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News24
5 days ago
- Politics
- News24
Fake Sassa grants ‘news' is exploding online. Here's how to spot the lies
YouTube channels and fake news websites are pumping out dozens of false stories about Sassa grants and jobs every month. These hoaxes prey on vulnerable recipients, spreading confusion, false hope or panic. Many are clearly fake, Andrew Thompson writes, but they have still managed to infiltrate public discourse and be widely shared. South Africa's social grant system is under digital siege. A flood of fake news targeting the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has spread across Facebook, YouTube and a network of low-quality, foreign-run websites. These stories are designed to mislead, confuse or panic grant recipients, often with the aim of generating clicks and ad revenue by preying on vulnerable beneficiaries. YouTube channels with tens of thousands of subscribers and some videos with hundreds of thousands of views have together uploaded hundreds of fake videos this year alone. They claim imminent changes to payouts, onerous new rules, or exciting bonuses. Dozens of websites posing as job boards or news sites have also published false notices about new jobs, grant amounts, pension cuts, and backlogged payments. Screengrab None of these channels have any connection to South African state institutions, yet they continue to reach large audiences and prompt real-world concern, forcing Sassa to issue repeated denials. In May, Sassa issued a media statement highlighting the extent of the problem and warning that it is 'concerned about the mushrooming and the rapid spread of fake news and disinformation targeting the Agency and its services almost daily'. It stressed that it has made no announcements about 'double grants', changes to pension rules, or automatic top-ups, which are among the most popular fake news stories that tend to gain traction. 'Furthermore, reports have been spreading like wildfire that Sassa has announced 'New Rules Could Affect Your Pension' from 10 June. The report has even gone further and announced various dates for different provinces. This is not an official announcement from Sassa,' the cautionary statement reads. How fake Sassa grant news spreads: volume, panic, and false hope The wave of Sassa disinformation in 2025 has followed two broad patterns, regardless of the medium or the outlet disseminating it, and the content is broadly split into two themes: fake job adverts and fake grant updates. The job advertisements regularly go viral. They claim that well-paid government positions requiring no experience are available and often direct users to deceptive forms or clickbait sites that mine data. These regularly appear as images on fake government letterheads that circulate widely on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and X. SASSA The fake grant updates employ a more familiar disinformation approach with a different motive. These mostly AI-generated false news articles report on increased or double payments, pension rule changes, or Sassa 'deadlines' that risk non-payment of grants. All are presented without basis, and often spill over from clearly fake websites into public discourse. Fake news websites and YouTube accounts repeatedly publish variations of similar videos and articles, many of which use text-to-speech tools and AI-generated thumbnails to appear convincing. The tone ranges from panic ('rules changing next week!') to false reassurance ('you can still claim your R7 000 today'). Most rely on sheer volume, hoping that one story or job advert will catch on and spread - as many already have. News24's Disinformation Desk has counted hundreds of fake news articles about Sassa currently online, and although many fade into obscurity, an increasing number are breaking through requiring official responses. Screengrab For now, the motive of these platforms appears to be financial gain. Most of the videos are hosted on monetised channels, and the websites link to Google Adwords accounts. If these get enough traction from panicked recipients, they will generate some revenue for the owners. Yet ironically, much of the vitality of this material reveals itself on platforms like WhatsApp without direct links to the source, which do not generate the website owners income but have the same impact on grant recipients. The majority of the Sassa disinformation that gains mainstream traction appears not to have an overt political motive or agenda, yet. Instead, it is riding on the wave of attention afforded by this vulnerable target market, many of whom are understandably deceived by the deluge. Rapid-fire Sassa debunks from the last few months alone News24's Disinformation Desk has identified hundreds of fake news stories and videos targeting Sassa recipients published in the last few months alone. Here are the most prominent examples, with their themes often emulated across other fake news sites: A viral post linking to a website called All Provinces Jobs claimed that 'South African government jobs 2025' were open for applications. The link leads to a fraudulent website not affiliated with any government department. Similar posts appeared on Facebook pages falsely advertising hiring opportunities through Sassa, often featuring job titles and closing dates to lend false credibility and create a sense of urgency. YouTube channels 'SASSA Benefits Updates' and 'Stimulus Sam' have released several dozen videos each about grant payments in South Africa, including that increased Sassa payments would be made in June 2025. The videos utilise text-to-speech narration featuring a vaguely South African accent and footage that is clearly created with generative AI. Both channels are entirely fake. A report hosted on the fake news website Debtcol Council claimed that 'new rules could affect your pension' from 10 June. Sassa has confirmed that this is also false. Another story on that website claimed application backlogs had been cleared, while yet another suggested a new top-up payment was in progress. All are fabricated. A website called Prabh Honda published a story about Sassa grant suspensions, which is entirely baseless and without truth. A piece on Rise Up WV, a website responsible for