The Electoral Commission of South Africa has joined forces with major technology companies to protect voters from false information ahead of the local government elections on 4 November.
Google, Meta, Microsoft, TikTok and non-profit organisation Moxii Africa have signed up to help the IEC keep election information accurate and trustworthy before polling day.
The deal builds on a similar agreement the commission made with the platforms during the 2024 national and provincial elections.
Fighting fake news
Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the partnership gives the commission direct contact with the platforms to tackle disinformation quickly.
“Our partnership with digital platforms is critical to ensuring that voters have access to credible, accurate and trustworthy information to make informed political choices,” Mamabolo said.
“A technically flawless election can still lose public trust if citizens are overwhelmed by disinformation.”
He added that the partnership removes barriers and allows the commission to take instant action against those spreading false information.
New rules in place
The commission gazetted a code of conduct to counter disinformation on 4 September. The code applies to political parties, candidates and anyone working on their behalf.
Breaking the code carries the same penalties as other violations of the electoral code of conduct.
The partnership requires platforms to work together in good faith during the election period while respecting existing laws. The companies will not need to share confidential user data.
How to report disinformation
The IEC has chosen the Real411 platform to help reduce the impact of disinformation during the elections.
Anyone who spots suspected election-related false information can report it on real411.org.za or through the Real411 app. The service works in all 11 official languages.
Real411 assesses complaints independently and recommends action to the commission and the platforms.
The commission can then refer serious cases to the Electoral Court, which has the power to impose sanctions. It can also send matters directly to the relevant platform for quick action or issue public statements to correct false information.
Platform commitments
The tech companies welcomed the partnership and committed to working with the commission.
Microsoft’s Director for Government Affairs in South Africa, Abongile Vanda, said no single organisation can tackle disinformation alone.
“Ahead of the 2026 local government elections, we will work alongside the commission, civil society and industry to help voters find authoritative election information,” Vanda said.
TikTok’s Government Relations and Public Policy Lead for Southern Africa, Tholoana Ncheke-Mahlaela, said the platform has set up an in-app Election Centre where South Africans can find reliable information about the elections.
Moxii Africa Director William Bird said protecting voters from false information requires teamwork across institutions, technology platforms, civil society and citizens.
“This partnership represents an important commitment to ensuring that South Africans can access accurate, trustworthy election information,” Bird said.
Voters can find guidance on how to spot, check and report disinformation at www.elections.org.za/pw/Elections-And-Results/Report-Election-Disinformation
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