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The Electoral Commission (IEC) has partnered with social media giants Google, Meta, TikTok and non-profit organisation Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) to curb disinformation ahead of South Africa’s 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

In a crucial step towards safeguarding the integrity of information and preserving the fundamentals of South Africa's electoral processes, the parties signed a Framework of Cooperation to work together to combat disinformation and other digital harms.

Although the IEC worked with platforms in the last two general elections, it is the first time that a Framework of Cooperation is signed.

The bourgeoning use of digital media in recent years has seen a corresponding surge in digital disinformation, particularly on social media platforms. Electoral processes have not been spared. Left unchecked, this phenomenon stands to undermine the conduct of credible elections.

Disinformation is defined as false, inaccurate or misleading information designed to intentionally cause harm. Within an election context, this includes false information intended to unduly affect participation in and the outcome of elections.

Electoral Commission Chairperson, Mosotho Moepya, said the framework is important because disinformation poses a threat to the exercise of various rights and to the access of constitutional protections, including freedom of expression, access to credible information, and the freedom to make informed political choices.

“The dissemination of disinformation has huge potential to undermine the fairness and credibility of elections. Credible information is the lifeblood of all democracies. Trustworthy information is crucial in the process that enables citizens to choose their leaders,” Moepya said.

The framework covers the following:

• It establishes cooperation during the election period, in good faith.
• It is a collaborative framework that respects existing laws and does not require sharing confidential user data.
• It aligns with the South African Constitution, the Electoral Act and Electoral Code of Conduct.
• It supports the establishment of a working group between partners, promotes access to accurate information; conduct of awareness campaigns on elections, and provides training to political parties, election candidates and other key election stakeholders on addressing disinformation.
• It allows online platforms to implement policies and processes such as content removal, advisory warnings, and delisting to address disinformation.
• It enables signatories to cooperate with the IEC and MMA on initiatives including Real411.org (complaints platform) and PADRE.org.za (transparent repository of political advertisements) to combat disinformation.

“Real411 takes proactive measures against disinformation. Upon careful review of any reported complaint indicating disinformation or misinformation, the Commission promptly notifies the relevant online platform. The platform is expected to acknowledge and swiftly process the notification, ensuring a diligent response,” said William Bird, the MMA Africa Director.

The social media platforms will bolster resources to prioritise referrals from the Commission during the election period.

Actions taken by the platforms are in terms of their policies and may include the removal of the content, the publication of an advisory warning and/or the delisting of the post.

Action to deal with disinformation

The Real411 digital disinformation reporting platform will form part of the work of the Electoral Commission’s Directorate of Electoral Offences, which was first established ahead of the 2016 Municipal Elections to investigate alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct and prohibited conduct as contained in the Electoral Act.

The Commission’s Directorate, comprising independent attorneys, operates throughout the term of the election timetable. It investigates complaints and provides recommendations for possible further action.

Real411 complaints regarding disinformation will be considered by a panel of relevant experts, including those with expertise in media law, social and digital media. They will make recommendations for possible further action for the consideration of the Commission.

Such action could include:

• Referring the matter to the Electoral Court.
• Referring the matter to social media platforms to act upon in terms of their respective policies and undertakings.
• Issuing media statements to alert the public and correct the disinformation.

The initiative will also include information to help educate voters about the dangers of disinformation and how to spot it.

The social media partners applauded the framework and reiterated their commitment to cooperate with the IEC in this initiative.

The partners stressed that they have policies and mechanisms in place to counter disinformation, and would continue to use these as contribution to the collective effort to eradicate falsehoods.

“Google has always been committed to supporting democratic processes, including supporting elections integrity and ensuring trust among voters.

“We place a big focus on creating products and programmes that enable people across the globe to engage with these activities through information that is accurate, protecting elections and campaigns from bad actors, as well as assisting campaigns in managing their digital presence,”Abongile Mashile, Senior Manager: Government Affairs and Public Policy, at Google Southern Africa said.

Balkissa Idè Siddo, Public Policy Director for Africa at Meta, said: “Protecting the integrity of the 2024 elections in South Africa is a key priority for our company. As our platforms continue to play an important role in civic discussions around the world, including here in South Africa, we know we have an important responsibility.

“Using lessons from the past and input from a range of experts, including dedicated and local teams within Meta, we continue to make substantial investments to help take aggressive steps in fighting abuse across our platforms, while rolling out policies and products to help ensure a safe and secure general election. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the South African Electoral Commission.”

Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, the Public Policy and Government Relations Director at TikTok, said: “At TikTok, we take the responsibility to protect our community as well as the integrity of our platform – particularly around elections – with the utmost seriousness.

