Fake migration claims risk fueling fear and division, warns government
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has warned South Africans against relying on or sharing unverified information related to migration, saying the spread of false and misleading content poses a growing threat to social cohesion, public trust and informed public discourse.
The government said misinformation, disinformation and malinformation continue to fuel confusion, fear and division within communities, particularly on social media platforms, messaging applications and unofficial websites.
The warning comes amid heightened public debate around migration, border management and law enforcement, with government stressing that migration in South Africa is managed through established laws, policies and institutions while balancing national interests, human rights, public safety and regional commitments.
“Government cautions the public against trusting or sharing unverified content relating to migration, as misinformation, disinformation and malinformation continue to pose a growing challenge to social cohesion and informed public discourse,” the government said.
Government described misinformation as false or inaccurate information shared without the intention to deceive, while disinformation refers to the deliberate creation and spread of false information intended to mislead or manipulate the public.
Malinformation, it said, involves genuine information that has been taken out of context, altered or selectively presented to cause harm.
According to GCIS, the rapid spread of unverified information has become increasingly concerning during periods of heightened public interest, particularly when accompanied by manipulated images, edited videos, deepfakes and emotionally charged content.
“False claims relating to migrants, border management, deportations, documentation processes, access to public services or law enforcement operations have the potential to inflame tensions, undermine confidence in public institutions and create unnecessary panic,” government said.
The government noted that rumours, anonymous voice notes, screenshots without context and unverified social media posts should not be treated as reliable sources of information.
Government urged citizens and migrants living in South Africa to verify information before sharing migration-related content and encouraged the public to rely on credible news organisations, official government communication channels and trusted fact-checking platforms.
“Government recognises misinformation, disinformation and malinformation as a serious threat to social cohesion, public trust and nation-building, and remains committed to ensuring that the public has access to accurate, credible and verified information,” the government said.
It further called on all people living in South Africa to communicate responsibly and contribute to a society informed by facts rather than falsehoods.
“Every person within the border of South Africa has a responsibility to communicate honestly, responsibly and respectfully, and to contribute to a society informed by facts rather than falsehoods,” government said.
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