South Africa is stepping up efforts to shape how digital platforms are governed on the continent, with Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong championing responsible online stewardship at a major internet safety gathering held in Kenya's capital.
The TikTok Safer Internet Summit, which took place on 9 and 10 March 2026 in Nairobi, brought together African leaders and technology firms to tackle the growing challenge of building safer digital environments. South Africa participated in the discussions with the aim of advancing responsible governance frameworks and improving transparency around how content is distributed online.
Digital tools transforming government communication
For the South African government, these platforms have become vital instruments for engaging directly with citizens on policies and services that shape their everyday lives. The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has transitioned its publications to digital-only formats, introduced podcasts aimed at younger and more mobile audiences, and uses WhatsApp channels to deliver news and employment opportunities directly to people's phones. Plans are also under way to scale up initiatives such as GoZA TV and zero-rated data services, ensuring that no South African is excluded from accessing information due to data costs.
"This effort is not about silencing voices — rather it is about responsible stewardship of the digital world. The goal is to ensure the internet remains a helpful space where everyone has the tools to navigate information safely."
Yet the same infrastructure that spreads valuable information can equally serve as an amplifier for misinformation and disinformation. A single social media post can reach millions within seconds, outpacing any effort to verify its accuracy. Algorithmic systems that determine what appears on users' screens wield enormous influence over public understanding, making the unchecked spread of harmful content one of the most pressing challenges facing society today.
Continental collaboration and digital literacy
The summit underscored that online safety cannot rest on the shoulders of governments alone — it demands cooperation between technology companies, educators, and civil society organisations. Promising initiatives are already emerging across Africa, including the #SaferTogether campaign launched jointly by the African Union and TikTok to equip young people with essential digital skills. This drive aligns with the African Union's Digital Transformation Strategy, which recognises that a connected continent must simultaneously be a secure one.
"The narratives that are circulating through our digital systems every day are doing more than just filling time — they are actively shaping the future of our societies."
Technology firms, too, face growing pressure to shoulder greater responsibility. Their systems should not merely be optimised to maximise engagement; they must be designed to curb the proliferation of falsehoods and harmful material. Greater openness about how particular stories surface in users' feeds would represent a significant stride towards a more trustworthy digital landscape. Governments and educational institutions must also partner with tech companies to extend digital literacy programmes as widely as possible, with particular focus on the youth.
The overarching challenge, Morolong emphasised, is ensuring that these powerful digital networks serve the interests of humanity rather than undermining social stability — a task that demands sustained commitment from every stakeholder in the digital ecosystem.
