Africa: Fake Graphic - South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa Didn't Say He'll Protect Members of His Party From Corruption Charges

What the report says

Africa Check reported that a graphic circulating on social media falsely claimed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had promised that no African National Congress member would be sentenced for corruption while he remained president. The image used Ramaphosa’s photo and the ANC logo, but the fact-checking outlet said it found no evidence that he ever made such a statement or that the presidency or the party published the graphic.

According to the report, the claim appeared shortly before South Africa’s local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026. Africa Check said the timing makes the misinformation especially sensitive because false political content can influence voters and undermine trust in the democratic process, even though these elections do not choose the national president.

The article notes that Ramaphosa has publicly said the ANC is acting against corruption and patronage within its ranks, which conflicts with the message on the fake image. Africa Check also pointed out that the “signature” on the graphic was not a real presidential signature, but a name rendered in a common cursive font.

A presidency communications official quoted by Africa Check confirmed the quote was fake. The report fits into broader concerns about election-related disinformation in South Africa, where misleading graphics and fabricated quotes about politicians often spread on social platforms before voting.