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In February 2026, South African MPs gathered for president Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) and the debates that followed. We checked the biggest claims about the economy, jobs and poverty.

Economic highlights

• GDP growth: Ramaphosa was correct that the economy recorded four consecutive quarters of growth - expanding steadily since late 2024.
• Inflation: Consumer inflation averaged 3.2% in 2025, the lowest in about 20 years.
• Interest rates & borrowing costs: Both have been declining, making loans cheaper and easing pressure on government debt.
• Primary budget surplus: South Africa recorded two consecutive surpluses, signalling progress in stabilising public finances. 
• Population vs economy: Claims that population growth is outpacing GDP are incorrect - income per person has grown. 

Unemployment & jobs

• At 31.4%, unemployment is lowest in five years, but about 12.4 million South Africans are still without work.
• Youth unemployment remains high - nearly 6 in 10 young people are unemployed.
• Black South Africans face the highest unemployment rate at 35.8%.

Poverty & food insecurity

• About two-thirds of South Africans live below the upper poverty line, not half as sometimes claimed.
• More than 40 million people earn under R3,000/month, while a basic food basket costs over R5,300.
• Food insecurity: Some MPs misstated “lost decade” figures, confusing households with individuals.

Bottom line: South Africa's economy shows some positive signs, but high unemployment, youth joblessness and widespread poverty remain major challenges. These realities shaped the heated debates in parliament, against a backdrop of growing global economic backdrop.

Dig deeper into SONA 2026

• Ahead of Ramaphosa’s 2026 Sona: the facts on jobs, services and more
• Ramaphosa’s 2025 Sona promises: how has he fared?
• How to ‘pre-bunk’ a state of the nation address (and almost anything else

A weekly guide to spotting, understanding and stopping viral misinformation

We’re seeing a rise in social media posts promoting “miracle cures”. One viral graphic claims that a “miracle seed” can treat diabetes, hypertension and gastritis.

Why is this claim spreading?
Posts like these spread quickly because they promise a simple, natural fix for serious conditions. They often use familiar foods or seeds and appeal to the hope of an easy cure.

What does the science say?
There is currently no cure for diabetes, and both hypertension and gastritis require proper diagnosis and medical treatment. There is no credible evidence that any single seed can treat all three conditions.

Why should I care?
Relying on unverified remedies can delay proper treatment and put your health at risk, especially for conditions that can lead to serious complications.

What to do instead:

• Don’t rely on viral “miracle cures”
• Seek advice from qualified healthcare professionals.
• Follow treatment plans from trusted medical sources

A viral remedy cannot replace a proper diagnosis.

A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, despite being widely shared. 

FALSE: Posts on Instagram claim cancer is caused by parasitic infections and can be cured with certain herbs in just a few days. This is misleading and potentially dangerous advice. Cancer is a complex genetic disease that requires proper diagnosis and specialised medical treatment depending on its type and stage.

SCAM: Posts circulating on Facebook claim that the Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has opened applications for ambulance assistants and general workers for 2026 training. But the ad shows multiple signs of being fake and does not appear on official government recruitment platforms.

Kenya 🇰🇪

FALSE: A viral graphic claims US president Donald Trump warned Russian president Vladimir Putin of military action if Kenyans were not released from combat duties in the Ukraine war in. The graphic is fabricated.

FALSE: Facebook posts claim Kenyan police said they are ready to defend the country amid the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran. The claim is false, the police said.

FALSE: Photos circulating on Facebook claim to show Gathoni Wamuchomba aligning with the ODM’s Edwin Sifuna just “a few days” after she rejoined the ruling UDA party. But they are misleading – the images are from a general meeting in August 2025.

FAKE: Two graphics posted by a Facebook page attribute quotes about the war in Iran and the death penalty to Kenyan president William Ruto. However, the page is not credible and the quotes are fabricated.

FAKE: A document circulating online claims Uganda’s military has warned the EU over alleged interference and threatened to cut ties with the European parliament. But there is no evidence of such a letter, and an army spokesperson confirmed it is fake.

Nigeria 🇳🇬

FALSE: Facebook posts claim that China ordered the closure and transfer of ownership of the airport and seaports in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial city, over a “$300 billion loan dispute”. The claim is false.

FALSE: Online posts claim Morocco's king has offered a $45 billion package, including rare earth minerals and cash, to Nigeria in exchange for the release of jailed pro-Biafran leader Nnamdi Kanu. No evidence supports the claim.

FALSE: Some Facebook posts claim the Abia state government in Nigeria has discovered gold worth US$200 billion in a bunker named after former Biafran leader Odumegwu Ojukwu. There is no evidence to support the claim.

FALSE: The African Democratic Congress has warned the public about a fake invitation letter circulating online and urged Nigerians to rely only on its official channels.

SCAM: These Facebook accounts use the name and logo of LAPO Microfinance Bank, a reputable financial services provider in Nigeria, to offer non-existent loans to Nigerians. But the accounts are fake and their offers fraudulent.

Who checks the facts? "Behind the Facts" interviews the fact-checkers fighting misinformation.

15 March marks the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, a day to raise awareness about anti-Muslim hatred and discrimination around the world. Such prejudice threatens not only to Muslims, but the rights and freedoms of all communities.

Across Africa, Islam and Christianity are the dominant religions. Islam is most prevalent in northern Africa, while Christianity is more common in southern Africa.

Explore key facts with Africa Check’s Info Finder. Empower yourself with verified information today.

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Your weekly dose of facts in newsletter form is created by Laura Kapelari (@laurakapelari). It is edited by Lee Mwiti (@LMAfrican) and Cayley Clifford (@cayleyclifford).