Understanding misinformation and malinformation in SA

MISINFORMATION and malinformation have become a norm within our society today.

- DR SHEETAL BHOOLA

Yet many South Africans believe advice or any other information simply because it appears on a variety of social media platforms. Then there are numerous examples where we visibly note that correct and accurate information is communicated to citizens on these platforms.

The combined blend of inaccurate and accurate information also gives rise to people believing unverified stories, the perspectives of an individual and the continual spread of malinformation.

A recent example is the myth of white genocide in South Africa which has once again given the rest of the world a marred image of democratic South Africa which upholds fair and just principles and values.

As Editor Ayanda Mduli points out in his article “The myth of white genocide in South Africa: The US Knows the misinformation but doesn't care” the narratives of the past coupled with misinformation has overshadowed present day South Africa and the real circumstances around this controversy.

Herewith we can now understand the numerous motivations behind the “Afrikaner Trek” which include misinformation and malinformation.