"Maimane joins ANC" - Misleading April Fools' Joke

Outcome

Overview

The complaint alleges that a TikTok claiming that Mmusi Maimane has left BOSA to join the ANC is a deep fake [meaning generated by AI].

Background & Outcome

Maimane has not left BOSA to join ANC - this was an April fools joke from 2022 see here: https://www.kaya959.co.za/entertainment/is-it-an-april-fools-joke-mmusi-maimane-joins-anc-and-enters-race-for-anc-deputy-president/ and here: https://www.iol.co.za/saturday-star/news/mmusi-maimane-and-woolworths-join-in-on-april-fools-day-festivities-798eee3f-e156-4e1f-92f5-ee34f9100fd2 Given that it was initially a joke published in good faith, the TikTok content does not satisfy all the legal requirements for mis- or disinformation, however, care should be taken to correct any misperceptions arising from re-circulation. BOSA has published a statement which can be accessed here: https://x.com/buildonesa/status/1799022020497489990?s=48&t=auA5wdcMUp_lZMmemWukEQ

Images

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