several prominent fake news items, stated that grant beneficiaries needed to reapply for doubled payments due to 'SASSA system updates'. There is no basis for this in any of Sassa's official communications. Why it matters - and how to protect yourself or family members Many of the intended recipients of these grants are older, economically vulnerable, and may not be experienced with digital literacy or fact-checking online. The combination of desperation and trust in anything that looks official makes this a fertile ground for exploitation via disinformation. These false reports don't just casually mislead - comments beneath even palpably false news items and videos indicate the confusion and desperation many experience about this topic. This fake news also distracts Sassa, which is already stretched in the payment grants, by forcing them to correct disinformation. To stay safe, advise family members of the following: Check only official Sassa channels: Information is reliably published on and Sassa's verified X and Facebook pages. Do not trust any information sent via WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. Sassa does not communicate important information via forwarded messages. Never enter personal information into a form on a website claiming to offer Sassa job opportunities. Ignore YouTube channels with videos claiming to be the Department of Social Development or Sassa. Sassa's official YouTube page is not used to share news about grants. When in doubt, don't share: spreading false information, even with good intentions, can cause unnecessary panic.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Darlington Eco-Fair to feature 'environmentally-friendly' attractions
Dozens of environmentally friendly attractions are set to feature at Darlington's Eco-Fair. The annual event, organised by Darlington Council, will take place in the Market Square on Saturday, June 7. The free event will run from 10 am to 3 pm and will showcase traders and organisations from County Durham, Teesdale, and North Yorkshire. Bee keeping, candle making, and upcycling are some of the features at this year's eco-fair. (Image: Darlington Council) The event falls on the first day of Great Big Green Week. Darlington Beekeeping Association and Askews Candles are among the exhibitors at the event. There will also be stalls from Litter Bug Crafts, Leah Sophie Designs, Heather and Hawthorn, and Pretty and Preloved. An abundance of 'environmentally-friendly' food will be on offer, with stalls from The Jamporium, Pure Nougat, Suma Wholefoods, and The Tea Enthusiasts. Other stalls include Myriad Stained Glass, Plantopia, Pretty Wild Seeds, Respect Soap, and Budget Seeds. Read more: Solved: Decades-old mystery of wooden bridge submerged in County Durham river Vacant County Durham building to be turned into takeaway after plans approved Meet the 80-year-old mountain rescue volunteer with 54 years of saving lives County Durham branch of CPRE (formerly the Campaign to Protect Rural England), Durham Wildlife Trust, the RSPB, and the Tees Rivers Trust are some of the environmental organisations set to be at the event. Andrew Thompson, chair of CPRE Durham, said: "It's a great event to attend, whether as an exhibitor or a visitor. "Our charity is the voice of the countryside, and we enjoyed talking to people last year about the way we seek to protect our beautiful green spaces and inviting them to get involved." The eco-fair coincides with the start of Great Big Green Week, the UK's biggest celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature, which runs from June 7 to June 15.
News24
29-05-2025
- General
- News24
The Lead: News24 finds ‘hornet's nest' of fake news, with Andrew Thompson
Like most fake news these days, it all started with a friend's WhatsApp message sharing an article with the header: 'Cape Town drivers to face congestion tax starting June 1st'. A quick Google search showed that the City of Cape Town had already rubbished this article as fake news. But when News24 disinformation desk editor Andrew Thompson investigated the source of the article, he found a whole lot more than he bargained for. An Indian digital agency was using hijacked South African websites to publish fake, AI-generated articles under the byline of a fabricated journalist. 'These were very generic WordPress websites, using an easy and cheaply available template called 'GP Marketer', and its URL was only registered about two, three weeks ago, which makes the viral breakout success quite alarming.' Thompson tells The Lead how he went to work and why the rapid spread of fake news is so alarming. Later, we look at the day's headlines about crimes against women and children. Finally, News24 Food has a hot ticket to all the top events this winter. Listen on YouTube: Listen on Apple Podcasts:
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Medtronic to split diabetes business into separate entity, targets IPO
Medtronic has announced plans to separate out its diabetes business into a new standalone company. The separation will serve to create an 'independent, scaled leader in diabetes' that boasts an ecosystem of insulin management devices including pumps and continuous glucose monitors, Medtronic said. The split will also in turn create a wholly 'more focused' Medtronic, with a more simplified portfolio in high margin growth markets. Medtronic's shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) fell by 2.27% at market close following the announcement on 21 May. 'It's going to give Medtronic some significant capital to increase their presence in other, more interventional, areas, especially in cardiovascular. They have a history of inorganic expansion, so I can see this as providing ammunition for a big acquisition in 2026-7,' said Dr Andrew Thompson, director of therapy research and analysis in medical devices for GlobalData reacting to the separation. With a preferred path of an initial public offering (IPO) and subsequent split-off, Medtronic anticipates the split to complete within 18 months through a series of capital markets transactions. Medtronic describes the vision for the new diabetes standalone as being a 'scaled, direct-to-consumer' business that is positioned positioned as 'the only company to commercialise a complete intensive insulin management ecosystem'. In addition, Medtronic anticipates that the separation will enable more focused investment into the new diabetes business's pipeline and manufacturing scale and automation, thereby positioning it for success in Automated Insulin Delivery and Smart MDI as it drives margin expansion over time. 