The National Communication Authority has not recruited 225 applicants211 Check

Fact-check: The National Communication Authority has not recruited 225 applicants

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The 225 applicants have passed both written and oral interviews. They are now awaiting ‘screening’, a final stage that will see 87 of them recruited by the National Communication Authority.

Writer: Emmanuel Bida Thomas

A recent report by The City Review, a Juba-based English daily newspaper in South Sudan, claimed that the National Communication Authority had recruited 225 applicants for different positions, which is misleading.

“The National Communication Authority said it has recruited 225 applicants out of the 3000 candidates interviewed for various positions last year,” reads the claim published on January 20, 2024.

According to the same news report, which claims that 225 applicants were recruited, only 87 vacancies were advertised by the National Communication Authority.

A November 3, 2023, news report by City Review also confirms that the National Communication Authority (NCA) had advertised for 87 vacancies.

A screenshot of a section of the news report published on City Review’s website

So, have 225 applicants been recruited by the National Communications Authority? We checked

Claim Verification:

Madut Akol Nhial, the Managing Director of Bridge Employment Solutions, said in an Eye Radio news report that out of all the candidates interviewed, only 225 passed the oral interview, and they will be subjected to a second screening.

Bridge Employment Solutions is the company contracted to conduct the hiring process on behalf of the National Communications Authority. It said that 225 of the over 3,000 candidates who did an oral interview for vacant positions at the institution have made it to the final stage.

Jervase, a public relations officer at the National Communications Authority, told 211 Check when contacted via WhatsApp that the results of the forthcoming interview would determine the 87 finalists who would be recruited.

“225 passed previous interviews and will be put through the final one. From the results, 87 will be selected because of the advertised vacancies that were 87 in the beginning,” Jervase said.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim that the National Communication Authority has recruited 225 applicants misleading. The 225 of the over 3,000 candidates who have made it to the final stage will see 87 recruited, according to both Bridge Employment Solutions and the National Communications Authority.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: Juba is not one of the top five cleanest cities in East Africa

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There is no specific information about Juba being one of the cleanest cities in East Africa. 

Writer: Christopher Luate Obede

A Facebook post published by Radio Dabanga-211, featuring an image of a wet street, claiming that Juba is amongst the cleanest cities in East Africa, is unproven.

Radio Dabanga-211 is a Facebook page with over 8.2K likes and 18K followers. 

“Juba is amongst cleanest cities in East Africa. Juba, I love,” the post shared on January 13, 2024, briefly reads.

Screenshot of the Facebook post by Radio Dabanga-211

Claim Verification:

A Google keyword search for “Clean cities in East Africa” by 211 Check finds that the cleanest cities in East Africa, ranked by Top Ten Uganda, are Kigali, the largest capital city of Rwanda, and Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Kigali has also been ranked by FURTHER AFRICA as the cleanest city on the African continent in 2022.

Google search for “Juba” only returns a result with an article published by LIKIS MEDIA with a lawmaker claiming that Juba is the world’s dirtiest city.

Image verification using Google Lens reverse image search returns several results. The image captioned is from Sudan in Photos, a Pinterest account that describes the image as “Rainy morning in Khartoum.” 

Bajnews first published the image on its website on July 21, 2018. It is a street in Madani, the capital of Al Jazirah State in east-central Sudan.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim that Juba is among the cleanest cities in East Africa unproven. There is no specific information about Juba being one of the cleanest cities in East Africa. 

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-Check for a Pay’ Initiative with support from the International Fact-Checking Network through the BUILD grant.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.


It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter

Dubai International Airport not Entebbe211 Check

Fact-check: This picture is of Dubai International Airport, not Entebbe

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The picture making rounds on social media is not of Entebbe International Airport (EBB) but that of Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Writer: Jibi Moses

An image allegedly of the interior of Entebbe International Airport posted by an X (Formerly Twitter) user on January 18, 2024, is false.

“The interior of #Entebbe International Airport,” reads the image caption, which has since attracted 2,058 views, 7 reposts, six comments, and 40 likes at this publication. 

Entebbe International Airport lies astride the equator at latitude 00.020 North and longitude 320 East located 40 kilometers southwest of Kampala City, Uganda’s capital, according to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority.

Screenshots of the post by X user and some of the comments.

Other searches show that the same image was used by another social media user on Facebook with the caption, “Inside view of “Entebbe” International Airport.”

Claim Verification:

211 Check carried out a Google reverse Image Search on the picture, and it got several results showing the image as that of Dubai International Airport.

