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What are some patterns emerging across our country offices? This special edition of our monthly tracker breaks down the trends.

In March 2026, we fact-checked over 100 claims spanning topics from health and the environment to governance and violence.

In South Africa, health claims – particularly home remedies – dominated, making up 33% of checks. Scams, including false giveaways and job opportunities, followed at 28%, with crime and violence claims in third.

In Nigeria, governance and service delivery led at 35%, including claims such as the alleged resignation of 1,500 Nigerian police officers. Election-related claims about politicians followed at 30%, with crime and violence again ranking third.

In Kenya, governance and service delivery stood out, accounting for 43% of claims. These often involved false quotes attributed to prominent politicians or fabricated documents. Claims on crime and violence came next at 25%, followed by election-related claims.

A weekly guide to spotting, understanding and stopping viral misinformation

A viral message circulating in South Africa claims that applications for a “Students Laptop Scheme 2026” are open, promising free laptops to nearly a million students. But this is a scam designed to lure users into clicking a phishing link that can steal personal information.

How the scam works

This isn't a new trick. It’s what experts call a “zombie scam” – a false claim that keeps resurfacing online with small tweaks (like changing the year or wording), even after being repeatedly debunked.

These scams typically:

• Promise free benefits or urgent opportunities
• Spread via WhatsApp groups and social media
• Include suspicious links that mimic official sites
• Pressure users to act quickly without verifying

In this case, clicking the link triggers antivirus warnings for phishing – a tactic used to steal sensitive data such as ID numbers, passwords or banking details through fake forms.

Why these scams work

Scams like this don't rely on sophistication, but because they exploit human behaviour:

• Urgency pressure: "Apply now" messaging pushes quick decisions without fact-checking
• Promise of value: Free laptops or grants tap into real needs
• Familiar repetition: Recycled scams feel more credible over time
• Trust in networks: Messages shared by friends or in WhatsApp groups seem safe

Together, these tactics lower people’s guard and increase the chances they'll click, share or hand over personal information.

Why this is dangerous

Engaging with or sharing these messages can put you at risk of:

• Identity theft
• Financial fraud
• Compromised email or social media accounts
• Spreading harmful scams to your own networks

Even forwarding the message helps scammers reach more potential victims.

How to protect yourself

• Watch for "zombie scams": If a claim keeps resurfacing every year, it’s likely been debunked. A quick online search can reveal its history.
• Check the link: Be wary of unfamiliar or shortened URLs not tied to official organisations.
• Look for urgency and freebies: "Act now", "limited offer" and promises that seem too good to be true are red flags.
• Pause before sharing: If something feels suspicious, don’t forward it – verify first.

More 'free stuff' scams to warn others about

• It’s a scam – prominent Nigerians are not giving away money for Ramadan.
• No, South African power utility Eskom is not giving away free electricity units via a dodgy online link.
• Ignore claims South African supermarket Checkers is giving away '70th anniversary gifts'.
• No '55th anniversary giveaway' from South Africa’s Albany Bakeries – don’t click those links.

Recommended reading

• From deepfakes and fake government relief schemes to cloned websites and Ponzi schemes, here’s how to protect yourself in 2026, including against scams using AI tools.

• Scams offering jobs, grants, loans, giveaways and easy money are common on Facebook. Here's how to spot and avoid them.

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:No, Cape Town hasn’t joined the US. A viral video claims the city became a US “province” after a DA loan from a so-called "Bezos Foundation" – but this is FALSE. The claim is based on fabricated audio and misinformation.

FALSE: Cabbage juice cure? Not so fast. Claims it can treat ulcers and gastritis are false. The research is outdated, and experts say to stick to proven, highly effective medical treatments. 

SCAM: Claims that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is recruiting "5,500 police trainees" for 2026 are false. Posts on Facebook and elsewhere say applications are open, with no fees required and “easy” requirements — but this is a scam targeting jobseekers. 

Kenya 🇰🇪

FALSE: Posts widely shared on social media claim Kenya delayed school reopening in April 2026 over floods, with some using a "breaking news" graphic and a clip of president William Ruto. But the claims are false and use old footage taken out of context.

FALSE: A claim that former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta admitted losing the 2017 election to the late opposition leader Raila Odinga is circulating online. However, this claim is fabricated.

FALSE: A viral graphic attributes a controversial quote to Kenyan president William Ruto, alleging that called the African Union a “toothless dog” and corrupt. But both the quote and graphic are fake.

FAKE: A screenshot resembling a popular Kenyan newspaper column is circulating online, discussing regional political shifts. But the layout doesn't match the Corridors of Power column, and there is no record of ir ever being published.

Nigeria 🇳🇬

MISSING CONTEXT: A video has gone viral in Nigeria, with the claim it shows campaign-branded buses and billboards inside an electoral commission office, suggesting bias. But president Bola Tinubu’s campaign office is located near the commission’s building, and the commission says the footage doesn't show its property. 

FALSE: Facebook posts claim the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board reported only 18% of over 200,000 candidates who sat the 16 April 2026 university entrance exam scored 200 and above, calling it the “worst set in recent history”. There is no evidence to support this.

FALSE: A video shared on Facebook is said to show workers celebrating the removal of finance minister Wale Edun. But the video is in fact from December 2025 and shows contractors protesting unpaid debts.

FALSE: Several Facebook posts claim broadcaster Arise News suspended Rufai Oseni after an argument. But Oseni says he was on a work trip to Germany and returned to air on 20 April 2026.

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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).