In partnership with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Library, Higher Education Media Services hosted a roundtable on Monday, 14 April 2025, titled “Speaking the Truth by Understanding the Untruth: Addressing Fake News and Disinformation in South Africa and the African Continent.” This event aimed to address the growing issue of fake news and disinformation, which has become a significant concern in South Africa and across the African continent. The discussion focused on the challenges global disinformation poses to the functioning of democracy, stability, and civil liberties, and explored ways to mitigate its impact.
The event began with a statement by UJ Vice Chancellor and Principal Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi. He underscored the criticism that people in the modern world are “living in an era of disinformation,” a term he used to describe an increasingly difficult time to discern fact from fiction. He compared this era to one where “distinguishing fact from fiction has become harder, with serious consequences.” Mpedi referenced research indicating that the number of disinformation campaigns has nearly quadrupled in Africa since 2022, leading to violence, coups, and election interference.
Mpedi also highlighted the rise of generative AI, which has made it easier to generate false information. He warned that while disinformation is frequently global in nature, its impact on African countries is significant, requiring immediate solutions.
To clarify what “fake news” is, UJ Senior Director for Global Engagement Professor Ylva Rodny-Gumede explained that news is supposedly “verified and accurate,” while “fake news” is misleading—it siimes under the pretense of journalism but undermines trust.
When asked what visual or verbal evidence differentiates between “fake news” and true journalism, Kenyan journalist Phathiswa Magopeni challenged the notion, stating that “news is verified and accurate. ‘Fake news’ is misleading—it conflates disinformation with journalism and undermines trust.”
UJ Head of Communications and Media Admire Mare traced the roots of disinformation back to propaganda practices in the 1920s. He explained that it originated from traditional forms of media and reflects the woman’s perspective, giving power to a few epochs in history. He mentioned that generative AI and synthetic media, driven by technology, are now making it easier to inspire lies than to verify them. His insights provide a new lens for examining the simultaneous challenges ofConsulating with Assessment for the African Cup.
Professor Admire Mare also observed that in Kenya, disinformation has grown from political propaganda to online harassment of women leaders. Kenya currently ranks third globally for media freedom, but many in Kenya struggle to differentiate between credible news and misinformation.Ada, a senior lecture in Media and Communication at the University of Mauritius, noted that in Mauritius, disinformation surges during major events such as elections and pandemics because of mistrust in laws and lack of regulation.
Panellists called for coordinated action. SANEF Executive Director Reggy Moalisi urged media professionals to not overlook their role as “smaller agents of societal change”—and yet South Africa’s media environment is among the top three for freedom of access.
Magopeni emphasized that the rise of disinformation is a concerning theme, noting that many of the biggest spreaders still use their platforms, raising fears. He added that despite this, journalism training is declining, and the education system in many African countries has difficulty assessing the credibility of news. He encouragings readers to invest in new media talent in regions like Kenya and Mauritius.
magopeni pointed out that transnational collaboration has been crucial in addressing disinformation. In Kenya, the problem is more severe because social media is more accessible and easily manipulated, and government tools are increasingly inadequate. International exemplars like the United States, Europe, and Australia are making an impact, showing that some countries can take steps to combat disinformation.
Key takeaways: The rise of disinformation poses significant challenges, not just for individuals but for the broader economy, society, and freedom of expression. South Africa and other African countries face growing risks, with the need for international cooperation, government action, and better cultural and educational tools. The security of our newsrooms is also a concern, calling for changes in infrastructure and regulation. Disinformation campaigns have entered Kenya, making them a major issue in the region.