insert_link Science & Technology Hate speech and disinformation in South Africa’s elections: big tech make it tough to monitor social media By Guy Berger, Rhodes University There’s a growing global movement to ensure that researchers can get access to the huge quantity of data assembled and exploited by digital operators. Momentum is mounting because it’s becoming increasingly evident that data is power. And access to it is the key – for a host of reasons, not least transparency, human rights and electoral integrity. But there’s currently […] todayMay 28, 2024 16
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s Metalworkers union plans to picket outside the offices of SA Steel Mills South Africa's Metalworkers union, Numsa, will be picketing outside the offices of SA Steel Mills, trading as Alfeco Holdings, in Meyerton, Gauteng today. This comes after the steel producer fired 165 workers for participating in what the Labour Court ruled was a lawful strike. Numsa’s spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, says the company has been attacking workers' constitutional right to strike: todayMay 28, 2024 30
insert_link South Africa AfriForum in South Africa Prepares 134 Observers and 170 Neighborhood Watches for Election Period South Africa's AfriForum has confirmed its 134 observers and 170 neighborhood watches are ready for the election period. Community Safety spokesperson Jacques Broodryk says they will closely monitor polling stations and remain on high alert for potential violence. In addition Broodryk says the AfriForum's air wing, with over 40 drones, is also on standby to gather live information and track suspects: todayMay 28, 2024 44
insert_link South Africa S.A Electoral Commission has warned voters to be vigilant against misinformation and disinformation The S.A Electoral Commission has warned voters to be vigilant against misinformation and disinformation circulating before the elections. In a media briefing, the commission addressed circulating videos depicting unclear ballots, clarifying that these do not pertain to South African elections. Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Masego Sheburi assured that all votes, including special votes, will be counted transparently from Wednesday and in the presence of party agents to ensure election integrity: […] todayMay 28, 2024 20
insert_link South Africa OR Tambo District Unrest Delays Start of Special Votes in South Africa S.A's Electoral Commission has expressed concern over the unrest in several areas in the OR Tambo district municipality, Eastern Cape. The taxi strikes halted operations in Mthatha, preventing the opening of the first day of special votes. Out of 435 stations that faced issues due to the protests, only 107 voting stations remain closed due to external factors. Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Masego Sheburi says the commission is working with […] todayMay 28, 2024 17
insert_link South Africa S.A’s MK Party Threatens Legal Action Over Electoral Commission’s Admission of Expelled Member Khumalo South Africa's MK party has threatened to take legal action against the Electoral Commission following the admission of expelled member Jabulani Khumalo to the National Results Operations Centre in Midrand. The party demands an explanation from the IEC. They raised concerns about the IEC's adherence to and Khumalo's ties to senior officials, suggesting bias despite his expulsion and resignation. Spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela urges South Africans to remain vigilant […] todayMay 28, 2024 23
insert_link South Africa S.A Political Party expresses outrage over the Central Energy Fund’s sudden purchase of a crude oil refinery S.A's Inkata Freedom Party has expressed outrage over the Central Energy Fund's sudden purchase of crude oil refinery SAPREF in Durban from Shell and BP. The party criticises the lack of transparency in the decision-making process, and suggests it may be a ploy to gain last-minute votes. The IFP's, Narend Singh highlights environmental concerns and says past health studies showed high cancer rates in communities near the refinery. Singh notes […] todayMay 28, 2024 32
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s Electoral Commission says it is ready to administer the special votes set to be cast today and tomorrow South Africa's Electoral Commission says it is ready to administer the special votes set to be cast today and tomorrow, ahead of Election Day on Wednesday. More than 1.6 million South Africans have been approved for special votes. Some 624-thousand-593 voters are expected to be visited by IEC staff with the rest expected to visit their voting stations, between 9 am and 5 pm. IEC Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Masego […] todayMay 27, 2024 41
insert_link South Africa S.A’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern at reports about the obstruction of election activities S.A's President ,Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern at reports about the obstruction of election activities, including unlawful entry at the country's Electoral Commission storage sites in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. MK Party members circulated videos of activities at the S.A IEC storage sites in Chesterville, KwaZulu-Natal, and Hammarsdale in Mpumalanga, claiming they depicted an attempt to rig the general elections. The IEC has dismissed the allegations. Ramaphosa says the electoral process […] todayMay 27, 2024 15