Other search engines, such as Microsoft Bing, Baidu, Google, and Yandex, all show the image in different instances, as that of Dubai International Airport. 

The image is also among a collection of images by Alamy, titled Dubai International Airport Air Hub captioned, “A picture taken on August 21, 2017, in the airport of Dubai, UAE,“

The screen of the image as it appears on the Alamy website in 2017.

Dubai International Airport:

According to Google Maps, Dubai International Airport is a four-star airport located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in the Middle East—an intercontinental hub for the UAE with a purpose-built jet airliner facility concourse.

The same picture of the airport was uploaded to Google Maps by Ibrahim Falqi in December 2022.

Some sources that used the image with reference to Dubai International Airport are here, here, and here, among others.

A screenshot of the picture as it appears on Google Maps (photos) 

Entebbe International Airport:

According to the country’s civil aviation authority, Entebbe International Airport is Uganda’s only international airport located about 6 kilometres southwest of Entebbe, on the northern shores of Lake Victoria.

In 2022, the Government of Uganda gave the National Army’s (UPDF) engineering brigade contract to renovate and upgrade the airport. Some links to the articles that published stories for the renovation are here, here, here, and here.

On Wednesday, January 10, 2024, the renovated terminal was opened to the public ahead of the  NAM summit, which is happening in Uganda, which means an increase in the number of arrivals.

Many Ugandan news outlets reported this and shared the images as 1, 2, and 3, among others.

A screenshot of a section of the renovated Entebbe International Airport, as reported by the Daily Monitor.

A screenshot of Entebbe International Airport as reported by the New Vision.

Conclusion:

211 Check has found that the picture posted on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) allegedly of Entebbe International Airport is false. 

The picture shows Dubai International Airport from the Middle Eastern country of the United Arab Emirates taken on August 21, 2017, according to Alamy, a playground for creatives looking for fresh and inclusive content.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: South Sudan isn’t the richest African country211 Check

Fact-check: South Sudan isn’t the richest African country

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South Sudan ranks low in natural resources compared to other African countries.

Writer: Christopher Luate Obede

A Facebook post published by Radio Dabanga-211, featuring an image of a sunflower field, claiming that South Sudan is the richest country in Africa in terms of resources, is false.

Radio Dabanga-211 is a Facebook page with over 8.2K likes and 18K followers. 

“Renk county-South Sudan, South Sudan, is the richest country in Africa in terms of resources,” it briefly reads in its post shared on January 15, 2024.

Screenshot of the Facebook post by Radio Dabanga-211

Claim Verification:

A Google keyword search by 211 Check finds that the richest African countries ranked by wisevoter, a platform that provides citizens, voters, and elected officials with the information, insights, and tools that amplify democracy in the modern age place Seychelles and Mauritius as the top richest countries in Africa in terms of GNI per capita. The figures are based on the latest IMF and World Bank data.

Other sources like here and here say Nigeria is the richest country in Africa in 2023 by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the total value of goods and services produced in a country within a given period.

Google search for “South Sudan” only returns a result ranked by  The World Bank as the 54th African country that gained independence on July 9, 2011.

According to the Legatum Prosperity Index 2023, South Sudan is 167th among 167 countries. In terms of GDP, Statista forecasts South Sudan’s GDP in 2028 to be $9.05 billion.

Image verification using a Google Lens reverse image search returns several results. The image of the sunflower garden was first posted on X (formerly Twitter) by a user, @moe_abu3agla. It is of a farm in Basinda locality – Gedaref State, Sudan.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim that South Sudan is the richest country in Africa false. South Sudan ranks low in natural resources compared to other African countries, according to International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group data.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-Check for a Pay’ Initiative with support from the International Fact-Checking Network through the BUILD grant.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: Is the U.S. offering visa sponsorship jobs in 2024? 

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No, the visa sponsorship jobs in the United States in 2024 are a hoax. The website link in the WhatsApp message is not legitimate and is flagged as malicious by VirusTotal. 

Writer: Makur Majeng

A viral WhatsApp message claims that the United States is opening its doors to over 295,000 individuals, offering a life-changing opportunity to work and live in the US with all expenses covered, but this is a hoax. 

It provides a link to apply. “The United States is opening its doors to over 295,000 individuals,” the WhatsApp message reads in part. 

A screenshot of the claim on WhatsApp.

Upon clicking the link, an applicant is prompted to submit personal information and is led through multiple steps, including sharing the opportunity with 15 friends or five WhatsApp groups to proceed with the application.