'As for the spin out, it might not remain a spin out for that long. Medtronic recently gained US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510k approval on a new CGM sensor that is interoperable with Abbott devices, and both companies have an agreement. Abbott might be wishing to preserve that relationship. I wonder if the standalone company might be something that is a joint venture between the two,' Thompson commented. Medtronic's diabetes business represented 8% of its total revenues in FY 2025 at around $2.75bn, denoting a 10.7% year over year rise. However, the business unit's performance has recently been hampered by the FDA Class I recall of its MiniMed insulin pump system in 2024, resulting in a dent to consumer confidence amid tightening competition and mounting operational losses for the unit since 2022. According to a GlobalData market model, in 2024, Medtronic held respective US market share of around 6% and 7.3% in the insulin delivery and glucose monitoring segments. Medtronic Diabetes, umbrellaed under the wider Medtronic business, currently has 8,000 employees globally, with Que Dallara currently serving as the unit's executive vice president and CEO. Dallara is set to continue in such role once the diabetes unit has spun out. Medtronic CEO and chairman, Geoff Martha said: 'Active portfolio management is an important lever to delivering on our ongoing growth and success, and this decision shifts the Medtronic portfolio to have intense focus on our highest margin growth drivers where we have our strongest core competencies. 'I'm also excited about what the future holds for the Diabetes business. Que's impressive track record in driving growth and innovation has set Diabetes on a path to continued success, ensuring the needs of individuals with diabetes are met around the globe." Medtronic anticipates that its diabetes business separation will improve its adjusted gross margin by around 50 basis points, adjusted operating margins by around 100 basis points, and be 'immediately accretive' to adjusted EPS. "Medtronic to split diabetes business into separate entity, targets IPO" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FDA clears Bolt Medical's IVL system, backing Boston Scientific's $664m buyout
Boston Scientific's $664m bet on Bolt Medical has paid off, as the company's intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) system gains US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance. Whilst neither Bolt Medical nor Boston Scientific have publicly unveiled the clearance, the FDA's database lists a 510(k) decision date of 25th March. Boston Scientific helped establish Bolt Medical in 2019 and has held a 26% stake in the company since. Following promising results for the company's IVL technology, Boston Scientific agreed to acquire a remaining 74% stake in a deal worth up to $664m in January 2025. IVL uses sound waves to break up calcified portions of vessels. The high-frequency, pulsatile pressure fragments calcium lesions using a balloon-based system and helps restore vessel patency. Andrew Thompson, director of therapy research and analysis for medical devices at GlobalData, says that the clearance will see Boston Scientific consolidate its market position given its 'already a major player in the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) balloon catheter and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) markets.' A Boston Scientific spokesperson said the company does not have additional comment on the clearance. The FDA 510(k) database lists RESTORE ATK clinical trial (NCT05662787) as evidence supporting the clearance. The trial, which enrolled 95 patients to assess the Bolt IVL system in treating stenotic lesions, met its primary safety and efficacy endpoints. The system was also being evaluated in the RESTORE BTK trial in 20 patients with moderate to severe calcified infrapopliteal arteries. This trial also met its primary safety and efficacy endpoints. Johnson & Johnson brought attention to the space last year when it acquired Shockwave Medical in a $13.1bn deal – still the largest ever deal in the medtech industry to date. Though the buyout, J&J gained access to the Shockwave IVL systems and, until Bolt Medical's clearance, was the only FDA-approved system on the US market. Thompson says that Shockwave leads the way in terms of IVL technology. The company's revenue for Q1 2024 was $218.8m, a 36% increase from the same period in 2023. The company previously projected full-year revenue in the range of $910m $930m for 2024. Both J&J and Boston Scientific have since doubled down their presence in the market, which is a segment of the atherectomy device sector, forecast to grow to over $2bn in value by 2034, as per analysis by GlobalData. Abbott is eyeing the sector too, receiving an investigational device exemption (IDE) from the FDA to initiate a trial with its coronary IVL system. Abbott's TECTONIC trial will evaluate the yet unnamed system for the treatment of severe calcification in coronary arteries before implanting a stent. A total of 335 people are expected to be enrolled across 47 sites in the US. There are also numerous smaller companies developing IVL technology. According to Thompson there are numerous companies in China developing IVL technology. However, despite the potential market size in the country, the market will be hard to break into. In addition, medtech companies are facing Asian-Pacific (APAC) revenue headwinds due to Chinese government's anti-corruption drive and placing greater emphasis on growing indigenous market share. 'This product approval could be seen as something that defends Boston's share in a market it already competes, rather than moving into areas where it can see an increase in revenues,' Thompson shared. "FDA clears Bolt Medical's IVL system, backing Boston Scientific's $664m buyout" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
