Tag Archive for: #SouthSudan

Social Media Health Report, January 2023

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Writer: Emmanuel Bida Thomas

The current social media health report is based on data gathered from January 1st to January 31st, 2023. It examines the most prevalent conversations on social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Twitter. The study also evaluates the prevalence of hate speech, false information, and incitement to violent content shared by both South Sudanese online and those abroad related to South Sudan. The report also looks at the growth and landscape of digital and social media in South Sudan.

The report analyses the activity of the top Facebook pages, groups, Instagram accounts, and Twitter handles using tools such as CrowdTangle, Vicinitas, and other monitoring methods. The key topics featured in the report are determined by their level of engagement and attention received on social media.

Throughout the reporting period in January 2023, several social media accounts posted an average of 2 times per day, with over a thousand posts published.

Key Findings and Issues:

  1. 13 people were killed and five others wounded in an attack in the Abyei region on 3rd January 2023

According to a statement from the United Nations Interim Security Forces for Abyei (UNISFA), a combined armed group of Nuer and Twic Dinka launched an early morning attack on Rumamer village, 15 kilometres south of Abyei Box, killing thirteen people and injuring five others (all Ngok Dinkas), while burning down 27 houses.

The news surprised social media, and users expressed sympathy for the souls who died while also sending condolences.

Oil-rich Abyei has been a source of contention since South Sudan’s independence in July 2011. The two countries have yet to reach an agreement on border mapping.

Screenshot of a viral social media live video by Radio Tamazuj

  1. Graduation of over 3,000 necessary unified forces in Unity State on 15th January 2023

On January 15, 2023, at least 3,000 unified police forces graduated from the Kaljaak training centre in Unity State. Tut Gatluak Manime, the Presidential Advisor on Security Affairs, presided over the graduation and urged the police officers to protect civilians and their property.

Discussions on this development were centred around the graduation delay and the need to cater to the forces’ welfare.

A Screenshot of a viral post by SSBC News

  1. After years of feuding, singers Mary Boyoi and Lady Kola reconcile.

Mary Boyoi and Lady Kola are two South Sudanese female artists who have been feuding over some sort of disagreement. Following Promoter Kay Two’s announcement that they would perform at a Together for Peace Concert in Aweil, Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal State, Mary Boyoi stated that she would boycott the concert if Lady Kola were present.

A discussion ensued online, particularly about the importance of not having such a difference since they were attending a peace concert. The organisers had to sit both singers down, which resulted in reconciliation, and they did, indeed, perform on the same stage at the peace concert.

A Screenshot of a viral post by Hot in Juba

  1. Alijoma Mabil and John Frog. What went wrong?

Alijoma Mabil and John Frog, two South Sudanese male artists and their fans, began an online exchange that appeared normal but contained elements of hate speech. In early January, they called each other out on social media in several posts.

A Screenshot of a viral post by Alijoma Mabil

  1. Response to remarks by Kalisto Lado on Clubhouse

In his capacity as a leader of the Bari Community Association, the former mayor of the Juba City Council, Kalisto Lado, has spoken out against the brutal slaughter of members of his community in Mangalla at the hands of cattle herders. He claimed that the herders had the goal of “occupying” land in Central Equatoria as part of their plan.

Clubhouse, an audio platform, was used by the ethnic group of herders living in the diaspora to respond condescendingly to the allegations against them.

Screenshot of a Clubhouse recording doing the rounds online

  1. The #SSOT Twitter hashtag

Using Vicinitas, a tool that tracks and analyses real-time historical tweets, tracking the hashtag #SSOT reveals no major hate speech-related or disinformation terms among the engagements on the Twitter platform during the reporting period.

Word Cloud 

The type of content being shared consists primarily of major retweets, and the majority are text-based.

Types of posts and media

Analysis:

The social media trends in South Sudan reflect a mix of reactions to current events and discussions on various topics. The attack in the Abyei region, the graduation of the unified police forces, and the reconciliation of Mary Boyoi and Lady Kola were met with sympathy and support. At the same time, the online exchange between Alijoma Mabil and John Frog contained elements of hate speech. The former mayor of Juba City Council, Kalisto Lado, spoke out against the brutal slaughter of his community. Still, the ethnic group of herders living in the diaspora used the Clubhouse platform to respond condescendingly.

The analysis of the #SSOT hashtag on Twitter showed no major hate speech or disinformation-related terms during the reporting period. However, the spread of misinformation and disinformation remains an issue of concern. The discussions on social media reflect the need for unity, peace, and the welfare of citizens and the concern over unresolved disputes and conflicts in the region.

Recommendations:

To improve social media discourse in South Sudan, it is crucial for users to adopt responsible and ethical practices. Recommendations include promoting respectful and peaceful discussions, verifying the accuracy of the information, using social media to build bridges and foster dialogue, encouraging critical thinking and fact-checking, and promoting media literacy and digital citizenship. By following these guidelines, users can contribute to a more informed and peaceful online community in South Sudan.

Data Story: 12.34% rise in the number of pupils registered for the certificate of primary education examinations this year.

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The previous year, 53,220 enrolled for the exams comprising 31,232 males and 21,988 females. This year, 60,714 candidates, 34,505 males and 26,209 females, registered.

Writer: Emmanuel Bida Thomas

This week, pupils across South Sudan will write their Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) examinations for the academic year 2022. 

The Ministry of General Education and Instruction says that a total of 60,714 candidates, 34,505 males and 26,209 females, have dully registered for the examination, which began on Monday, February 13, 2023.

However, as compared to the previous year, when 53,220 candidates, including 31,232 males and 21,988 females, registered, this year’s number shows a 12.34 per cent increase in the number of candidates.

Male candidates increased by 3,273 from 31,232 in the 2021/22 exams, and female candidates also grew by 4,221 from 21,988 the previous year.

The increase in male candidates accounts for 9.49% of the increase, while the increase in female candidates accounts for 16.11% of the increase.

YearMalesFemalesTotal
2017/1826,53315,46041,993
2018/1930,48018,00048,480
2019/2034,82521,96256,787
2020/2132,54920,69362,362
2021/2231,23221,98853,220
2022/2334,50526,20960,714

Table showing statistics of CPE candidates for the past six years

The presented data indicates that there has been a 12.34% increase in the number of candidates registered for the Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) examinations in South Sudan for the academic year 2022, in comparison to the previous year. Out of a total of 60,714 registered candidates, 34,505 are male, and 26,209 are female. Notably, the percentage increase in male candidates stands at 9.49%, while that of female candidates is 16.11%. The South Sudan National Examinations Council (SSNEC) has demonstrated exceptional efforts in registering a significant number of candidates this year, notwithstanding challenges such as insecurity and feeding difficulties in some regions of the country, as noted by the Minister for General Education and Instruction, Awut Deng Acuil.

Fact-check: This photo is not of Ugandans killed in Juba

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A claim on Twitter that Ugandans were shot dead in Juba for burning charcoal on February 10, 2023, is false and misleading.

Writer: Emmanuel Bida Thomas

A claim by a Twitter user in a tweet on February 10, 2023, that “Ugandans were shot dead in Juba for burning charcoal” is false.

“On 30th January 2023, Ugandans were shot dead in Juba for burning charcoal. The incident comes in a period when thousands of Ugandans have been being killed without both governments taking concern,” the tweet reads in part.

A similar tweet was made by another user here.

Though the tweet received little attention on social media, it makes a highly misleading claim, particularly to audiences who do not follow credible media reports from South Sudan.

Screenshot of the Tweet as shared on 10/02/2023

So, what makes this claim incorrect? Here’s a quick overview:

A Google reverse image search yields the same image that was used on Facebook and Twitter on February 2, 2023. It depicts the bodies of over 20 Kajo-keji residents killed in a cattle-related incident in South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State. They were buried in a mass grave in Kajo-Keji.

According to Radio Tamazuj and Eye Radio, the victims were unarmed civilians at Likamerok Boma in Lire Payam, Kajo-keji county. These reports make no mention of Ugandans.

A keyword search for “Ugandans killed in South Sudan 2023” on Google yields no results for any news report about the incident depicted in the tweet’s photo. This year, no Ugandans have been killed in South Sudan.

Conclusion:

The claim that Ugandans were among those killed in a photo shared on Facebook and Twitter on February 2, 2023, is false. The image shows over 20 Kajo-keji residents who were killed in a cattle-related incident in South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State, and no credible news reports mention any Ugandans being among the victims.

Fight misinformation on both mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content that you are unsure about or don’t know where it comes from to prevent spreading false information. For more information on our fact-checking process, visit https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim. Our team will fact-check it and respond promptly. #FactsMatter.

Explainer: What is a deep fake and how to spot it?

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Deepfake is an application of AI technology that can manipulate videos, images, and audio of real people. It has been used for hate speech and misinformation, as well as to impersonate people’s likenesses.

Writer: Ghai Aketch

Have you ever wondered when digital content looking authentic is flagged as fake? It is indeed possible with the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology that is a sophisticated spread of disinformation and hate speech. 

Deepfake is, therefore a product of such advanced tech. It’s an application of sophisticated computer AI to manipulate videos, images or audio of real people. Its name is derived from Deep Learning, a type of AI system.  

The targeted images are altered by deep fake software to generate exact images of the person, and  synthetic character is produced. The output of the manipulated footage turns real people to say words they never spoke or act as the programmer wants. 

The deepfake videos were initially targeting celebrities to ‘feature’ in explicit clips. The explicit contents would sequentially promote clicks on the websites. 

The programmers download random pornographic videos and swap faces of prominent people with the video characters which to great extent looks original.

So, given the possibility to manipulate images of real people is worrying according to  researches when  political or religious leaders are targeted to ‘utter’ hate speech towards other groups. It has become a great source for hate speech and misinformation propagation. 

Although no reported clips of deepfake involving South Sudanese prominent figures, concerns should be placed on alertness on the dangers this technology could cause in the politically  fragile state should it happen. 

When used in a political setting, the image-altering emerging trends could cause detrimental cybersecurity and society threats according to Security Week.

The most recent example of a deepfake footage is of the US sitting president, Joe Biden. 

The footage in circulation was manipulated and appeared ridiculing transgender women, by allegedly saying, “you will never be a real woman.”

Interestingly, he had earlier supported transgender Americans before the footage emerged. It was hard though to distinguish it as fake. But with keen reference to past events can wake your curiosity. 

The United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs(UNODA)  in 2019 to 2021 held a series of multi-stakeholders sessions highlighting that  misuse of ICT may ‘harm international peace and security.’ 

But fast-advancing technology has eased this machine learning process. That’s to say anyone with a computer and internet access can, with ease, generate deepfake contents. 

Also, its emerging  user-friendly interface has made AI-altered products more available on the internet today. 

However, countering that, developers  have reverse engineered the deepfake processes. Several deepfake debunking softwares such as, DeepTrace, Microsoft Video Authenticator and DuckDuckGoose are countering spread of disinformation through digital content verification. 

As much as deepfake is useful in the entertainment industry, it’s largely digressing into real crimes and insecurity for states. 

How to detect deepfake

Emergence of new tech has made almost anything possible. But people tend to be baffled  while sifting genuine information from deepfakes.

Fortunately, you can, without using deepfake detecting tools, try to spot the following in a computer-doctored footage.

How to spot deep fake

Additionally, being critical enough of digitally-generated content can do you better to detect certain flaws in deepfakes considering  coherence of speeches, or previous  events. 

For example, the recent Joe Biden deepfake which allegedly ‘ridiculed’ transgender women. But look, previously he had signed sex-marriage bill into law, saying that Americans have rights to choose whom they want to marry. 

Moreover, in the US transgender policies are upheld in some states including Washington D.C, where the government sits. So, such sudden inconsistencies can give you clear  hints  that that particular footage is fake.

It has come a time you should not always believe what you see according to an analytical report on deepfake emergence.  

In South Sudan, impersonation of people’s likenesses has been through the commonly easy-to-use celebrity photos swapping Apps. However, it’s simple to spot that such images are inauthentic looking at the skin tone and image orientation.

In conclusion,  deepfakes will keep increasing and grow complex according to available publications. But you need to be curious as deepfakes disseminate disinformation via altered images of powerful and famous personalities. 

Fact-check: VP Hussein Abdelbagi is not critically ill, as reported

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The fourth Vice President for the service cluster Hussein Abdelbagi has confirmed that he isn’t critically ill, as reported on social media.

Writer: Ghai Aketch

A piece of information has appeared twice on the internet alleging that Vice President Abdelbagi collapsed and was in a critical medical condition is false. It added that he would be airlifted abroad for treatment. The claim appeared on the Sixty 4 Tribes Press page twice on January 24 and 26, 2023.

 “#BREAKING #NEWS

South Sudanese 4th Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi is in critical condition after convulsing for the 2nd time this morning at his residence. Plans are underway to airlift him to Nairobi for further treatment.” The post claims. 

Screenshots alleging ill-health of the VP Hussein Abdelbagi 
Screenshots alleging ill-health of the VP Hussein Abdelbagi 

However, when 211 Check reached Vice President Abdelbagi on January 26 via his Facebook  page, he said he was not sick as reported. 

“The information is not true. I am healthy,” he said.

Hussein Abdelbagi is the fourth Vice President of South Sudan tasked to head up the Service Cluster. He oversees all the public service projects. 

Conclusion 

The information is false. The Vice President dismissed the claims that he is in a critical medical condition. Additionally, the claim appeared only on this particular page but not on any other mainstream media or communication from the office of the Vice President.

#FactsMatter, Don’t be a victim of fake news; instead, let’s fight misinformation on both mainstream and alternative media. To avoid spreading false information, don’t share content you’re unsure about or know where it comes from.

To learn more about our fact-checking process, go to https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim, and our team will immediately fact-check it and respond.

Fact-check: Jonglei State gov’t not buying abducted children from abductors

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The Jonglei State government said it is using peaceful means, but not paying even a cent, to recover the abducted children and women from armed youth who raided Pibor.

Writer : Ghai Aketch 

On January 11, the government of Jonglei State recovered  68 abducted children and women, and later returned them to their authorities in the Pibor Administrative Area. 

However, allegations that the Jonglei government bought the abductees ensued on January 14. One media house  published the story on its website quoting anonymous sources. It later went viral on several Facebook pages here and here. 

“Eye witnesses in Jonglei state’s capital Bor are telling Sudans Post that at least two children abducted from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) by armed youth who attacked the Murle area recently were sold on the streets of the Jonglei State’s capital.” The publication reads partly. 

On Christmas eve, armed youth from Jonglei  State launched a revenge attack in the Pibor Administrative Area. Such inter-communal  retaliatory attacks have been existing for decades between communities in Jonglei and Pibor. 

According to the local authorities there more than 50 people were killed, women and children abducted on the Christmas eve attack.

But when the armed youth retreated to their state, the state authorities said they negotiated with them to surrender the abductees which they (authorities) airlifted and handed over to Pibor administrators. 

However, information which circulated online contradicted this. It stated that the Jonglei State government paid abductors some money to get the abductees. 

This is a claim the State Minister of Information John Samuel Manyon denied saying it was ‘concocted and baseless.’   

“It has come to our attention that unfounded reports are circulating on social media that the government of Jonglei State has been paying abductors in exchange for abductees recently recovered and handed over to Pibor,” Manyuon said.

He continued: “Those reports are fake and baseless, and circulated by enemies of peace and progress. Therefore, we are informing the general public that allegations circulating on social media are concocted by agents of those politicians who are cutting-edges of their political interest at the expense of innocent lives.” 

Minister Manyuon reiterated that the government of Jonglei didn’t pay any single cent to recover the abductees. “We recovered such a huge number of abductees through dialogue with the ringleaders of the abductors.”

Conclusion:

No proof the Jonglei government paid abductors money to recover the abducted children and women. Additionally, the government is seen using a negotiation approach as it publicly engages the community leaders in the counties to trace the abducted Pibor residents.

This fact-check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and the African Fact-Checking Alliance.  

Fact-check: Journalist denies saying on the radio that he suggested firing a Vice President

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A South Sudanese journalist based in Australia  said he didn’t call for the firing of the South Sudanese Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga during his radio broadcast in Australia. 

Writer: Ghai Aketch

On monday a social  media page published that Ajak Deng Chiengkou announced in his radio  broadcast that the South Sudanese Vice President for Economic Cluster Dr. James Wani Igga should be fired from his position.

The Facebook page, Voice of Juba, alleged that Ajak accused Vice President Dr. Igga for instigating attacks on the Bor community where he (Ajak) comes from.

“Australian based Popular journalist Ajak Deng Chiengkou has accused Vice President Wani Igga and former Juba Mayor Kalisto of being behind the recent attacks on Bor cattle keepers in Mangala along the Bor road.” The post claims. 

“Ajak was heard saying in one of his live broadcasts that Wani Igga should be fired if he is involved in such deadly plots against South Sudanese citizens.” The post reads. 

Screenshot claiming the journalist called for resignation of the Vice President Dr. Igga

Ajak Deng Chiengkou is a South Sudanese journalist based in Australia. He works for SBS Radio in Australia where he hosts the SBS Dinka segment in the Dinka dialect.

However, when contacted via his official  Facebook page to confirm the authenticity of the allegation, Ajak told 211 Check  that he didn’t broadcast such information.

“It came to my attention today that Voice of Juba, a page run by two administrators in Uganda and Kenya, had posted a false story about me calling for the resignation of Vice President Wani and the former Mayor. There is a need for an indication of where they got the information.” Ajak said in a messenger reply to 211 Check. 

He later posted on his Facebook page that the information is not authentic.

Screenshot showing the journalist denying the allegation

Conclusion:

The Facebook page claiming Ajak called for the firing of the Vice President didn’t mention the date such information was broadcast. Moreover, it has not appeared in any mainstream media. 

The journalist  said he didn’t discuss the communal conflict on the  radio. 211 Check also listened  to the live streamed podcasts but couldn’t  come across the allegation. Therefore, we conclude that the claim is false.  

This fact-check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and the African Fact-Checking Alliance.  

Fact-check: Is it possible that wearing fake chains will cause cancer?

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There is no scientific evidence that wearing fake chains causes cancer.

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino

On 5 December 2022, Max Jay, a South Sudanese singer, posted on his Facebook page that fake chains or necklaces can cause cancer. He does not give any detail on his claim on how it can cause cancer or when or maybe if it is used for how long. 

Max Jay wrote, “Refrain yourself from wearing fake chains because they cause cancer.”

Fake chains, also known as counterfeit chains, are imitation chains made to look like genuine products but not of the same quality or materials. They are frequently sold at a lower price than the genuine product and are intended to deceive consumers into believing they are purchasing the genuine article. These forged chains can be found in various products, including jewellery, fashion accessories, and even bicycles. When purchasing products, it is critical to be aware of these fake chains because they can be of lower quality and may not last as long as an authentic product.

Screenshot of Max Jay’s Facebook post

211 Check looks carefully at what doctors have to say about fake jewellery:

The Centers for Disease Control also said, “Cheap jewellery may cause sickness, and a high level of toxic chemicals are always found in the fake jewellery.”

What metal is associated with cancer?

Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and nickel have been classified as group 1 carcinogens by the International Agency for Cancer Research and are commercially used. To understand the toxicity of these compounds, the International Agency for Cancer Research used pathway analysis.

The safest jewellery is made of:

Gold: according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “Gold is not Poison.”

Niobium: is a type of metal that is pure, it does not react to the skin, and it is the safest metal for people with allergies.

Silver: is not harmful to humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Conclusion:

No scientific evidence suggests that fake chains or counterfeit jewellery can cause cancer. However, it is important to note that some fake jewellery may be made with low-quality materials or chemicals that can harm the skin or the environment. For example, some counterfeit jewellery may contain lead, which can be toxic if ingested or if it comes into contact with the skin. Some fake jewellery may be made with cheap metals that can cause an allergic reaction or rash. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when purchasing fake jewellery and to be aware that it may not be as safe or durable as authentic jewellery.

Fake jewellery pieces are affordable, stylish, trendy, and unique because you get pieces that match your personality. Still, scientific evidence indicates that long-term exposure to some metallic such as cadmium compounds induces different forms of cancer.

This fact-check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and the African Fact-Checking Alliance.  

Fact-check: There was no ‘high  tension’ in Melut County  to remove the DPOC Vice President

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The  claim of a high tension in Melut County circulating online over angry community members demanding for removal of the Dar Petroleum Operating Company (DPOC) Vice President for alleged embezzlement of money meant for the flood-affected population is false. 

Writer: Ghai Aketch   

On January 10, a social media page published a piece of information alleging unrest in the Upper Nile county of Melut because the DPOC Vice President was accused of misappropriating $3.5m US dollars intended to assist the community.

DAR Petroleum Operating Company Limited (DPOC) is a confederation of oil exploration and production companies in South Sudan composed of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), Petronas of Malaysia, Nilepet, SINOPEC, and Tri-Ocean Energy.

“Tension is very high in the Melut community as a budget worth 3.5 m USD raised by Dar Petroleum Operating company to tackle the current devastating flood at Melut and Maban counties is being divided between Ayuel Akoc; DPOC VP, Deng Kuec, CD manager, and a Darfurian broker known as Mohamed,” the post partly reads.

The screenshot of the post claiming Melut Community protest

The Facebook page alleged that the community is asking the Ministry of Petroleum and Nilepet–South Sudan’snational  oil operating company–to immediately remove Ayuel Akoc and Deng Kuec from their positions at the DPOC.

But when contacted for comments by 211 Check, the Undersecretary  in the Petroleum Ministry, Mr. Mayen Wol said the ministry has not received any letter calling for Ayuel Akoc’s removal.

“I did not see the request of the community yet, and I am still waiting for such a request if any; to tell us  where the money of the community was kept, who released it to Ayuel, how much was released and why should the money of the community be released to staff of DPOC rather than designated representative of the community?” Wol said. 

The money was promised by the DPOC to be given to the flood-affected residents in the form of food and non-food items this month, as the post claims. 

Moreover, the Community Development Committee representative Hon. Santino Nuan, who spoke to 211 Check on January 12, said there was no community protest. But there is an ‘opaque handling of the money’ meant to assist the community within the DPOC. 

“There is no tension of any kind propagated by the community members, and if there is any protest, our position paper as the committee must first be prepared,” Santino told 211 Check.   

DPOC’s policy of not talking to the media made it impossible for us to independently verify the same information.

Melut is a county in South Sudan located in Upper Nile State. It has the largest oil reserves for South Sudan’s oil extraction. However, for almost two years experienced devastating floods that displaced thousands of residents. Thus a need for constant humanitarian intervention.

Conclusion

The information alleging high tension in Melut County is false. The Community Development Committee representative there said he has no knowledge of the said protest. 

Additionally, the Petroleum Ministry tagged to have received complaints said it is not aware of that information requesting the ministry to remove the DPOC vice president. 

This fact-check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and the African Fact-Checking Alliance.  

Fact-check: Have Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) increased the cost of tomato seeds?