The screenshot of the WhatsApp link web pages

A screenshot of the WhatsApp link web pages

Claim Verification:

A Google keyword search shows no verifiable evidence of the advertised opportunity, indicating a lack of credible support for the claim.

The website domain thryt.com has been flagged as malicious by the virustotal malware detection service, which raises concerns about its credibility and legitimacy.

A whois domain search indicates that the alleged website domain was created on March 13, 2023, and expires on March 13, 2024. The short duration of the website’s existence raises concerns about its legitimacy and further suggests that it may not be a trustworthy source for immigration or job opportunities.

The screenshot of the alleged website on whois domain information

Furthermore, the website prompts users to share the alleged opportunity with others to proceed with the application process. This is a common tactic used in potential scams and phishing attempts aimed at collecting personal information for fraudulent purposes. 

Therefore, individuals should be wary of such tactics and verify the authenticity of immigration or job opportunities through official and reputable channels, such as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

Conclusion

211 Check finds the claim in a WhatsApp message alleging that the United States offering a life-changing opportunity with all expenses covered through a linked website a hoax.

The website has been flagged as malicious and has a short duration, which raises concerns about its legitimacy.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.


It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatters.

Fact-check: Did the Pope baptise and feed dogs with the Holy Communion? 

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No, the pictures were collected from different locations, one of which was altered, and the others were blessed for the owners’ happiness and fulfilling the practice of honouring St. Francis of Assisi.

Writer: Jibi Moses 

Pictures making rounds on the internet claiming the Pope baptised and fed dogs with the holy communion are false. The images have been digitally altered.

On January 12, 2024, a Facebook page posted four pictures, two of which featured the Pope, while the other two were of other religious leaders. All the pictures had at least a dog or dogs in them.

The post went with a heading: “Dogs were baptised and given Holy communion by the “Holy fathers” Copied.”

The screenshot of the images, as posted by Zion Amarachi

The post attracted 22 reactions, 49 comments, and 22 shares in 48 hours. Another Facebook user who shared the post is seen here. 

Did the Pope baptise and feed dogs with the Holy Communion? 211 Check finds out:

Claim Verification:

211 Check investigated each image separately, and these are the results.

Image 1:

On running Reverse Image Search, Yandex brought results with several posts that had previously used the image, with the pope serving a small boy with holy communion instead of a dog. 

Tineye, another online tool for reverse image search, had links to similar images.

La Luce Di Maria, a registered newspaper in Rome publishing mainly religious content, published an article in 2019 with the title: Communion under both species: what theology says.

The screenshot of the article that used the original image and credited GettyImages.

However, in the article, we traced its origin to Getty Images. In the Getty Images files, the picture was taken by Andreas Solano on May 6, 2019. 

Image 2:

Yandex results show instances where the images were used before. Quest France published an article on October 8, 2023, titled, “IN IMAGES, IN PICTURES. In Honfleur, the priest blesses 300 animals for the happiness of their owners.”

“The famous blessing of the animals, organised by the Notre Dame de l’Estuaire parish this Sunday, October 8, 2023, was once again a success. For this 9th edition, around 250 owners took over the Sainte-Catherine church in Honfleur (Calvados) accompanied by their dogs, and cats… but not only that!” reads the publication which featured several other pictures.

A screenshot of an article that featured the image posted by Quest France 

                                   The exact image as used by Quest France

Image 3:

Google Reverse Image Search shows that this image was used before by several publishers at different times, some as early as 2016.

Bing, TinEye, and Yandex searches returned results with the same picture. ABC News, on June 8, 2016, published an article with the heading Pope Meets With Search and Rescue Dogs in St Peter’s Square. Trainers presented Pope Francis with a red T-shirt from the lifeguard school. 

Other sources that shared the same picture are seen here, here, and here. 

                      The screen of the image, as used by ABC News on June 8, 2016

Image 4:

Google Image Reverse Search shows that the image was taken in Ecuador during the sixth time that a mass has been celebrated at the Saint-Martin d’Escaudain church to bless the animals. According to the Catholic religion, it takes place as part of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

Lavoix Du Nord published stories, among which the picture was used in one of them. The story had the title Escaudain: Animal friends came to bless their companions on October 17, 2021.

Screenshot of the image in the story posted by LaVaix Du Nord on October 17, 2021

Conclusion:

211 Check has found the claim that the Pope blessed and fed dogs with holy communion to be false. These pictures were collected from different locations, one of which was digitally altered, and the others were when some church leaders blessed animals for the happiness of the owners and partly the practice of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Animals according to the Catholic religion.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.


It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatters. 

