Malicious fake news circulating on social media regarding UDM Deputy President
Statement by Zandile Phiri, Acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) strongly condemns the patently fake and defamatory post currently circulating on Facebook targeting our Deputy President, Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa.
The fabricated image and accompanying sensationalist headline are a disgraceful attempt at character assassination, and a clear example of the dangers posed by misinformation and political trolling in the digital age.
We want to make it categorically clear: Mr Kwankwa is in good health, continues to execute his duties with the integrity and diligence he is known for, and was not involved in any incident remotely resembling what is falsely depicted.
The post also falsely associates this nonsense with eNCA by superimposing its logo and branding onto a fabricated image to create a false sense of legitimacy. This is a gross and unlawful misrepresentation that disrespects both Mr Kwankwa and the media fraternity. We trust that eNCA will join us in denouncing this blatant misuse of its brand.
Ironically, this malicious stunt only affirms what many already know i.e. that Mr Kwankwa’s voice carries weight, and his leadership poses a real threat to those clinging to power through deceit and distraction. It is a twisted badge of honour that someone went to such elaborate and dishonest lengths to try discredit him. It means he has arrived as a credible and principled leader on the national stage.
The creators and distributors of this vile content have not only shown contempt for the truth, but they have also insulted the intelligence of the South African public. To those responsible for this cowardly smear campaign, we say: shame on you. You will not derail the work of principled leaders through lies and cheap tricks.
We urge members of the public and the media to verify facts through credible sources and to report harmful content of this nature to platform administrators.
