistant Director: Content Development, Communication Resource Centre at the Government Communication and Information System.