Fact-check: African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum 2024 WhatsApp hoax

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The organisation has said that the WhatsApp message with a website link claiming to advertise the African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum 2024 is a scam.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A WhatsApp message widely shared in groups and private chats claiming to offer grants to African women for innovation and entrepreneurship is a hoax.

“Payments have just started for all applicants. Register to be one of the beneficiaries.

Strictly for students and business owners,” the WhatsApp message partly reads.

The website prompts users to fill out an application form and share the link with friends or groups on WhatsApp, causing a stir among potential applicants.

Screenshot of the viral WhatsApp message 

The website then asks users to enter personal information, such as gender, name, phone number, country, and region/state/county. After submitting this information, users are told that their application has been received and are asked to click “CHECK” to confirm whether they can receive funds. The website also claims that the number of applicants is limited.

The screenshot of its web pages

Upon clicking “CHECK,” users must validate their name, choose a purpose, whether a student or a business owner and provide their current educational level. After completing this step, users are prompted that their application has been approved to receive the grant and are shown guidelines on how to proceed. The guidelines ask individuals to share information about the program with 15 friends or five groups on WhatsApp.

Claim Verification:

211 Check has found out that the website in question is not affiliated with the African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF), as it claims to be. The official AWIEF website has no information about a 2024 empowerment grant and has warned about scammers using its name for fraud.

“We have received reports of a scam message being circulated about an AWIEF “Grant”. Please be aware that this is not in any way a communication from AWIEF. Kindly refrain from acting on, disclosing information or forwarding the message,” AWIEF said in a statement shared on its website.

The website has also been flagged as malicious by Virustotal, indicating that it could be a phishing attempt. 

The request to share the information with WhatsApp is an example of engagement bait, a technique used to manipulate social media users.

The WHOIS information for the purported website shows that it was registered on September 3, 2023, in Arizona, United States (abbreviated as US) and will expire on September 3, 2024.

Screenshot showing Whois information of the impostor website

On the other hand, the WHOIS information on the AWIEF website reveals that its domain was registered on August 5, 2015, and will expire on August 5, 2024.

Screenshot showing Whois information on the AWIEF website

It has also been fact-checked by AfricaCheck here.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds a viral WhatsApp message claiming that the African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum is offering a 2024 Empowerment Grant a hoax. The official organisation, AWIEF, has warned about fraudulent activities and has cautioned individuals to refrain from sharing personal information or forwarding such messages.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatters.

Fact-check: Students laptop scheme 2024 WhatsApp message is fake

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A viral WhatsApp message asking you to apply for Students Laptop Scheme 2024 is a scam; there is no official announcement or information from any government or educational authority about such a scheme.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A viral WhatsApp message claiming to offer students free laptops through the “Students Laptop Scheme 2024” is a hoax.

“The Applications for the Students Laptop Scheme 2024 is Available,” reads the WhatsApp message headline widely shared in private chats and WhatsApp groups.

The message directs recipients to a website where they are asked to enter personal information and share the link with friends and groups on WhatsApp before receiving a confirmation SMS.

A screenshot of the WhatsApp message

Upon clicking the link in the WhatsApp message, the website prompts users to meet specific age requirements and literacy abilities, then requests personal information such as full name, educational level, preferred laptop brand, and age range. 

It poses a mathematical problem verifying age, which is not a standard procedure for legitimate government programs.

Screenshots of the web pages of the purported website

After this, the website falsely claims the application has been approved and instructs applicants to share the information with friends or groups on WhatsApp before validating their application. This is a common tactic used in phishing scams to spread false information and gather additional personal data from unsuspecting individuals.

Screenshots of the web pages of the purported website

Screenshots of the web pages of the purported website

Claim Verification:

Search engine results on Microsoft Bing for “Students Laptop Scheme 2024” return about the “Laptop Sahay Yojana 2024”, a scheme by the Indian state government that offers financial aid of Rs. 40,000 to each chosen student to purchase a laptop.

No official announcements or government communications about a particular “Students Laptop Scheme 2024” indicate that this scheme is non-existent.

A VirusTotal analysis identifies this website as a phishing scam, a tool used to verify the authenticity of the website.

A whois domain search shows that the website was registered on January 9, 2023, and will expire on January 9, 2024.

Screenshot of the domain Whois information

The website linked in the message prompts users to enter personal information, a red flag, as legitimate government application processes are typically conducted through official channels.

