Opinion / Columnist
Fake news and deepfakes in Zimbabwe's political arena
13 hrs ago | Views
Two days ago, a doctored video of President Emmerson Mnangagwa surfaced, causing a ripple effect across social media and digital platforms. The clip, which showed Mnangagwa allegedly snubbing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga during the burial of the late Tinaye Chigudu, quickly became a hot topic of discussion. In the context of Zanu-PF's intensifying succession battle, many Zimbabweans saw this as yet another signal of the escalating tension between the two leaders.
However, it didn't take long for sharp-eyed viewers to uncover the truth. The video had been edited to paint a misleading picture of the interaction between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga. While the revelation of the video's manipulation was important, by then the damage was already done. Social media had exploded with commentary and speculation, further fueling the narrative of an imminent confrontation within Zanu-PF's top ranks.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by fake news, deepfakes, and misinformation in the modern digital age. In a society grappling with political uncertainty and economic hardship, such content can easily incite unrest, erode trust, and distort perceptions.
Fake news is not a new phenomenon. Propaganda and misinformation have been tools of manipulation for centuries. However, the rise of digital platforms has amplified their impact to unprecedented levels. A single edited video or fabricated story can go viral in a matter of minutes, shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse. In Zimbabwe, where citizens are already on edge due to governance failures and economic crises, such misinformation only serves to deepen divisions and heighten tensions.
What makes the issue even more concerning is the increasing sophistication of digital tools used to create fake content. Deepfakes—videos manipulated with artificial intelligence to create hyper-realistic but false scenarios—are becoming a weapon in the arsenal of political operatives and malicious actors. As seen in the Mnangagwa-Chiwenga clip, the combination of technology and a charged political climate can be explosive.
The consequences of fake news go beyond individual reputations. It undermines democracy, erodes public trust in institutions, and creates an environment where truth becomes subjective. In a country like Zimbabwe, where the opposition is perceived as weak and ineffective, misinformation can serve as a dangerous substitute for real accountability, giving citizens false hope or amplifying disillusionment.
What can be done to combat this growing menace? First, media literacy must become a national priority. Citizens need to be equipped with the skills to critically evaluate the content they consume online. Fact-checking organizations and independent media must play a central role in debunking false claims quickly and effectively.
Second, tech companies must be held accountable for the role their platforms play in disseminating fake news. Algorithms that prioritize sensational content for engagement need to be re-evaluated, and stricter policies must be implemented to detect and remove manipulated media.
Lastly, political leaders and institutions must commit to transparency and truthfulness. When misinformation thrives, it is often because there is a vacuum of credible information from those in power. Filling that vacuum with consistent, reliable communication can help counter the spread of fake news.
The Mnangagwa-Chiwenga video may seem like a small incident, but it is a microcosm of a much larger problem facing Zimbabwe and the world. In a time when access to information has never been easier, the battle for truth has never been harder. If left unchecked, the growing tide of fake news and deepfakes could erode the very fabric of society, leaving behind a legacy of mistrust and division.
As Zimbabwe navigates its political crossroads, the importance of truth and integrity cannot be overstated. It is up to all of us—citizens, media, and leaders alike—to ensure that misinformation does not become the defining narrative of our time.
However, it didn't take long for sharp-eyed viewers to uncover the truth. The video had been edited to paint a misleading picture of the interaction between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga. While the revelation of the video's manipulation was important, by then the damage was already done. Social media had exploded with commentary and speculation, further fueling the narrative of an imminent confrontation within Zanu-PF's top ranks.
So some of the tension might be a figment of imagination? There is an edited video circulating on social media. pic.twitter.com/TLTN7f2XBr
— Bulawayo24 News (@Bulawayo24News) February 13, 2025
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by fake news, deepfakes, and misinformation in the modern digital age. In a society grappling with political uncertainty and economic hardship, such content can easily incite unrest, erode trust, and distort perceptions.
Fake news is not a new phenomenon. Propaganda and misinformation have been tools of manipulation for centuries. However, the rise of digital platforms has amplified their impact to unprecedented levels. A single edited video or fabricated story can go viral in a matter of minutes, shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse. In Zimbabwe, where citizens are already on edge due to governance failures and economic crises, such misinformation only serves to deepen divisions and heighten tensions.
What makes the issue even more concerning is the increasing sophistication of digital tools used to create fake content. Deepfakes—videos manipulated with artificial intelligence to create hyper-realistic but false scenarios—are becoming a weapon in the arsenal of political operatives and malicious actors. As seen in the Mnangagwa-Chiwenga clip, the combination of technology and a charged political climate can be explosive.
What can be done to combat this growing menace? First, media literacy must become a national priority. Citizens need to be equipped with the skills to critically evaluate the content they consume online. Fact-checking organizations and independent media must play a central role in debunking false claims quickly and effectively.
Second, tech companies must be held accountable for the role their platforms play in disseminating fake news. Algorithms that prioritize sensational content for engagement need to be re-evaluated, and stricter policies must be implemented to detect and remove manipulated media.
Lastly, political leaders and institutions must commit to transparency and truthfulness. When misinformation thrives, it is often because there is a vacuum of credible information from those in power. Filling that vacuum with consistent, reliable communication can help counter the spread of fake news.
The Mnangagwa-Chiwenga video may seem like a small incident, but it is a microcosm of a much larger problem facing Zimbabwe and the world. In a time when access to information has never been easier, the battle for truth has never been harder. If left unchecked, the growing tide of fake news and deepfakes could erode the very fabric of society, leaving behind a legacy of mistrust and division.
As Zimbabwe navigates its political crossroads, the importance of truth and integrity cannot be overstated. It is up to all of us—citizens, media, and leaders alike—to ensure that misinformation does not become the defining narrative of our time.
Source - online
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