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Africa Check

@africacheck.org
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We hold public figures accountable for what they say, and debunk dangerous false statements. Get the facts: africacheck.info/m/fact-check-HQ

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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 53m
🗳️ South Africa votes on 4 November. But how do you know what you’re seeing online is true? Our new Local Government Election Hub brings together our election fact-checks, explainers, manifesto checks, disinformation tracking and AI incident tracker. 👉 africacheck.info/LGE2026_hub
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South Africa Local Government Election Hub
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 3h
⚡️ Have electricity costs really risen much faster than inflation? On #FeiteEerste, Africa Check researcher Kirsten Cosser fact-checks the DA’s claim that electricity tariffs have soared since 2007. 🎧 Listen Mondays at 4pm on Radio Eersteriver. #AfricaCheck #FactChecking #LGE2026
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 01/10/2026
Not everything needs a hot take. Some things need checking. Subscribe to our newsletter for trusted analysis, explainers, and fact-checking insights. 📧 Sign up: africacheck.info/newsletter_sign_up Check out past editions: africacheck.org/newsletter
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 30/09/2026
One verified fact can put a stop to misinformation. Stay ahead with quick debunks and scam alerts on WhatsApp — easy to share with friends. 📲 Subscribe to our WhatsApp channel: africacheck.info/ac_whatsapp_channel
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 30/09/2026
Big number. Big promise. Big achievement? Not so fast. 👀 Political claims can sound impressive while leaving out important context. Here’s how to spot the spin. #BeforeYouVote #lge2026🇿🇦 #localgovernmentelections #localgovernment
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 28/09/2026
📲 Stay tuned – we’ll add the other three parties once their manifestos are published. africacheck.info/2026_manifes...
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#LGE2026: What South Africa’s major parties are promising voters in the local elections
Ahead of the 4 November elections, we compare their promises and highlight the pledges voters can track.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 28/09/2026
The party however only offered one measurable target to their promises: to limit rates and tariff increases to no more than the prevailing inflation rate. africacheck.info/2026_manifes...
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#LGE2026: What South Africa’s major parties are promising voters in the local elections
Ahead of the 4 November elections, we compare their promises and highlight the pledges voters can track.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 28/09/2026
The party promised to make “water security a priority”, to “keep the lights on”, to “maintain the roads communities already have” and to create a “favourable environment for job creation and investment, among other things. africacheck.info/2026_manifes...
africacheck.info
#LGE2026: What South Africa’s major parties are promising voters in the local elections
Ahead of the 4 November elections, we compare their promises and highlight the pledges voters can track.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 28/09/2026
🗳️ We’ve been keeping tabs on what South Africa’s major political parties are promising voters in the 2026 local elections by comparing the manifestos of the 8 largest parties. We’ve now updated our report to include the latest manifesto, from ActionSA. africacheck.info/2026_manifes...
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#LGE2026: What South Africa’s major parties are promising voters in the local elections
Ahead of the 4 November elections, we compare their promises and highlight the pledges voters can track.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 28/09/2026
📌 Most of the 7 claims we checked were supported by the evidence, but the Democratic Alliance understated the World Bank’s estimate of the cost of crime and overstated employment growth under Hill-Lewis.. Read our full fact-check of the DA’s manifesto claims: africacheck.info/DA_manifesto...
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#LGE2026: Seven claims from the DA’s election manifesto fact-checked
South Africa’s second-largest political party is campaigning on a promise to get the country’s towns and cities “working for all”.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 28/09/2026
But its claim that around half a million jobs were created during Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis’s term was exaggerated. Comparable QLFS figures show a smaller increase. africacheck.info/DA_manifesto...
africacheck.info
#LGE2026: Seven claims from the DA’s election manifesto fact-checked
South Africa’s second-largest political party is campaigning on a promise to get the country’s towns and cities “working for all”.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 28/09/2026
💼 Jobs The DA said Cape Town increased employment by 20.2% between 2014 and 2023, leading South Africa’s cities in job growth. Verdict: Correct.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 28/09/2026
In March 2025, municipalities had identified 2.8m indigent households, while the national budget provided subsidies for 11.2m households. africacheck.info/DA_manifesto...
africacheck.info
#LGE2026: Seven claims from the DA’s election manifesto fact-checked
South Africa’s second-largest political party is campaigning on a promise to get the country’s towns and cities “working for all”.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 28/09/2026
💧 Free basic services The DA said more than 10 million indigent households are funded for free electricity and water, but fewer than a quarter receive these services. Verdict: Correct.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 28/09/2026
In 2026, there were 641,875 private security officers and 151,492 sworn police officials – a ratio of about 4.2 to 1, which falls to 3.4:1 if civilian and other staff are included. africacheck.info/DA_manifesto...
africacheck.info
#LGE2026: Seven claims from the DA’s election manifesto fact-checked
South Africa’s second-largest political party is campaigning on a promise to get the country’s towns and cities “working for all”.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 28/09/2026
👮 Private security The DA said private security officers outnumber SAPS officials by 4 to 1. Verdict: Correct.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 28/09/2026
The DA’s claim understates the World Bank’s finding that the cost is at least 10% and that this is likely a conservative estimate. africacheck.info/DA_manifesto...
africacheck.info
#LGE2026: Seven claims from the DA’s election manifesto fact-checked
South Africa’s second-largest political party is campaigning on a promise to get the country’s towns and cities “working for all”.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 28/09/2026
🚨 Crime The DA said crime has cost South Africa’s economy “up to 10%” of annual GDP, citing the World Bank. Verdict: Understated.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 28/09/2026
Stats SA recorded 65.4% in 2016 and 59.9% in 2022. The figure was 61.3% in 2024, before falling to 59.7% in 2025. africacheck.info/DA_manifesto...
africacheck.info
#LGE2026: Seven claims from the DA’s election manifesto fact-checked
South Africa’s second-largest political party is campaigning on a promise to get the country’s towns and cities “working for all”.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 28/09/2026
🗑️ Refuse collection The DA said the share of households receiving weekly refuse collection fell from 65% in 2016 to 60% in 2022. Verdict: Correct.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 28/09/2026
Eskom data shows tariffs rose 1,077% between 2007/08 and 2025/26. CPI rose 173.5% over the comparison period. africacheck.info/DA_manifesto...
africacheck.info
#LGE2026: Seven claims from the DA’s election manifesto fact-checked
South Africa’s second-largest political party is campaigning on a promise to get the country’s towns and cities “working for all”.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 28/09/2026
⚡ Electricity The DA said electricity tariffs had increased by more than 1,000% since 2007, compared with inflation of about 174%. Verdict: Correct.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 28/09/2026
🗳️ Ahead of South Africa’s 4 November local elections, the DA is campaigning on a promise to get the country’s towns and cities “working for all”. We checked 7 claims in its 2026 manifesto against the available evidence. 🧵 africacheck.info/DA_manifesto...
africacheck.info
#LGE2026: Seven claims from the DA’s election manifesto fact-checked
South Africa’s second-largest political party is campaigning on a promise to get the country’s towns and cities “working for all”.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 28/09/2026
Election manifestos are full of promises. What should you look for? Our weekly election media literacy series continues with how to read an election manifesto. Available in isiZulu & isiXhosa too – download and share! 🇿🇦 africacheck.info/LGE_week_2 #LGE2026
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 27/09/2026
🚨 Seen a warning about a new scam or crime doing the rounds? An old viral warning claimed criminals were posing as Home Affairs officials to gain access to private homes. But there was no evidence this was happening in South Africa. africacheck.info/criminals_homeaffa…
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 26/09/2026
A manifesto promise can sound convincing on paper. But before you take it at face value, look more closely. These quick checks can help you assess party promises ahead of the 2026 local elections. #LGE2026
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 23/09/2026
9/9 📌 Numbers and deadlines make promises easier to track. But some pledges are broad or depend on other levels of government. We’ve compared the main parties’ promises so voters can follow up after 4 November. Read more: africacheck.info/2026_manifes...
africacheck.info
What South Africa’s major parties are promising voters in the 2026 local elections
Ahead of the 4 November elections, we compare their promises and highlight the pledges voters can track.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 23/09/2026
8/9 🏛️ Governance Parties promise merit-based appointments, stronger oversight and action against corruption. ANC: fill critical senior municipal vacancies within 120 days and publicly report on governance, finances, audits and service delivery within 100 days.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 23/09/2026
7/9 🚨 Crime & safety Municipalities don’t control SAPS, but they can influence local safety. Party proposals include municipal policing, CCTV, community safety forums, street lighting and partnerships with other safety role players. But most do not set a clear, measurable crime-reduction target.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 23/09/2026
6/9 💰 Municipal debt How would parties tackle what municipalities owe – and are owed? ANC: cut municipal debt by 30% by 2031 and audit billing systems within a year. EFF: write off historical debt for indigent households and pursue major debtors.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 23/09/2026
5/9 💼 Jobs & local economies Parties propose jobs through investment, local procurement, small businesses and informal traders. ANC: 1m work, training & enterprise opportunities. EFF: 80% local procurement + 40% of municipal jobs for 18–35-year-olds.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 23/09/2026
4/9 🛣️ Roads Potholes and road maintenance feature prominently. The ANC promises to fix potholes in every ward within the first 100 days. The FF Plus promises its municipalities will spend at least 8% of asset value annually on maintenance. The EFF makes specific location-based road commitments.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 23/09/2026
3/9 💡 Electricity The EFF promises to respond to outages, transformer failures & other breakdowns within 1 hour. The ANC promises to invest at least 8% of municipal asset value annually in infrastructure maintenance & renewal. Other parties focus on grid upgrades, local generation & renewables.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 23/09/2026
2/9 💧 Water & sanitation What’s promised? ANC: cut water losses below 30% in every metro by 2031. EFF: fix reported water leaks within one day. DA & FF Plus: spend at least 8% of municipal asset value annually on maintenance.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 23/09/2026
1/9 🗳️ What are SA’s major parties promising ahead of the 4 November local elections? We compared the manifestos of five parties across seven key municipal issues. Here are some of the pledges voters can track 👇🧵 africacheck.info/2026_manifes...
