Podcaster’s Visit to Somali Event Sparks Misinformation Backlash in South Africa

Radio host Jacinta Ngobese recently posted about a visit to an event at the Nhlakaka Productions Conference Centre, where men in suits and diplomatic cars had gathered. The post led thousands of social media users to express concern, with many describing it as a foreign takeover.

In reality, the event was the inauguration of Mostapha Shirwac as chairperson of the Somali Community Service of South Africa, a refugee-led organisation that promotes unity.

The misunderstanding tapped into deep frustrations over immigration in the country. Some users, including commentator Sentletse, called out the narrative of a foreign takeover as deliberate incitement, noting that tensions against foreign nationals have been building for years.