S2 Ep1: Internet shutdowns taking democracy to the precipice

S2 Ep5: Rebooting the Xenophobic Hate Machine

South Africa is experiencing a resurgence of xenophobic violence. In this episode we discuss how a coordinated, sophisticated online campaign, built over more than six years, has helped fuel anti-immigrant sentiment and become a driving force behind the current wave of attacks. Guests:  1. Nosipho Mngomezulu - University of the Witwatersrand 2. Noor Nieftagodien - University of the Witwatersrand 3. Kyle Findlay - Murmur Intelligence Host: Tebadi Mmotla Producer: Charles Leonard

S2 Ep4: Election ’26 – Disinformation on steroids

As South Africa prepares for the November 4 local elections, the country faces a digital storm of misinformation and disinformation spreading online. In this episode, featuring CINIA Communications Practitioner Janet Heard, we look at how you need to get yourself a very sophisticated BS detector. Stay up to date through CINIA's Elections Observatory: https://cinia.africa/publications/elections-observatory/ Host: Tebadi Mmotla Producer: Charles Leonard

S2 Ep3: AI in SA newsrooms – The Good, the Bad and the Wobbly

South African journalists are enthusiastically using AI tools in their work. A groundbreaking new CINIA report has revealed that while AI is offering significant efficiencies in newsrooms, it also raises urgent concerns about training, ethics and trust. In this episode we delve into why adoption remains uneven and largely informal, and also ask if AI in newsrooms is just a generational issue. Explore the topic in more detail: https://cinia.africa/new-study-finds-south-african-newsrooms-rapidly-adopting-ai-but-without-adequate-training-policy-or-local-tools/ Host & Producer: Charles Leonard. Guests: Nande Mbekela; Cat White; Sipho Kings.

S2 Ep2: Google gives to SA Media. But was Meta let off the hook?

As powerful digital platforms like Google and social media behemoths eat traditional media’s advertising lunch, South Africa’s Competition Commission has made a landmark ruling to try and undo this trend. Still, some platforms may get away with coughing up only small change. We speak to Michael Markovitz, adjunct faculty member of the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and head of the GIBS Media Leadership Think Tank, about the recent ruling. For Facts' Sake is hosted by Tebadi Mmotla and produced by Charles Leonard on behalf of the Centre for Information Integrity in Africa (CINIA).

S2 Ep1: Internet shutdowns taking democracy to the precipice

Digital authoritarianism is on the rise, including in Africa. Many governments now shut down the internet during elections, claiming concerns about the spread of misinformation. But what do these blackouts really reveal about threats to democracy? We speak to CINIA Senior Researcher Karen Allen to find out more. For Facts' Sake is hosted by Tebadi Mmotla and produced by Charles Leonard on behalf of the Centre for Information Integrity in Africa (CINIA). Read the full transcript via: https://cinia.africa/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FFS-S2-Ep1-Script.docx