Viral voice note claiming total grid collapse in South Africa is fake news
A voice note that claimed South Africa's electricity grid is on the verge of collapse has since been confirmed as fake news.
South Africans have been warned against sharing fake news after a widespread voice note claimed a total grid collapse.
In the voice note, a man who claims to work for Old Mutual claims that South Africans should expect a total grid collapse.
READ: Eskom, Old Mutual say grid collapse message ‘fake news’
The man, who is currently unknown, claims that board chair and former finance minister Trevor Manuel informed workers that President Cyril Ramaphosa is planning to declare a national state of disaster over the energy crisis.
According to Jacaranda FM news, these claims have been debunked and declared fake news by Eskom.
"Eskom is aware of a viral message seeking to cause panic doing the rounds purporting to be from the chairman of Old Mutual. We have alerted the company. There is no basis to the recording," said the utility's spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha.
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Jacaranda FM news also reported that Old Mutual has distanced itself from these claims.
"This is certainly not a view shared by the Group, nor has it been communicated as an official position with any party, including employees. All individuals are encouraged to verify any information received via social media or through messaging apps, before sharing it with anyone," said the group.
South African residents are encouraged not to believe everything that is shared on social media.
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