The Electoral Commission of South Africa has partnered with Google, Meta, Microsoft, TikTok and non-profit organisation Moxii Africa to counter election disinformation ahead of the 4 November local government elections.

The initiative builds on cooperation during the 2024 national and provincial elections. Facebook and Instagram fall under Meta’s umbrella; they are not listed as separate partners in the announcement.

More than 700 complaints reported

The announcement comes as the IEC reports receiving more than 700 election-related disinformation complaints through Real411. According to East Coast Radio, X features most frequently in the complaints.

A complaint is not, by itself, proof that a post contains disinformation. Reports must still be assessed before further action is recommended.

How the IEC disinformation partnership works

The framework provides for coordination, voter awareness campaigns and training. Participating platforms can apply their own policies, including content removal, warnings and delisting. It does not require confidential user data to be shared.

For voters, the practical value will depend on how quickly misleading information is assessed and corrected before it spreads further.

Political criticism remains protected

The partnership sits alongside the IEC’s Disinformation Code, gazetted on 4 September. The code applies to political parties, candidates and people acting on their behalf.

It expressly protects lawful criticism, opinion, commentary, fair reporting, satire, parody and legitimate democratic debate, where these fall within protected speech.

That distinction matters. Disagreeing with a party, questioning the IEC or making a political joke does not automatically amount to election disinformation.

AI adds another challenge

Reporting on the announcement has highlighted concerns about manipulated photographs and AI-generated material. These can make fabricated claims appear convincing.

A realistic image or recording should therefore be treated as something to verify, rather than automatic evidence that an event happened.

How voters can report suspicious content

Members of the public can submit suspected election disinformation through Real411’s election portal.

Real411 assesses complaints independently and recommends possible action. Following review, the IEC can approach platforms, issue public corrections or refer matters to the Electoral Court. Reporting content does not automatically result in its removal.

Before forwarding a dramatic claim, check its original source, its date and whether an official announcement supports it. Real411’s guidance encourages people to question sources, cross-check information and think before sharing.

The test for the IEC disinformation partnership will be whether it helps voters access reliable information while respecting lawful political debate.

Related: IEC extends candidate relief to 32 more parties.

Sources: SAnews: IEC partnership announcement; East Coast Radio: complaints and cooperation; SAnews: Disinformation Code; The Citizen: AI and manipulated content; Real411.

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