africacheck.info
What South Africa’s major parties are promising voters in the 2026 local elections
Ahead of the 4 November elections, we compare their promises and highlight the pledges voters can track.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 22/09/2026
💧💡 Who decides whether your water runs, your rubbish gets collected and your streets are lit? Your municipality. Local elections affect the services you rely on every day. Here’s why your vote matters. 🗳️🇿🇦 #BeforeYouVote #LGE2026 #SouthAfrica #LocalElections
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 22/09/2026
How do you want your facts? 📲 FactWrap (WhatsApp): quick, shareable updates africacheck.info/FactWrap_SA 📧 Newsletter: deeper context and analysis africacheck.info/newsletter_sign_up Different formats. Same commitment to accuracy.
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 21/09/2026
Available in isiZulu & isiXhosa too – download and share! 🇿🇦 africacheck.info/LGE_week_1 #LGE2026
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Week 1: How Local Government Elections Work - Google Drive
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 21/09/2026
🗳️ 7 weeks. 7 tips. 1 election. Ahead of SA's 4 November local government elections, Africa Check is sharing a series of short tips to help you navigate election information with confidence. First up: how local government elections work. Follow along for a new tip each week. #LGE2026
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 21/09/2026
🎥 Catch a glimpse of our two-day election reporting workshop in Johannesburg! Journalists came together with Africa Check, Moxii Africa and SANEF to build practical verification skills, strengthen election coverage and explore tools to support journalist safety. 🗳️ Thanks to everyone who joined us!
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 20/09/2026
🧟 Zombie claims just won’t die. A false claim that people over 70 with chronic illnesses can get an extra R500 Sassa grant has resurfaced, despite being debunked before. READ MORE: africacheck.info/sassa_grant_chronic
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 20/09/2026
Claims that the South African government spent R17 billion on deportations of migrants in the past two financial years are FALSE. The home affairs department has clarified that the figure stands at R175 million, not R17 billion. africacheck.info/deportation_spend
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 19/09/2026
South African police say claims that a suspect in the Kempton Park murders has “relocated” to Potchefstroom are false, and have urged social media users to avoid sharing unverified information. africacheck.info/kempton_park
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 19/09/2026
Beware another fake SASSA story! The South African Social Security Agency is not allowing older recipients to apply for an extra R500 per month. SASSA has debunked the message circulating online. africacheck.info/sassa_grant_chronic
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 18/09/2026
What makes election coverage stronger? Practical tools. 🗳️ Journalists in Johannesburg recently joined our local government election reporting workshop, learning practical ways to tackle false information and strengthen election coverage. Moxii Africa
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 18/09/2026
📍 Gqeberha journalists, get election-ready! Join us on 22 and 23 September for a free, two-day workshop on spotting, verifying and debunking misinformation ahead of South Africa’s 2026 local elections. 📝 Register: africacheck.info/gqeberha_election_… Moxii Africa
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 17/09/2026
South African police say claims that a suspect in the Kempton Park murders has “relocated” to Potchefstroom are false, and have urged social media users to avoid sharing unverified information. africacheck.info/kempton_potc...
africacheck.info
South African police debunk circulating claim that Kempton Park ‘serial killer’ has moved to Potchefstroom
Note: This fact-checking report includes details about a developing news story. Information was, as far as possible, correct at the time of publication but...
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Reposted by Africa Check
Africa Check @africacheck.org · 15/09/2026
🗳️ Do you actually know what you’re voting for this November? Here’s your quick guide to how South Africa’s local elections work – and why your vote matters. 🇿🇦 #BeforeYouVote #LGE2026 #SouthAfrica #Election2026
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 15/09/2026
📍 Gqeberha journalists, get election-ready! Join us on 22 and 23 September for a free, two-day workshop on spotting, verifying and debunking misinformation ahead of South Africa’s 2026 local elections. 📝 Register: africacheck.info/gqeberha_election_… Moxii Africa
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Africa Check @africacheck.org · 15/09/2026
Who exposes dangerous health hoaxes? Who keeps leaders honest? Who calls out viral scams preying on hardworking people? 👉 Africa Check does. With your help. Support us today: africacheck.org/donate
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