“We're proud to be a place that brings people together over creative and entertaining content, and we work hard to keep harmful misinformation and other violations of our policies off our platform.” – SAnews.gov.za

KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza, has reiterated her call for parents and caregivers to take every necessary precaution to protect their children.

Khoza’s call comes after the tragic incident that occurred in Mandlanzini, Richards Bay, resulting in the loss of two young lives.

According to the reports, two-year-old Lwandoluhle Khetha and her eight-month-old sister Kwanelisiwe Khetha, lost their lives in a devastating house fire while left unattended by their father.

Khoza emphasised the importance of safeguarding children from various potential hazards, including drowning, poisoning and accidents within the home and community.

“We call upon parents and caregivers to assume responsibility for taking every necessary precaution to protect their children. We urge the public to redouble their efforts in creating a safe and nurturing environment for all children to thrive, grow and flourish.”

Khoza extended her deepest condolences to the Khetha family affected by the tragic incident.

She said the department remains committed to providing support, education and resources to parents, caregivers and communities to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.

A team of social workers has been dispatched by the department to provide psycho-social support to the grieving family.

The children were laid to rest on Sunday. – SAnews.gov.za

Daytime load shedding is expected to return from Wednesday morning following increased failure of generation units at state power utility, Eskom.

The power utility had not implemented the rolling power cuts in the daytime since Friday due to improved performance at power stations.

From Wednesday, Stage 1 load shedding will be implemented from 5am to 4pm on Wednesday and Thursday followed by Stage 3 from 4pm until midnight on both days.

The scheduled power outages are then expected to be suspended from midnight on Thursday until 4pm on Friday afternoon with Stage 3 following.

“Over the past 24 hours, a generating unit each at Grootvlei, Kriel and Matla power stations was returned to service. In the same period, a generation unit each at Majuba and Tutuka power stations was taken out of service due to breakdowns.

“The delay in returning to service a generating unit at Tutuka Power Station is contributing to the current capacity constraints. Eskom teams are working around the clock to return generating units to service over the next few days,” the power utility said in a statement.

Generation unit breakdowns have taken offline some 14 991MW of capacity coupled with a further 4264MW offline due to planned maintenance.

“We thank those South Africans who do heed the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, including switching off geysers from 5pm to 9pm, as this lowers demand and helps in alleviating the pressure on the power system and contributes to lower stages of load shedding,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating allegations of assault against members of the Protection Security Services unit in the South African Police Service (SAPS).

IPID Executive Director Dikeledi Jennifer Ntlatseng received a complaint from Members of Parliament Andrew Whitfield and Ockert Terreblanche regarding an incident of assault that took place on the N1 North, within the precinct of the Sandton Police station.

A video of heavily armed SAPS officers assaulting a Gauteng motorist and two others has been circulated on social media.

The footage showed members of SAPS assaulting the driver of a VW Polo and his passengers.

IPID investigators have already been in contact with family members of the victims so that they could be assisted in laying charges.

“Engagements are underway to also get the employers of the victims to assist with the investigations. IPID has already engaged SAPS management who are offering their full cooperation as far as the IPID investigation is concerned,” IPID said in a statement.

The police said they have established that the two black BMW X5s captured in the viral video were indeed owned by the SA Police Service. After allegedly assaulting the victims, the VIP officers got back into three black BMW SUVs and sped off.

Meanwhile, the National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has condemned the behaviour of the police officers.

“Members of the SAPS are meant to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person and exercise the powers conferred upon them in a responsible and controlled manner. Such action cannot be condoned regardless of the circumstance,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za

Chairperson of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature Community Safety Portfolio Committee, Bandile Masuku, has condemned the violent behaviour of South African Police Service (SAPS) officers seen in a viral video online.

On Monday evening, a video surfaced on social media allegedly depicting members of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s protection unit – who form part of SAPS – assaulting fellow motorists on the N1 North, in Gauteng.

“We welcome the initiative by SAPS management to further investigate the matter. We also call on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to conduct its own investigation and bring to book those found in transgression of the SAPS code of conduct in this regard,” he said.

Masuku condemned the behaviour of the officers and cautioned that such behaviour creates a trust deficit between communities and law enforcement.

“There is no gainsaying that SAPS officers should always maintain the highest standard of integrity and conduct themselves in a professional manner – striving to serve the public with dignity. This is important as a driver of public trust and confidence in the work of SAPS,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Throughout history, subsequent generations of young people have experienced a myriad of challenges - perhaps partly shaped by the dynamically evolving surroundings they find themselves in.