Conclusion:

211 Check has found out that the viral WhatsApp message claiming to offer free laptops to students through a government scheme for 2024 is a hoax. There is no legitimate information or official announcement about such a scheme, and the website linked in the message is likely a ploy to collect personal information fraudulently.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-Check for a Pay’ Initiative with support from the International Fact-Checking Network through the BUILD grant.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter

Canadian government 2024 visa sponsorship jobs WhatsApp message is a hoax211 Check

Fact-check: Canadian government 2024 visa sponsorship jobs WhatsApp message is a hoax 

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The visa sponsorship jobs in Canada in 2024 WhatsApp messages are fake. The opportunities are shared on a fake website without connection to the Canadian government.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A widely shared WhatsApp message that the Canadian government is recruiting over 650,000 workers in 2024, with over 470,000 jobs available for application, is a hoax.

“This is open to all individuals who wants to work in CANADA. Here is a great chance for you all to work conveniently in Canada,” reads the WhatsApp message in part. 

The message provides an application link and sketchy details about the program’s benefits and requirements.

The screenshot of the link on WhatsApp

Once a user clicks on the link, a page with a text headlined “JOB RECRUITMENT CANADA 2024” appears. The text states that both skilled and unskilled people are being recruited.

A screenshot of the first website interface that appears upon clicking the link

A form is attached. An applicant is expected to enter personal details, including name, applicant’s country, mobile phone number, email, gender, region/state and occupation. A drop-down of optional occupations is also given where applicants are supposed to select.

A screenshot of the webpage, which asks users to enter personal information

Once that information is provided, another page indicates that the application is in process and asks to validate your name to proceed to the next stage.

Screenshots of where it asks users to validate by re-entering their name 

An applicant is then asked to share the link with other WhatsApp users. “The Visa form page will not load if the link is not shared,” the advert warns. This is typical of phishing scams, where one’s personal information is taken, but the purported offer is never given.

The screenshot of the last webpage that asks users to share on WhatsApp

Claim Verification:

211 Check thoroughly searched credible Canadian government online platforms and found no official announcement or information about such a recruitment program for 2024.

The link provided in the WhatsApp message does not lead to a legitimate opportunity website for obtaining a Canadian job.

The details provided in the WhatsApp message, such as covering travel expenses, housing, accommodation, and medical facilities, are not in line with typical Canadian government job recruitment programs.

PesaCheck also investigated this claim and found it false.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds a WhatsApp message claiming Canadian government job recruitment for 2024 is a hoax. The opportunities are shared on a fake website without connection to the Canadian government.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-Check for a Pay’ Initiative with support from the International Fact-Checking Network through the BUILD grant.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: Former South African President Thabo Mbeki is alive

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Former South African President Thabo Mbeki is alive, his foundation has said, despite false reports about his death being circulated on various websites.

Writer: Kei Emmanuel

News circulating on websites about the death of former and second South African President Thabo Mbeki is false.

The false news was first published on Nigerian-based sites National Waves and The Discoverer on the afternoon of Wednesday, 03rd January 2024.

The Discoverer News Agency alleges that Mbeki died of a short illness at the age of 74 on Tuesday morning while receiving treatment in a hospital. This shortly led to his Wikipedia page being edited to reflect his current status.

C:\Users\Emmanuel\Desktop\Death.png

Screenshot of edited Thabo Mbeki’s Wikipedia page

Claim Verification: 

On Wednesday, 03rd January 2024, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation refuted claims on the news of Thabok Mbeki’s death through a press statement.

The Thabo Mbeki Foundation, in the statement, confirmed that the former Head of State is alive and in good health; however, it cautioned the public against consuming fake news in the digital period.

“We deny those reports and wish to assure the public that President Mbeki is alive and healthy. Therefore, we urge caution and responsible engagement with online media information, particularly when misinformation can spread rapidly,” states the letter.

C:\Users\Emmanuel\Desktop\Mbeki SA.jpg

The press release by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation

After the Thabo Mbeki Foundation issued the statement, several South Africans and other media users worldwide are now calling for tougher actions against individuals spreading false news. 

Thabo Mbeki served as President of South Africa for ten years after the post-apartheid era, taking over from Nelson Mandela in 1999 till 2008. During his regime, Mbeki played a key role in South Africa’s economic transformation and post-apartheid stability, his Britannica bio says.

This is not the first time Mbeki has been pronounced dead, in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, News24 ran an article that was widely circulated on WhatsApp platforms, perpetuating his death. 

Conclusion: 

211 Check finds news circulating on social media and other websites that the former and second President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, is dead, false.

His foundation says the Former president Thabo Mbeki is alive, well and in good health, contrary to online reports that he has died.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.


It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatters.