Government warns against spreading unverified migration information

Government has urged the public not to trust or share unverified information about migration, warning that the spread of misinformation, disinformation and malinformation is threatening social cohesion and public trust. In a statement issued on Saturday, Government said South Africa manages migration through established laws, policies and institutions while balancing national interests, human rights, public safety and regional obligations. “Government recognises misinformation, disinformation and malinformation as a serious threat to social cohesion, public trust and nation-building, and remains committed to ensuring that the public has access to accurate, credible and verified information,” the statement said.

Government explained that misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information shared without the intention to deceive, while disinformation is deliberately created and shared to mislead or manipulate people. Malinformation involves genuine information that has been taken out of context or selectively presented to cause harm. It said unverified claims can spread rapidly during periods of heightened public interest, particularly when accompanied by manipulated images, edited videos, deepfakes or emotionally charged content.

Government warned that false claims about migrants, border management, deportations, documentation processes, access to public services or law enforcement operations could inflame tensions, undermine confidence in public institutions and create unnecessary panic. The public was urged to verify migration-related information before sharing it and to rely on credible media organisations, official government platforms and trusted fact-checking services. It added that everyone living in South Africa has a responsibility to communicate honestly and responsibly, and to help build a society informed by facts rather than falsehoods.