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No, GMO seeds are cheap, not as expensive as claimed in the video; the video also has other false and misleading information.

Writer: Jibi Moses

 A TikTok video with bold heading PENEUL RUTENDO PART 2. It is going viral. It further adds a question. What does Rutendo mean when he says South Africa has no Seeds? The video was shot in a studio setting whereby two men were in a studio (radio or television) discussing the impact of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their effect on mainly the price and quality of seeds in the world and South Africa in particular.

The guest in the studio started by explaining how in a previous talk show, he had talked about how South Africa doesn’t have seeds anymore. He explained that the country is currently getting its food from genetically modified seeds. Most of these seeds would not reproduce, and even if they would reproduce, they would slowly reduce the quality and quantity of the seeds, and this is because they are engineered through a technology called Genetic use restriction.

He further claimed that the seeds’ pollen grains could cross-pollinate with the organic plant, reducing their reproduction capacity. In the long run, organic seeds will disappear, and in the end, people will have to buy only hybrid seeds. They further claim that a  European company, Limagrain, which has a Seedco, has killed all organic seeds in Europe. Currently, there are no organic tomato seeds in Europe rather than Hybrid, which go for between $60,000 and $ 400,000 per kilo. This, he said, is more than a kilogram of gold. Therefore, if nothing is done, there will soon be no organic seeds in South Africa, and these companies may demand a kilo of gold or seeds. Finally, he urged the local farmers to support farmers selling organic seeds, not Genetically modified ones.

What are GMOs?

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as defined and explained by the Food and Drug Authority, the Internet is also awash with information defining and explaining GMOs; some of these sites are here, here, and here. 

Genetic modification occurs when the DNA of one living thing is added to the DNA of another so that a desirable trait becomes part of the new, modified organism. These new modifications can alter or introduce particular traits in the organism. 

Benefits of Genetically Modified Organisms:

Much as there are many controversial stories and myths about genetically engineered crops, there are enough benefits for humans and the environment. 211 check brings some of the sites which have done enough studies about them as here, here, here and here. However, we can not rule out the disadvantages or dangers of the use and consumption of GMOs, as experts explain in these links: 1, and 2. These articles and more may try to explain the dangers of GMOs; however, most are assumptions based on what has happened to people or organisms that have consumed GMO products. 

Genetic Use Restriction Technology: 

In the video, they claim that manufacturers of GMO seeds use this kind of technology, whereby the seeds are controlled from reproducing after the first planting. 

They further explain the pollen grains of these seeds can move across the country as far as 600 kilometers radius and pollinate the organic crops, transferring the technology to the organic crops – Genetic Use Restriction Technology. 

Some popular myths about GMOs:

There are a lot of myths about GMOs, and here are some links with detailed explanations of those popular myths as 1, 2,  3, 4, 5. 

Cost of tomato seeds in Europe:

In the video, they explained how GMOs have led to the extinction of natural seeds in Europe. This, according to them, is because of Genetic Use Restriction Technology, and therefore, as a result, has led to a rise in the price of tomato seeds. They claim tomato seeds cost between $60,000 and $400,000 per kilo, equivalent to or more than a kilogram of gold. They said if South Africans don’t change, GMO companies will soon begin to charge that same amount or even ask for pure gold in exchange for tomato seeds. However, when one searches the internet, different sites give detailed prices of different tomato species, which are way cheaper than what is claimed.These are as mentioned here  1, and 2 .

Conclusion:

The investigation done by 211 Check on the video about the claims shows that much as there are facts in some of these claims, Most of them are false and misleading. The point of the price and intention of the European companies isn’t to bring organic seeds to extinction and therefore raise the price of seeds in South Africa, as claimed in the video clip, but to provide high-quality and cheap seeds. The intention of these gentlemen, as heard in the last statements, is to market their own local seeds, which he says he sells, but the local farmers do not want to buy from him.

This fact-check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and the African Fact-Checking Alliance.