Government warns public about Covid-19 vaccine disinformation
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has condemned a fake video that misrepresented a top scientist and warned that AI-driven disinformation campaigns were promoting dangerous, untested remedies for profit.
Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi expressed concern over what he describes as a “sustained campaign of misinformation and disinformation about Covid-19 vaccine”, allegedly driven by financial interests and AI-generated content.
His comments follow the circulation of a deepfake video that appears to show an SABC interview between news anchor Oliver Dickson and renowned scientist Professor Salim Abdool Karim, the director of the Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (Caprisa). In the manipulated footage, Abdool Karim falsely claims Covid-19 vaccines are harmful and have caused deaths.
“The latest fake news campaign, driven by AI applications, has targeted a distinguished SA scientist, Abdool Karim, who is portrayed as warning the public about the supposedly deadly effects of Covid-19 vaccines that, in fact, saved many lives during the pandemic,” the department said in a statement.
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The department linked the video to individuals with commercial motives promoting untested products disguised as alternative medicine.
“These people are spreading distorted and malicious information about the alleged dangers of Covid-19 vaccines to promote harmful remedies that pose a serious risk to public health,” the department warned.
According to the department’s findings, the video is part of a broader effort to market fake heart medication via mail order. These products are ineffective and could worsen the health of unsuspecting users.
Caprisa and Abdool Karim have publicly discredited the video, marking the circulating clips as “fake news”.
The department has joined efforts to raise public awareness, issuing alerts on social media and encouraging citizens to report and reject harmful content.
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“Minister Motsoaledi strongly condemns this fake news campaign led by charlatans who, for selfish gain, aim to sow confusion and mistrust among the public,” the department stated.
Motsoaledi urged South Africans to remain cautious of false remedies, particularly those claiming to “cleanse blood vessels” or “enhance heart performance”.
He emphasised that all Covid-19 vaccines approved in SA had undergone rigorous safety testing and are authorised by both the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority and the Department of Health.
“The minister calls on all South Africans to stand together, reject these deceptive forces, and help combat the spread of misinformation in the interest of public safety,” the statement concluded.
For reliable updates, visit www.sanews.gov.za
