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False claims have surged around the 30 June "deadline" promoted by anti-immigrant groups in South Africa. While the date has fuelled online rumours, it is not a government directive and has no effect on anyone's immigration status. Here's what we've verified so far.

❌ "The army is preparing for 30 June"
A viral convoy video is not recent. It shows a South African National Defence Force Armed Forces Day parade in February 2026—not soldiers deploying for 30 June.

❌ "SAPS warned landlords not to rent to undocumented migrants"
A viral police notice is fake. It contains an impossible web address, and the South African Police Service has confirmed it did not issue the graphic.

❌ "Migrants fought police on 30 June"
The circulating video is not from 30 June. It was filmed on 17 June during unrest at a temporary repatriation site in Sherwood, Durban.

❌ "Home Affairs is paying R250 to anyone who hands in an undocumented migrant"
A supposed Department of Home Affairs notice is fraudulent. The department has confirmed it did not issue the document.

❌ Old videos presented as new violence
Multiple viral clips claiming to show attacks linked to current tensions—including footage from Johannesburg CBD and Mayfair—were actually filmed years ago and are unrelated to recent events.

❌ AI-edited interview spreads false claims
A manipulated video falsely makes a business owner appear to say she "cannot work with South Africans". The original interview contains none of these remarks, and the audio and visuals show clear signs of AI editing.

We're continuing to monitor and fact-check the most harmful migration-related disinformation as it emerges. Follow our live report for verified updates.

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A new wave of anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa in 2026 has seen marches and violence across the country. Some migrants have fled, fearing for their safety. A number have been repatriated with the assistance of their national governments.

How do these offline realities compare with online conversations? And how have they affected our focus for the month of June?

In May, we fact-checked 100 claims circulating on social media. Crime and scams topped the list of common topics. But in June, migration-related disinformation took centre stage in South Africa. 

This trend was reflected in the content sent to our WhatsApp lines too. In May, crime and justice accounted for over half the messages received. These included the zombie claim about poisoned Dew water bottles and a fraud warning about WhatsApp and sim card swaps. Claims about the environment and health followed.

In June, we saw a 35% increase in claims sent to our WhatsApp line. Of the total number of claims, an overwhelming majority - 78% - were related to migration and xenophobia.

📲 Seen something suspicious online? Reply to this email, submit it via our website, or send it to us on WhatsApp or social media.

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. 

South Africa 🇿🇦

SATIRE: No, South African foreign affairs minister Ronald Lamola did not encourage people to use small social grant to travel internationally.

MISLEADING: News report on Nigerians arrested for attacking South African police is from 2024, not new incident.

SCAM: Beware, Coca-Cola not offering South Africans ‘unemployed learner visual merchandisers’ learnerships on social media.

Kenya 🇰🇪

FAKE: No, Kenya’s Standard newspaper didn’t publish front page about a ‘mole’ leaking opposition secrets.

SCAM: Beware Facebook posts advertising KSh1,000 daily for tissue packaging work in Nairobi, Kenya.

SCAM: Facebook ads for milk packaging jobs in Nairobi fake, likely scams.

SCAM: No, these Facebook pages can’t increase your Fuliza overdraft limit in Kenya.

Nigeria 🇳🇬

FALSE: No, photo of ‘bandit pastor’ is not from 2026 arrest in Nigeria’s Oyo state.

FALSE: No, Nigeria Democratic Congress has not released official candidates list for Anambra state.

MISLEADING: Viral video linked to Nigeria’s Oyo school abductions likely shows Sallah celebration in Gombe in north of country.

MISLEADING: Old video of Nigerian police harassing woman falsely shared as incident from 2026.

MISLEADING: No evidence Kuwait suspended visas specifically for Nigerians.

SCAM: Scam alert! Ecowas not offering young graduate programme paying US$1,700/month.

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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).