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WhatsApp Fake News in South Africa: Why It Spreads and How to Stop It
It starts with a ping. A forwarded voice note warning about a new “law,” or a message claiming the government will double social grants. Within minutes, it’s in every family and church group across the country. By nightfall, panic spreads, and not a single fact is true.
In 2025, misinformation on WhatsApp remains one of South Africa’s most persistent digital problems. With its encrypted chats and close-knit group networks, the app has become fertile ground for fake news. The messages feel private, personal, and credible, which is exactly why they spread so fast.
Why South Africans Still Fall for Fake News
South Africans trust WhatsApp because it connects family, friends, and community groups directly. A message coming from someone you know, especially in isiZulu, Sesotho, or Afrikaans, feels authentic. When it’s urgent or emotional, like warnings about crime, politics, or health scares, people share without thinking twice.
Researchers say this “trust chain” is what makes misinformation so effective. Combined with high mobile data costs and limited access to reliable news sources, many users can’t afford to check whether a claim is true before forwarding it.
AI-powered scams have made the problem worse in 2025. Cybercriminals now use deepfakes and stolen voice samples to send fake messages that sound exactly like someone you know. Once trust is gained, the damage is quick and costly.
When a Forwarded Message Feels Real
Voice notes are especially persuasive. They sound urgent, personal, and believable, even if they’re completely fabricated. Similarly, edited videos and screenshots taken out of context can mislead entire communities.
Some fake news campaigns are coordinated, not accidental. During the first half of 2025, disinformation targeting social grant recipients spread rapidly. One false message claimed that SASSA had approved double payments for pensioners. The agency had to issue repeated warnings to calm public confusion.
In another case, a fake WhatsApp chat circulated alleging that the Minister of Justice had authorised the prosecution of the Deputy President. The minister dismissed it as a politically motivated smear campaign and urged the public to verify before sharing.
Why It’s Hard to Stop
WhatsApp’s privacy design makes it difficult for authorities or moderators to detect misinformation. Messages are end-to-end encrypted, meaning only the sender and receiver can view them. While this protects users’ privacy, it also hides harmful content from oversight.
The platform has introduced tools to slow the spread: messages forwarded multiple times now carry a “Forwarded many times” label, and users can forward such messages to only one group at a time. But many South Africans misread this feature; some think it means the information is “important” rather than unverified.
How to Protect Yourself and Others
1. Pause before forwarding.
If a message triggers fear, anger, or excitement, take a moment before sharing. Ask where it came from and whether credible outlets have reported it.
2. Verify with trusted sources.
Cross-check claims with fact-checking organisations like Africa Check or official government channels. You can even send suspicious messages directly to Africa Check’s WhatsApp line for verification.
3. Watch for warning signs.
Fake messages often include typos, exaggerated punctuation, or odd-looking links. Be extra cautious with messages that ask for money, personal data, or donations.
4. Don’t be afraid to speak up.
If someone in your group spreads false information, correct them politely. Most people share fake news because they want to help, not harm.
5. Use your controls.
You can mute, block, or report contacts who consistently spread false information. Silence can stop a rumour in its tracks.
The Bigger Picture
Experts say that stopping fake news requires more than individual vigilance. South Africa needs stronger digital literacy programmes, especially in schools and rural areas, to teach people how to question what they see online.
There’s also a growing call for platform accountability, ensuring that tech companies implement tools that slow the viral spread of false content while still protecting free speech.
Supporting independent journalism is equally vital. When credible, accessible information is easy to find, misinformation loses its power.
Ultimately, stopping fake news starts with us. Every user has the power to pause, verify, and think before pressing “forward.” In a country where WhatsApp is our digital heartbeat, a little scepticism can go a long way in keeping communities safe, calm, and informed.
Also read: Can South African Employers Really Check Your Social Media in 2025? What the Law Says
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Featured Image: Bloomberg