And now more and more, there is a global increase in awareness of mental health issues among the youth.

“There is increasing awareness of mental health problems among young people, not only in South Africa but globally. It seems that the prevalence of common mental disorders and suicidal behaviours among young people are increasing,” says Professor Jason Bantjes.

Bantjes is the Chief Specialist Scientist within the Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC).

The council is a public entity reporting to the Ministry of Health mandated to promote the improvement of the health and quality of life of the population of the republic.

He points out that a recent national student mental health survey found that in the preceding 30-days, 16.3 % of university students reported clinically significant symptoms of depression while 6.6% reported a substance use disorder. 

“In other research we have also shown that these rates have been steadily increasing since 2015, and that the age of onset, that is the age at which mental health problems first appear, seems to be getting lower and lower.”

However, while some struggle with mental health challenges, many of the country’s young people are thriving and doing well, sometimes under difficult circumstances.

“It would be a mistake to perpetuate a crisis narrative that tries to present all young people as vulnerable and in distress. Some young people are struggling with their mental health, but many are not. In the SA national student mental health survey we conducted in 2020, approximately 80% of students reported that they were in good or excellent mental health.”

Bantjes highlighted that many schools and universities are working hard to improve the mental health of young people and creating communities and environments that promote psycho-social development.

While more can be done, “we are constantly learning about new interventions and developing new strategies.”

At the same time, more can be done to improve young people’s access to effective and affordable treatments, especially for serious mental health problems. More can also be done to support teachers and parents who take care of young people with emotional and behavioural problems.

While teachers can help to create environments that are conducive to mental health like reducing incidents of bullying, helping young people to envisage their futures as well as create schools where learners feel like they belong, it is not realistic or fair to expect teachers and lecturers to take on responsibility for the treatment or day-to-day management of young people with mental health problems. 

Meanwhile, stigma around mental health illness continues to remain the elephant in the room.

Speaking at the Mental Health conference earlier this year, the Deputy President Paul Mashatile said that a deficit on society’s understanding of mental health, causes of illness and treatment exists. He told the conference held in April that stigma leads to the stereotyping of those who suffer from mental health illness.

Bantjes said while public awareness campaigns do exist, stigma about mental illness and substance use are barriers to seeking help.

“We can do more to promote and encourage appropriate help seeking, which would include helping people to recognise when they need psychological help for an emotional or substance use problem.

“There are many public awareness campaigns about mental health and many public conversations. But talking is not enough. We need resources to provide accessible, affordable, effective and acceptable services that are focused on the needs and preferences of young people. This is much harder to achieve than just talking about the problem.”

One would also be tempted to assume that the unemployment rate - which stands at 32.9% - also has a bearing on young people’s mental health.

“We know that social and economic problems like poverty and unemployment have a serious deleterious impact on mental health. Reducing poverty and inequality is an important part of both suicide prevention and mental health promotion,” said Bantjes.

Meanwhile, South Africa has a new Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategy for 2023 - 2030. According to the Deputy President, the newly approved strategy encompasses critical mental health promotion interventions which include mental health promotion, prevention of mental health illness, and improvements in mental health service delivery platforms, including information management and governance.

The professor is of the view that the framework is thorough and well thought out but that the “challenge is going to be turning this strategic plan into action.”

Just as the youth of 1976 fought for a better tomorrow, young people today can confidently fight mental health challenges and win. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

 

The National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has condemned the behaviour of the police officers, who are seen on a video assaulting motorists on the N1 highway in Johannesburg.

“Members of the SAPS [South African Police Service] are meant to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person and exercise the powers conferred upon them in a responsible and controlled manner. Such action cannot be condoned, regardless of the circumstance,” said Masemola.

The police have successfully traced the victims and the process to obtain statements from the them continues as part of the probe.

According to the police, the police officers involved have been identified and will be subjected to internal processes.

“Management of the SAPS views this as serious and will get to the bottom of this incident.

“While the internal departmental investigation into the conduct of the members is underway, the SAPS distances itself from the conduct and behaviour depicted in the video. [It] does not align with the values and code of conduct of the SAPS, which outlines the values and principles that all SAPS members are expected to uphold, including integrity, professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights,” the police said in a statement.

The police have opened an investigation after a video of SAPS officers, armed to the teeth, showed them beating up a Gauteng motorist and two others in an incident believed to have arisen from an on-road driving dispute.

The police said they have established that the two black BMW X5s captured in the viral video were indeed owned by the SA Police Service.

After allegedly assaulting the victims, the VIP officers got back into three black BMW SUVs and sped off. – SAnews.gov.za