South Africa's Electoral Commission has raised alarms over the rapid spread of disinformation on social media ahead of the November 4 local government elections. Outreach deputy CEO Victor Shale highlighted how peddlers create new crises daily, outpacing current safeguards.
The Electoral Commission faces mounting difficulties monitoring online activity as paid influencer networks shift to smaller, harder-to-detect groups. Shale noted the lack of tools to track undisclosed payments, which undermines transparency rules under the Political Party Funding Act.
Voters are urged to rely on credible channels such as television, community radio and the commission's own platforms. A recent survey showed high trust in TV, prompting targeted outreach through those and WhatsApp.
The commission is expanding its social media analysis team and meeting platforms including Google, Meta and TikTok to develop joint plans. It is also reviewing the Electoral Code of Conduct to address online issues before polling day.
Shale warned that disinformation erodes trust, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal where only 20 percent express confidence in the IEC. He called for stronger political leadership to counter the trend and protect democratic participation.