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

❌ “This video shows looting during recent anti-migrant protests”

A reverse image search traced the footage to a News24 YouTube video published in July 2021, showing looters invading Watercrest Mall in Durban during the unrest that followed former president Jacob Zuma’s arrest. The video has been shared out of context before.

❌ “This video shows white farmers being attacked during the 2026 migration protests”

Africa Check found this clip was already online by 26 June 2021. There is also no evidence linking it to the 2026 anti-migrant protests, looting, or attacks on farmers. The available evidence suggests it was a personal dispute in Mpumalanga, unrelated to any protest.

Useful reading on this topic:

• Four ways disinformation about migration is circulating in South Africa
• FACT-CHECK: Did Ghana decline state visit by South African president over xenophobia?
• How to ‘pre-bunk’ a state of the nation address (and almost anything else)

As false claims, AI-generated images and fake notices spread during migration-related tensions in South Africa, Africa Check has been working to verify the facts and provide trusted information. 

If this work matters to you, please support it with a donation today.

Your contribution helps us continue producing independent fact-checks that keep facts ahead of fear.

Africa Check, in partnership with the European Union, has concluded a four-day programme in Kenya to strengthen the country's resilience against foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI).

More than 80 journalists, editors, researchers, diplomats, civil society representatives and public officials took part in hands-on workshops, policy dialogues and roundtables on identifying coordinated information manipulation, verifying online content and using open-source tools to investigate misleading narratives.

As foreign information campaigns grow more sophisticated, protecting information integrity requires strong local expertise, cross-sector collaboration and practical skills. 

📲 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 🇿🇦

SCAM: South Africa’s department of health is not recruiting cleaners through unverified links on Facebook. Apply only through official channels.

Kenya 🇰🇪

FAKE: Fabricated graphics falsely quote Kenyan lawmaker Caleb Amisi questioning an opposition politician’s ability to defeat president Ruto in 2027 elections.

FAKE: Former Kenyan president Kenyatta hasn’t endorsed opposition politician Edwin Sifuna for the presidency – viral quote is fabricated.

FAKE: No evidence Kenya’s interior minister Kipchumba Murkomen said the government would ‘incorporate goons’ into the National Police Service.

SCAM: Ignore this fraudulent Teachers Service Commission job ad on Facebook in Kenya.

Nigeria 🇳🇬

FALSE: An AI-generated video is being circulated as false proof of Nigerian army intercepting vehicle carrying casket filled with rifles and ammunition.

MISSING CONTEXT: A much-shared video does not show Nigeria’s Ogun state deputy governor and commissioners prostrating before the governor.

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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).