Senior journalist Rebecca Davis highlights a disturbing trend on South African social media: fake accounts, copy-paste tweets, and manufactured praise for politicians. From the ANC to ActionSA, online manipulation is simulating public support and it’s already impacting political discourse. With the 2026 elections around the corner, this could be a threat to democracy. 

Reporting by: Rebecca Davis 
Produced by: Emilie Gambade 
Edited by: Rufaro Chiswo 
Filmed by: Bernard Kotze & Joel Seboa 
Sub-edited by: Mike van Olst 

Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. 
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/